10+ Best Day Trips from Asheville (North Carolina)

Asheville, North Carolina is a place that has something for everyone. It’s a fabulous place to visit and live. But what’s even more, Asheville is the perfect home base to explore everything in the Blue Ridge Mountains and further.

That’s right Asheville day trips are seriously rewarding. In short drives you’ll be exploring the greatness of Mother Nature, learning about the past, checking out the big city and the most lovely mountain towns.

So, where should you go? What should you do? Not to worry, you’ll find the answers right here. This list has the 12 best day trips from Asheville.

1. Blue Ridge Parkway

NOTE: October 26, 2024, Per National Park Service website alert: Ridge Parkway is partially closed due to damage from Hurricane Helene. Most of the road closures are in the North Carolina section. Check for road closures before traveling in the area.

Being in Asheville you’re perfectly positioned to take a ride on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Spend as much time on this scenic road as you’d like.

From a quick afternoon jaunt to a full weekend, it’s absolutely one of the best day trips from Asheville. No wonder it’s at the top of the list.

From the Shenandoah Valley in the north to the Great Smoky Mountains in the south, the Blue Ridge Parkway will give you jaw-dropping views from the car and incredible excursions into mother nature.

LEARN MORE: 18 Best Places to Visit in North Carolina

Blue Ridge Mountains are always gorgeous to see along the Blue Ridge Parkway

2. Great Smoky Mountains National Park

One of the seriously best day trips from Asheville has to be heading to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

It takes roughly an hour to reach the park’s Oconaluftee Visitor Center from Asheville. And there’s much more to see than just the visitor center.

Once there you’ll love everything the Great Smokies has to offer. Right away you’ll have a chance to see grazing elk and the Mountain Farm Museum.

Checking out the view at Clingmans Dome and Cades Cove are both must-do’s in the park.

While a day in Great Smoky Mountains National Park will revitalize your soul, consider spending a few days or more to really get into the vibe and do some camping and more hiking.

Mountain Farm Museum Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Head to Oconaluftee Visitor Center and the Mountain Farm Museum in GSMNP

3. Cherokee

Perfectly situated in the Great Smoky Mountains the town of Cherokee offers many things to do and see in one day. The town is on the reservation home of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Nation.

It’s also milepost 469 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, marking the endpoint of the famous scenic roadway.

Visit the Museum of the Cherokee Indian to learn the story of the Cherokee people through their art and culture combined with historical exhibits.

For a unique experience be sure to check out Oconaluftee Indian Village for a guided tour and craft demonstrations at this remarkable living history museum.

If you’re into theatre then don’t miss the performance of “Unto These Hills” at the outdoor Mountainside Theatre where you’ll see the story of the Cherokee people from before the Trail of Tears up to the present day.

Stroll along the downtown area and do some shopping at cute and unique shops then grab a bite to eat at Sassy Sunflowers Bakery & Café or Front Porch Cakery & Deli.

Walk along the water at Oconaluftee Island Park and on hot days enjoy a swim in the river or do some trout fishing.

No matter if you’re interested in art, history, hiking, or just getting out for a change of scene, Cherokee offers a wonderful one day getaway from Asheville.

You can easily fill your day on a trip to Cherokee from Asheville

4. Hendersonville

If you’re looking for one of the most quaint day trips from Asheville, set your sights on Hendersonville.

This small town is an absolute delight.

You’ll love strolling Main Street, checking out the unique shops, cafés and of course enjoying a meal at one of the restaurants in town.

There are a bunch of orchards and vineyards outside Hendersonville, making your day out complete.

Be sure to try your luck at sifting for gems at Elijah Mountain Gem Mine and Crystal Store or simply enjoy shopping for treasures and souvenirs.

Giant dinosaur skull and with pointed teeth hangs above gem and crystal displays at Elijah Mountain Gem Mine Crystal Store Hendersonville NC.

For a fun day head to Hendersonville and be sure to check out Elijah Mountain Gem Mine Crystal Store

5. Black Mountain

Black Mountain has everything you could want on any Asheville day trip.

A perfect mountain town, Black Mountain has both things to do in the great outdoors and a lively downtown.

Get into nature by walking Lake Tomahawk in town or head up the road to Montreat. There you’ll have a bunch of trailheads leading you into the mountains.

A day trip to Black Mountain isn’t complete without enjoying a meal at one of the fantastic restaurants in town. You won’t be disappointed!

Head to Black Mountain and enjoy a day outdoors

6. Charlotte

The largest city in North Carolina is one of the best choices for day trips from Asheville. In just about a two-hour drive you’ll be in the great city of Charlotte.

