Top North Carolina Hiking Tours

Discover the natural beauty that lies just outside of Asheville by booking a guided hike. This private experience can be tailored to your needs and preferences, whether you want a challenging adventure or an easy-going walk. Depending on where you go, your tour may include waterfalls, mountain views, or biodiverse forests.

One of the most biodiverse spots in the nation, the Blue Ridge Parkway shouldn’t just be driven—it deserves to be seen on foot, with a naturalist leading the way. With your guide at the helm, you and your small group will hike to gorgeous waterfalls, up to panoramic mountain views, and through the technicolor meadows, hills, and valleys that make Asheville and the Pisgah National Forest so beloved.

Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. This small-group tour from Nashville starts out with a hike through the forest. At the summit, you'll stretch out your (provided) mat, soak up the views, and unwind as you move through a mountaintop yoga class, which is appropriate for all levels.

Get out of town for a half-day hike up to scenic waterfalls with this small-group hiking experience for up to four people. Your certified naturalist guide will lead you and your group on a challenging hike up to beautiful waterfalls, teaching you how to identify local plant life along the way.

Embark on a captivating journey from Asheville to Cherokee with this Blue Ridge Parkway self-guided driving tour. As you set out on this scenic drive, our audio tour guide will be your trusty companion, sharing intriguing stories about the region's past and present. The journey from Asheville to Cherokee is more than just a drive; it's a chance to immerse yourself in nature's wonders. Explore the diverse ecosystems of the mountains, take leisurely strolls through vibrant forests, and take in views from scenic overlooks. Feel like stretching your legs? We've got you covered with suggestions for scenic hikes and outdoor activities that cater to all levels of adventurers. So, book your experience now and let us be your compass on this remarkable voyage through the heart of the Appalachian Mountains. Download the app to access your purchased tours.

Go hiking in the outskirts of Asheville with a naturalist guide on this small-group tour. You and your small group of fellow hikers will head out into the hills, where you'll learn how to ID local flowers and trees. If you're lucky, you may even spot some wildlife along the way.

Discover the breathtaking beauty of the Blue Ridge Parkway in Asheville with Shaka Guide's immersive audio tour. Let our audio tour guide lead you through the Appalachian Mountains, sharing captivating stories of the region's history, culture, and natural wonders. With real-time GPS technology that plays audio narration as you drive, you'll never miss a scenic spot or trailhead. Explore at your own pace, enjoy picnics with mountain views, and create unforgettable memories. Whether you're a solo traveler, a couple, or a family, Shaka Guide's Blue Ridge Parkway Asheville Tour promises an unforgettable adventure. Book now and experience the magic of this iconic route! *Download the Shaka Guide app to access your purchased tours.*

Just east of Asheville is the spectacular Catawba Falls, situated at the headwaters of the Catawba River. This hike starts on a wide, well-graded trail along the Catawba River to Lower Catawba Falls. You'll climb the observation tower (580 stairs in total!) to see a spectacular east-facing view of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Then continue to Upper Catawba Falls, which was off limits to hikers until 2024. This hike is about 3.5 miles round trip, overall moderate (but not technical). It's a great way to see both sweeping mountain views and waterfalls... it's a beautiful hike year round! Our small group hike (limited to 6 participants) meets at 8:30 a.m. in downtown Asheville. You will meet your hiking guide and receive a rundown of the itinerary. Snacks and transportation are included. Hikers should arrive prepared for all weather conditions and pack a rain jacket, an extra warm layer, and water. Your guide can provide trekking poles, a daypack, and/or bottled water (upon request).

View sparkling waters from Emerald Isle through Bogue Banks with a scenic drive to Fort Macon. Next, visit the mainland with stops along the picturesque Morehead City and quaint Beaufort waterfronts for magnificent views of the pristine waters and a possible glimpse of the wild ponies. Ask about our full-day excursion where we wrap up the day with a leisurely drive "Down East" to catch a distance glimpse of the Cape Lookout lighthouse and museum. Create lasting memories for the whole family!

Discover the scenic views, mountain trails, wildlife, and plants of the Blue Ridge Mountains with a local guide to lead the way. With so much to see in the region, nature lovers can get overwhelmed deciding where to go and what attractions to prioritize. By traveling with a guide you don’t have to worry about the logistics and can rest assured you don’t miss any of the highlights.

