Asheville The South, USA Travel Guide
Hendersonville, NC (approximately 30-minute drive south), known for its historic Main Street, shops, restaurants, and breweries. It is a major apple-growing region, especially popular in the fall. Black Mountain, NC (approximately 20-minute drive east), a charming small town nestled at the foot of the Black Mountains. It an artsy vibe, numerous galleries, independent shops, and local restaurants.
Lake Lure, NC & Chimney Rock State Park (approximately 45-minute drive east), Lake Lure is a scenic lake known for "Dirty Dancing." Chimney Rock State Park features a prominent 315-foot monolithic rock formation with panoramic views. Cherokee, NC (approximately 1 hour drive west), capital of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and a gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Waynesville, NC (approximately 30-minute drive west), a quaint mountain town with a charming downtown.
A rental car is the most direct transportation option for all day trips, offering flexibility. Some tour companies in Asheville also arrange trips to popular spots like Chimney Rock or whitewater rafting. Public transportation is not practical for most day trips from Asheville.
Organized tours take care of driving and navigation. They often include guided commentary, offering local context.
Independent travel offers full flexibility over your itinerary, pace, and stops. You can discover hidden gems.
Asheville's proximity to vast national forests and parks has numerous opportunities for natural escapes.
America's most visited national park, recognized for its exceptional biodiversity, ancient mountains, and mist-shrouded forests. Offers hiking trails, scenic drives, and wildlife viewing.
Immediately surrounds Asheville. This vast forest offers countless hiking trails, numerous waterfalls, fishing opportunities, and camping. Accessible areas include Bent Creek and Davidson River.
Famous for its impressive waterfalls, including Hooker Falls, Triple Falls, and High Falls, all accessible via short, well-maintained trails. It gained popularity as a filming location.
Drive sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway for unparalleled scenic landscapes. Views change with every curve, offering panoramic mountain vistas and tunnels.
Asheville sits firmly in the mountains. For beaches, a multi-day trip to the North Carolina or South Carolina coast is typically necessary. The rural areas nearby offer charming small towns.
Expand your cultural exploration beyond Asheville's city limits with visits to nearby towns and historical sites.
Flat Rock Playhouse in Hendersonville, designated as the State Theatre of North Carolina, offers professional live theater productions in a historic setting.
In the fall, visit numerous apple orchards around Hendersonville for apple picking, fresh cider, and apple products.
Many farms surrounding Asheville open for seasonal visits, U-pick opportunities (berries, pumpkins), or farm-to-table dinners. Check local farm guides for current offerings.
While not a main focus, the region has various historical churches and spiritual centers. Hot Springs, a popular stop for Appalachian Trail hikers, can be a personal pilgrimage for some.
Support local artists, craftspeople, and musicians preserving traditional Appalachian arts. Visit the Folk Art Center or River Arts District studios.
Engage with the farm-to-table movement by visiting local farms or dining at restaurants prioritizing local ingredients.
Take time to learn about the history of the Cherokee people and the development of Appalachian culture in the region.
Consider extending your trip to explore other significant Southern destinations, combining different experiences with your Asheville visit.
Approximately 2 hours east. North Carolina's largest city, a major financial hub. Add 1-2 days.
Approximately 3 hours southwest. A major Southern city with world-class attractions. Add 2-3 days.
Approximately 4.5-5 hours southeast. A historic coastal city. Add 2-3 days.
Asheville to Charlotte (for city attractions) to Charleston, SC (for historic coast).
Asheville to Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Tennessee side via Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge) to Knoxville, TN, then return to Asheville via I-40.
Asheville to Atlanta, GA to Charleston, SC to Savannah, GA. This route covers diverse Southern experiences.