It’s easy to spend a day enjoying everything Charlotte has to offer.

You’ll find tons of shopping, restaurants, nightlife, and museums in the city.

Charlotte Greenways are a perfect way to explore the area on foot or bike. Enjoy beautiful Romare Bearden Park in central Charlotte where there’s often live music events.

Racing car fanatics won’t want to miss the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

A day trip to Charlotte from Asheville is a nice change of scene

7. Grandfather Mountain State Park

Spend a day exploring the spectacular Grandfather Mountain State Park.

You can take the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway from Asheville (milepost 382) to Grandfather Mountain (milepost 305) on the way there (allow 2.5 hours) and then take the faster route via interstate 40 (1.5 hours) on the way back.

Check out the view from the Mile High Swinging Bridge, the most popular attraction at Grandfather Mountain.

Be sure to bring along your hiking shoes and basic gear (like the 10 essentials for hiking) and hit the trails.

You’ll enjoy some of the best of the Blue Ridge Mountains on hikes such as Nuwati Trail, Black Rock Trail, or the more challenging Profile Trail.

While at Grandfather Mountain there’s a good chance you’ll spot some of the local wildlife like black bears, elk, and a variety of bird species (especially during migration seasons) such as hawks, warblers, and other songbirds.

Grandfather Mountain is extra beautiful in autumn

8. Boone

Set in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Boone is a favorite stop along the Blue Ridge Parkway (milepost 285) and one of the best day trips from Asheville.

Getting its name from explorer Daniel Boone you know you’ll find some great historical sites around town.

Daniel Boone Park and the Hickory Ridge History Museum are favorites among history buffs.

Get into nature on the Hebron Falls Trail or Cascades Trail. And make sure to grab a pint at Booneshine Brewing Company.

Boone is a popular stop on the Blue Ridge Parkway and an easy day trip from Asheville

9. Little Switzerland

Driving along the Blue Ridge Parkway you can’t miss Little Switzerland (milepost 334).

This seasonal mountain community started in 1910 with the building of the iconic Little Switzerland Inn and it hasn’t stopped.

Today, it’s one of the best Asheville day trips.

Although it’s an easy stop on the Blue Ridge Parkway, Little Switzerland is a lovely day trip destination all on its own.

You’ll love exploring the shops, restaurants and inn which all take the Swiss Alps theme to heart. The view from Little Switzerland is absolutely breathtaking.

10. Blowing Rock

Blowing Rock (milepost 294 on Blue Ridge Parkway) is a great destination any time of year.

With blooming rhododendrons in the spring, cool temps in the summer, top-notch fall foliage, and even skiing in the winter it’s seriously one of the best day trips from Asheville no matter the season.

Places like Grandfather Mountain and Blowing Rock itself are the best ways to get into the great outdoors.

Definitely check out Moses H. Cone Memorial Park with its 1901 mansion and sprawling grounds.

At milepost 294 on the Blue Ridge Parkway is Moses H Cone Memorial Park near Blowing Rock. Photo credit: TorontoHardhat/DepositPhotos.com

11. Linville Falls

To see one of the best waterfalls in North Carolina head to Linville Falls.

It’s one of the great stops on the Blue Ridge Parkway (milepost 316) and only about an hour north of Asheville.

You’ll need to hike to see the falls.

Depending on your hiking level, choose from Erwin’s View Trail or the Linville Falls via Plunge Basin Trail which is more difficult but gets you to the base of the falls.

Bring a picnic lunch to really make a day of it at Linville Falls, one of the best Asheville day trips.

A short hike will take you to lovely views of Linville Falls – Blue Ridge Parkway

12. Pigeon Forge

Pigeon Forge, the home of Dolly Parton’s Dollywood, is a super fun day trip from Asheville. In just a two-hour drive you’ll reach this unique town in Tennessee.

The major attraction of course is Dollywood, which includes a waterpark, museum, resort, and of course the theme park full of rides and fun.

The town of Pigeon Forge is also cool to check out.

You’ll love the shops and places to eat. Don’t miss the Titanic Museum, Alcatraz East Museum, or the Smoky Mountain Opry.

LEARN MORE: 15 Fun Places to Visit in Tennessee

Pigeon Forge Tennessee is a fun day trip from Asheville NC

Final Thoughts

There you have it: 12 of the best day trips from Asheville. It’s true that Asheville is fabulous all on its own, but it’s also the best home base for exploring the great things North Carolina has to offer. So go! Have a fabulous day trip.

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