The Japanese art of shinrin yoku—or forest bathing—fits perfectly into the forests outside of Asheville. On this guided nature walk, your certified forest therapy guide will take you across the land, inviting you to slow down and recharge, to notice, to let in the peace of the trail. End with a tea ceremony and snacks, taking stock of your senses and the connection you feel to the natural world.

Get out into nature and experience the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains on this private full-day guided hike from Asheville. The experience will be tailored to your interests and preferences. Choose the distance you want to hike, and your guide will take care of the rest. Includes a picnic lunch and trekking poles, if requested.

Explore the enchanting wonders of the Smoky Mountains with Good Trip Adventures! Prepare to be mesmerized by the vibrant forests, tumbling waterfalls, and diverse wildlife thriving under the sun’s gentle rays. Our knowledgeable guides will lead you on an immersive journey through the Smokies, sharing insights about the park’s unique ecosystem, cultural heritage, and the rich tapestry of flora and fauna. Highlights may include captivating spots like Kuwhoi, Laurel Falls, and panoramic viewpoints offering breathtaking vistas of the Great Smoky Mountains. Our Smoky Mountains summer tours ensure a seamless and stress-free experience. Relax in our comfortable transportation, allowing you to savor the scenic drive without the worry of navigating unfamiliar roads. We take care of all the details, ensuring you have the right gear and equipment, enabling you to fully immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Smokies.

This experience goes beyond a typical classroom-style workshop by giving you the chance to learn by doing. Instead of just talking through gear and techniques, you’ll practice packing a real backpack and learn to handle essential equipment. It’s designed specifically for beginners, with a supportive, small-group environment where you can ask questions, build confidence, and leave with a clear understanding of how to plan your first backpacking trip. You’ll walk away not just with knowledge—but with the confidence to actually get out on the trail.

Discover how our National Forest earned its nickname "the land of waterfalls" as we guide you on a small group hike to explore hidden, off-the-beaten-path, waterfalls within the Blue Ridge Mountains. Our small group hike covers 2-3 miles on easy-to-moderate hiking trails. Perfect for most fitness levels, our experienced guides will adapt the hike to different physical abilities, ensuring everyone can enjoy the beautiful waterfalls safely. After the hike, return to Asheville via the historic Blue Ridge Parkway. Group is limited to 6 hikers. Meet at 8:30 a.m. in downtown Asheville. You will meet your hiking guide and receive a rundown of the itinerary. 5 hour tour includes drive time and 2.5-3 hours of hiking. Snacks and transportation are included. Your guide will provide trekking poles, a daypack, and/or bottled water at no additional charge upon request. Hikers should arrive prepared for all weather conditions and pack a rain jacket, an extra warm layer, and water.

Sharpen your photography skills with a custom half-day photo tour from Asheville. Get picked up at your hotel and meet your guide for a private photography-focused tour. Personalize the itinerary according to your interests and set out for a trip into the Blue Ridge Mountains. Learn new techniques from a professional photographer and bring home stellar photographs.

Venture off the beaten path and experience backcountry fly fishing for brook trout in Western North Carolina. Immerse yourself in the wild beauty of the region as you fish in remote, mountain-fed streams surrounded by untouched wilderness. These cool, crystal-clear waters are home to some of the most colorful brook trout you’ll find anywhere. Join us for a guided trip through this angler’s haven—perfect for those looking to unwind in nature or chase the excitement of a catch. Make your adventure even more memorable by adding our professional photography package. Every cast, catch, and breathtaking view will be captured in a collection of high-quality, professionally edited photos—ideal for sharing with friends, family, or on social media. Notes: should be physically prepared for a 1–2 mile hike to access these remote fishing locations.

Discover the backcountry like never before with a fly fishing trip for brook trout in Western North Carolina. Journey into the region’s rugged wilderness and cast your line in quiet, mountain-fed streams far from the crowds. These pristine, cool waters are home to some of the most brilliantly colored brook trout in the area. Join us for a guided experience in a true angler’s paradise—whether you’re after peaceful solitude or the excitement of landing a catch, the WNC backcountry delivers. Enhance your trip with our professional photography add-on and preserve every highlight of your adventure. From your first cast to your best catch, along with the stunning scenery around you, you’ll receive a collection of beautifully edited, high-quality images—perfect for sharing or keeping as lasting memories. Requirements: This experience involves a 1–2 mile hike, so participants should be physically prepared for moderate outdoor activity.