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One of the best ways to enjoy the changing fall colors in Western North Carolina is through a hike. Join Buncombe County Parks & Recreation for scenic morning hikes this September and October. This hike series is a free four-pack of popular treks led by Parks and Recreation staff on weekday mornings.
Ranging in difficulty from easy to moderate, explorers of all skill levels are invited to experience the fun of one hike, all four, or somewhere in between. Space is limited to 13 hikers and advanced registration is required. This is a great opportunity for everyone to participate, particularly for those who would like to hike with groups or have questions on how to begin hiking.
Hiking Dates:
All hikes start at 10:30 a.m. and participants will meet on-site. There will be water and a few snacks available; participants are highly encouraged to bring their water bottles to fill up.
September 18 – Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center Trail – Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center, Milepost 384
The hike will begin at Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center parking lot where we will do a quick icebreaker and get prepped for the hike. The trail features a mixed forest with unique features along the way including large oak trees, a tunnel, a ravine, and more.
Length: 1.3 miles
Difficulty: Easy, small child friendly.
Accessibility: The trail has a natural dirt surface that is rocky in places with some rock steps. Overall, there is little elevation change, but there are some inclines with grades of over 20%. The trail is narrow in places, less than 2 feet wide.
Click here to enroll.
October 2 – Lake Powhatan Hike – 1610 Brevard Road, Asheville
The hike will begin at Bent Creek River Park parking lot where we will do a quick icebreaker and get prepped for the hike. The lake hike takes you on a loop where you will see a creek, lake, dam, and even a manmade, stone-lined section of the creek.
Length: 1.6 miles
Difficulty: Easy, small child friendly.
Accessibility: There is little to no elevation change. The first section of the hike is a wide gravel path.
Click here to enroll.
October 16 – Craggy Pinnacle Hike – 3641 Blue Ridge Pkwy, Barnardsville
The hike will begin at Craggy Pinnacle parking lot where we will do a quick icebreaker and get prepped for the hike. Landscapes feature mountain scenery, long-range views, twisted laurels, and dramatic rock formations. A walk through a rhododendron thicket brings you to the pinnacle and panoramic views.
Length: 1.2 miles
Difficulty: Moderate, kid friendly.
Click here to enroll.
October 30 – Rattlesnake Lodge Hike – 667 State Road 2109, Weaverville
This scenic hike takes you through the ruins of Rattlesnake Lodge, a 1900s summer estate. The hike features hardwood forests with vibrant red, orange, and gold leaf colors during fall. Some ruins from the old lodge you can explore include a collection of stacked-stone foundations from the lodge, barn, tool house, spring house, swimming pool, and several surrounding buildings from the estate.
Length: 3.8 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Click here to enroll.
What to bring: Daypack or backpack, water bottle, trail snacks, weather-appropriate clothing (The temperature and wind can change withelevation, so moisture-wicking shirts and layers are recommended), hiking boots or close-toed shoes, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
Moderate physical capabilities are required, as some of the trails feature steep portions. While wildlife may be encountered, Buncombe County Parks & Recreation is prepared for these circumstances. In addition, traveling in a group offers even more safety.
For any questions please reach out to parks@buncombecounty.org or visit buncombecounty.org/parks.