Free
Blue Ridge Parkway overlooks
The famous scenic road passes Asheville, with overlooks every few miles. Check closures first.
Blue Ridge Mountains, North Carolina
Asheville
A mountain city on the Blue Ridge Parkway, with waterfall forests all around, the Biltmore Estate, an arts district and a famous food and brewery scene.
Photo: The Biltmore Estate house, Asheville, Blake Lewis, CC BY-SA 2.0
Asheville sits in the Blue Ridge Mountains where the French Broad and Swannanoa rivers meet. The Blue Ridge Parkway passes right by, with Craggy Gardens and Mount Mitchell to the north.
Hurricane Helene caused major damage in the region in 2024. Many places have reopened, but some roads, trails and parkway sections may still be affected, so check before you go.
Outdoors and nature
Trails, lookouts, waterfalls, beaches and time on the water come first.
Free
Craggy Gardens
Rhododendron balds and short trails on the Parkway north of the city, famous for June blooms.
Free
Mount Mitchell State Park
The highest peak east of the Mississippi, with an observation deck at the summit.
Free
Looking Glass Falls
A roadside 60-foot waterfall in Pisgah National Forest, about 45 minutes away.
Free
DuPont State Recreational Forest
Trails to several big waterfalls, including Triple Falls.
Cheap
North Carolina Arboretum
Gardens and trails beside the Parkway, with a parking fee.
Paid
Chimney Rock State Park
A rock spire with views over Lake Lure. Check reopening status.
Sights and attractions
Museums, landmarks and the places people come here for.
Free
River Arts District
Former industrial buildings full of artist studios and galleries along the river.
Free
Downtown Asheville
Art deco buildings, the Grove Arcade, galleries and restaurants.
Free
Folk Art Center
Southern Appalachian crafts on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Paid
Biltmore Estate
The Vanderbilts' 250-room mansion, the largest privately owned home in the US, with gardens and a winery.
Markets, shops and festivals
Main streets, markets and the dates worth planning around.
Free
WNC Farmers Market
A big state-run market of mountain produce and crafts, open year-round.
Book a tour or activity
Cruises, tours and experiences people book here. Each one goes to the operator's official page, and you can still add it to your trip.
LaZoom comedy bus tour
A purple bus comedy tour of the city.
Also bookable, listed above
These are in the lists above, so we don't repeat them here.
- Chimney Rock State Park Tickets
- Biltmore Estate Tickets
Part of our The Blue Ridge and the Smokies guides.
Make it a weekend
Why stay the night
- Biltmore alone is a full day.
- The Parkway overlooks and the waterfall forests are another.
- The River Arts District and the downtown food scene are best in the evening.
Nearby and worth the drive
Gatlinburgabout 1 h 45 · Guide ↗
Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Brevardabout 45 min
Waterfall country in Pisgah and DuPont forests.
Ready-made trips with Asheville
Good to know
- Tourism: exploreasheville.com.
- Blue Ridge Parkway: Closures and road status: nps.gov/blri.
- We list only places we can check against an official source. Hours, seasons and prices change, so confirm before you go.
Photos on this page
Photo: The Biltmore Estate house, Asheville, Blake Lewis, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Craggy Pinnacle from Craggy Gardens, Thomson200, CC0
Photo: The summit trail in Mount Mitchell State Park, DiscoA340, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Looking Glass Falls, Ze Blitzkrieg, CC BY-SA 3.0