Kid Friendly Hikes in Asheville
If you’re looking for a few kid-friendly hikes in Asheville, look no further! This vibrant city offers many opportunities for families to have outdoor adventures. I grew up hiking and exploring this area and now I get to do it with my kids! In this article I have gathered the best kid-friendly hikes in the Asheville area.
Dupont State Forest
The most popular kid friendly hike near Asheville is Dupont Sate Forest. Located just a short drive from Asheville, DuPont State Forest is a treasure trove of natural beauty. With its well-maintained trails and breathtaking waterfalls, it’s an ideal destination for families. A must-see is Triple Falls, which featured in the movie “The Hunger Games.” You can pack a picnic or eat in the nearby town of Brevard. Be sure to bring a swimsuit, towels and sunscreen as there are opportunities for creek crawling and swimming. Dupont State Forest is approximately 45 minutes from downtown Asheville.
Carl Sandburg Home
For a kid friendly hike with a touch of history, the Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site offers a unique experience. This park encompasses the former residence of poet and author Carl Sandburg and features several easy walking trails that wind through the picturesque countryside. Along the trails, your kids can encounter friendly goats in the working farm or explore the serene Connemara Meadow. The Carl Sandburg home is located about 40 minutes from downtown Asheville in Flat Rock, NC.
Craggy Gardens
One of my favorite kid friendly hikes in Asheville is Craggy Gardens. Famous for its vibrant rhododendron blooms in spring and its breathtaking panoramic views, Craggy Gardens is a delight for hikers of all ages. The Craggy Pinnacle Trail is a short, moderate hike that rewards visitors with sweeping vistas of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Additionally, the accessible Craggy Gardens Trail provides an opportunity for little ones to explore the high-altitude ecosystems and appreciate the beauty of wildflowers.
Chimney Rock State Park
A tourist favorite kid friendly hike in Asheville is Chimney Rock. Chimney Rock State Park offers a range of kid-friendly hikes suitable for various ages and abilities. The Great Woodland Adventure Trail is a perfect option for young explorers. For older kids, the Hickory Nut Falls Trail leads to a breathtaking 404-foot waterfall featured in the movie The Last of the Mohicans. Chimney Rock State Park is about 40 minutes from Asheville and also has an adorable town at the foot of the park for shopping and dining.
Bear Wallow Mountain
Located just a short drive from downtown Asheville, Bear Wallow Mountain offers a kid-friendly trail to the summit. The trail, boasting a moderate difficulty level, provides ample opportunities for children to engage with nature. As you ascend the trail, be prepared to be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and distant mountain peaks. Sometimes there are cows grazing at the summit which can be an added bonus!
My Favorite Kid Friendly Hike in Asheville – Max Patch
The most beautiful kid friendly hike near Asheville is Max Patch. Nestled in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, Max Patch is a hiking destination for all ages. With breathtaking panoramic views, and gentle trails, Max Patch offers an idyllic setting for families seeking outdoor adventures. Bring a kite and a picnic and take in the beauty of the mountains in every direction. Max Patch is the furtherest distance from Asheville and will require you to drive up a dirt / gravel road, but it is worth the effort. You can make it a day of it by spending time in the nearby town of Hot Springs and book a soak in a natural sprint tub. My kids love doing this!
My Favorite Kid Friendly Hikes in Asheville
Asheville and its surrounding areas are a haven for families seeking to connect with nature and embark on unforgettable hiking adventures. From cascading waterfalls to panoramic vistas, the kid-friendly hikes in Asheville offer a diverse range of experiences for all ages. Whether you’re exploring the trails of DuPont State Forest, admiring the rhododendron blooms at Craggy Gardens, or discovering the history of the Carl Sandburg Home, each hike presents an opportunity to create lasting memories and foster a love for the great outdoors in your children. So, pack your backpacks, put on your hiking shoes, and set off on a family adventure in this natural wonderland. The trails are waiting to be explored!
