Five Top Picks for Best Hiking Trails
Spend a week at Sourwood Inn exploring the wonderful outdoor activities and lunch and dinner options in the beautiful small mountain towns. The Asheville area includes many excellent” best hiking trails ” in Western North Carolina.
Our five top picks allow you to have an excellent breakfast at the inn, take a short trip to nearby towns, or go directly on the hike. Afterward, you can have lunch or dinner near the hiking area. Finally, enjoy a great glass of wine on either your private porch or around the outdoor fireplace to complete the day.
Our first blog covers the Chimney Rock State Park area.
Later blogs will cover:
- Pisgah Forest Trails – There are so many trails in this forest that it could turn out to be a several days adventure. Add in the cute town of Brevard nearby and it might become your favorite place for day hikes near Sourwood Inn.
- Hiking Craggy Gardens and visiting The Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center and the Folk Arts Center. We have covered this in other blogs, but it bears repeating since it is so close to the inn.
- Grandfather Mountain. This is a stretch as it is a two hour drive, but takes you to beautiful country with terrific experiences. You will want to plan ahead as tickets are required and sell out early. This area attracts crowds and you will enjoy both the experience and your return to the quite of Sourwood Inn.
- Dupont Forest waterfall hikes. Parking is somewhat limited, so an early start to the day is suggested. There are 5 waterfalls along a series of paths for a total of 12 miles round trip. With very shot walks you can see the spectacular High Falls. Combining this trip with a stop in Flat Rock for the Play Houseand Carl Sandberg National Historic Park
Chimney Rock State Park
Part of the state park is a fee area; Fees maintain the extensive trails and stairway to Chimney Rock overlook, and we think this is reasonable. However, there is also a large area for hiking that does not require fees. We have done both and recommend paying the entrance fee if you are looking for a full-day experience.
History
Chimney Rock State Park was established in 2007 when the Morse family purchased the area. They had the vision to create a park for all to enjoy.
Chimney State Park is a full-day experience. With multiple trails that range from full-on rock climbing to moderate 1 to 3-mile roundabouts. There is even an elevator to take you to the US flag on iconic Chimney Rock Point with 360-degree views. For the fit, the hike is 500 steps. (the picture above shows the stairs as they approach the summit)
Map
This Google map shows two routes from Sourwood Inn to the park. The highlighted route is through the mountains and is beautifully twisty with tight turns. The second route takes you through Hendersonville and the larger outlying towns to Asheville of Arden and Fletcher. It is not as pretty but brings you closer to exciting dining options.
Interesting Towns and nearby Dining
This area is busy in the summer, and some patience is required when visiting the places around the “best named” town of Bat Cave. A couple of lunch dinner choices around Bat Cave include:
· The Esmeralda Restaurant $$ – $$$ • American, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options
910 Main Street, Chimney Rock, NC 28720+1 828-625-2999
· Hickory Nut Gorge Brewery at Chimney Rock – $$ – $$$ • Bar, American, Brew Pub
461 Main Street | Chimney Rock, NC | 28139 | 828.436.7047
Burntshirt Vineyards Tasting Room & Bistro $$ – $$$ • American, Wine Bar, Vegetarian Friendly
438 Main Street, Chimney Rock, NC 28720 +1 828-436-2490
Come Stay with us
Sourwood Inn has a perfect central location for you to explore all of the Best Hiking Trails in Western North Carolina. In addition, our inn includes a well-maintained 2-mile hiking trail of our own, perfect for exploring with your morning cup of coffee. Check out all of our rooms here and book your stay today.
