Blue Ridge Parkway Waterfalls Hiking Tour from Asheville — Scenic Drive and Three Waterfalls
Spend a half-day guiding through Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge Parkway to visit three waterfalls and two protected forests. This small-group tour from Asheville combines a scenic drive with roughly 3 miles of easy-to-moderate hiking and local storytelling.
The Experience
Before You Go
Wear grippy shoes
Trails include wet rock and roots near the falls—sturdy hiking shoes with good tread reduce slips.
Bring water and snacks
Guides provide drinks and a snack, but pack a personal 1L bottle for the hiking portion and extra energy if you need it.
Check parkway conditions
The Blue Ridge Parkway can close in winter or after storms—confirm the guide’s route on the morning of the tour.
Layer for mountain weather
Temperatures and wind change quickly at elevation—bring a light waterproof layer even on warm days.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Small parkway pullouts with low-angle views of the ridgelines—great for a quick sunrise shot
- •A quiet spur trail near a state forest that reveals fern-carpeted creek crossings and salamander habitat
Wildlife
- •White-tailed deer
- •Eastern salamanders and occasional black bear signs
Conservation Note
This route passes managed forests and protected areas—stick to trails, avoid trampling vegetation around falls, and pack out waste to protect these fragile riparian zones.
The Blue Ridge Parkway was built during the 1930s–40s as a scenic connector and public works project, winding through lands long inhabited by the Cherokee and later shaped by Appalachian settlement.
Photographer's Notes
- • A roadside Blue Ridge Parkway overlook for ridgeline panoramas
- • Base of the largest roadside waterfall for long-exposure shots
- • A shaded forest trail stretch for close-ups of moss and ferns
What to Bring
Hiking shoes or trail runnersEssential
Provide traction and ankle support on rocky, sometimes slippery trails.
Light waterproof jacketEssential
Mountains can produce sudden showers and wind; a shell keeps you warm and dry.
Daypack (20–30L)Essential
Hold water, snacks, layers, and camera without weighing you down on the 3-mile hike.
Insulated water bottle (1L+)Essential
Keeps you hydrated on the trail—refill opportunities are limited.
Common Questions
Do guides pick me up from my hotel in Asheville?
Yes—hotel pickup is included for accommodations within three miles of One North Pack Square; outside that area you can meet at the Asheville Visitor Center.
How long is the hiking portion and how difficult is it?
About 3 miles total, rated easy to moderate with some short rocky and rooty sections; expect roughly 1.5 miles per hour pace on the trail.
What happens if the Blue Ridge Parkway is closed?
The operator monitors closures—if the parkway is shut due to weather they adjust the route or cancel with refund according to the policy.
Is this tour suitable for children?
Not recommended for children under 10 due to hike sections and group pace, though older kids comfortable with the distance can participate.
Are restrooms available on the route?
Public restrooms are limited—there are likely to be facilities at the meeting point and at some trailheads, but plan accordingly.
What should I do about wildlife encounters?
Keep distance from wildlife, do not feed animals, and store food securely in your pack; your guide will advise on safe viewing practices.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
5–6 hours
Location
Asheville, North Carolina
Difficulty
moderate
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness: comfortable walking 3 miles at ~1.5 mph over mixed trail surfaces is required.
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