Western North Carolina in winter is a spectacular destination for outdoor recreation, offering some of the best hikes near Asheville. The region transforms into a quiet wonderland, ideal for escaping the everyday hustle, especially after the busy holiday season. Imagine frosty mornings on the trails and crisp air filling your lungs, a truly refreshing experience in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
The stark winter landscapes of the Western North Carolina Mountains around Saluda offers a different perspective from the vibrant green of summer or the fiery hues of fall, and provides a unique backdrop for your winter escape. This makes hiking one of the top things to do near Asheville during the colder months.
The benefits of being outside during the winter months extend beyond just physical fitness. There is a special kind of quiet that comes with the cold air, a peacefulness that allows you to connect with nature and clear your mind. The lack of foliage in many areas provides expansive views you simply cannot find at other times of the year, even on the best hikes near Asheville. You will find that winter in North Carolina offers a surprising amount of beauty, a quiet sort of magic that makes the cooler temperatures well worth it.
After a day on the trail, you’ll want to stay in a place where you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the Western North Carolina mountains. One of the most elevated Mountain Getaways in NC is The Orchard Inn near Asheville. Our historic Inn offers a welcoming retreat for couples, with a variety of rooms, suites, and private cottages that make it easy to unwind and recharge. We take care of every detail, so all you need to do is relax and enjoy your stay. Book one of the best Mountain Getaways in North Carolina today!
The Best Hikes Near Asheville This Winter
Winter hiking in Western North Carolina is a truly special experience. With the leaves down, hikers are treated to expansive views and the unique beauty of ice formations on waterfalls. While much wildlife is hibernating, you might still see deer or a variety of winter birds like wild turkey, with their tracks often visible in a light dusting of snow.
People are drawn to winter hikes near Asheville for the solitude, the clear, crisp air, and the stunning scenery that feels a world away from the busy summer months. Here are a few recommended parks and trails to start with during your upcoming winter getaways.
- Dupont State Recreational Forest is home to some of the best hikes near Asheville, especially for waterfall lovers. This park features several waterfall hikes, including Triple Falls, High Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls. The reduced water flow and ice formations create a dramatic winter scene, making it one of the best locations for Asheville hiking.
- Blue Ridge Parkway has the Big Butt trail, the Beacon Heights trail, which offers expansive views, and the Graveyard Fields Loop trail, which takes you to a few waterfalls. Hiking along this scenic highway offers incredible vistas, though road closures can be a factor depending on snow and ice conditions, so always check ahead.
- Nantahala National Forest in western North Carolina is another great place to find the best hikes near Asheville. Hike Blackrock Mountain and get stunning views of Western North Carolina’s Plott Balsam Mountain Range. There are several other trails to consider, including waterfalls, lookouts, loops, and out-and-back trails.
- Chimney Rock State Park, a mere 40-minute drive from our charming mountain retreat in Saluda, is home to some great hiking trails through the rugged terrain of the Western North Carolina mountains. While the Chimney Rock trail is the park’s famous hike, with breathtaking panoramic views, there are several other trails to choose from, including Exclamation Point and Hickory Nut Falls. Keep in mind ongoing recovery efforts after Hurricane Helene.
This is just a small number of the best hikes near Asheville to enjoy this winter. No matter the trail you choose, we’re sure you’ll find a rewarding nature experience, with fewer crowds and wide open views.
Stay at One of the Best Mountain Getaways, NC
After a full day exploring the best hikes near Asheville, having a peaceful place to rest will elevate your stay far more than a traditional hotel. As one of the most romantic Mountain Getaways in North Carolina, our property is close enough to downtown Asheville while still feeling comfortably secluded. The calm atmosphere here feels like a natural extension of your time outdoors, making it perfect for couples planning their days around the trails.
Our on-site spa is ideal for easing sore muscles after hiking in Asheville, NC, and the sauna provides a soothing way to relax and reset. Guests enjoy a wide range of thoughtful amenities, including a pillow menu, independently controlled heat in every guest room, suite, or cottage, luxurious linens and towels, and custom all-natural soap and shampoo. Plush robes invite you to linger indoors, while free wifi and a game room with a pool table add easy entertainment.
Evenings are perfect for gathering around the fire pit on the terrace or relaxing by the gas fireplace found in all cottages and suites, with select accommodations offering jetted tubs for extra romance. Cuddling up with your loved one and reminiscing about your epic day, enjoying some of the best hikes near Asheville, is a great way to wrap up the evening.
Each morning begins with our gourmet breakfast, served with our special blend of coffee. Menus are based on available ingredients and often include eggs, bacon or sausage, fresh fruit, Austrian crepes, and homemade granola. In the evening, dinner at Newman’s Restaurant features a farm-to-table menu that is perfect after a day enjoying Asheville or exploring our surrounding trails.
From fine dining to cozy accommodations, this winter is the perfect time to discover what makes The Orchard Inn one of the most inviting Mountain Getaways in NC. Book your mountain getaway today!