Tracey’s guidebook

Especially during peak times you will experience a parking crunch and most parking has fees. A ride service can save you parking pains. Let them be your designated driver!

Asheville has a varying climate. Check out the weather and plan accordingly.

Here's a few favorite winter hikes: Higgins Bald Gap Trail Located in Burnsville, NC, The Higgins Bald Gap Trail is a 1.3 mile section of the Mountains to the Sea Trail and is rated as "moderate". Hikers can expect to see plenty of local flora and fauna as they pass through the breathtaking beauty of red spruce groves. To get to this hike from Downtown Burnsville, travel East on US 19E to Highway 80 South. Travel 11.6 miles on 80 South, passing the Mt. Mitchell Golf Course, then turn right on Forest Service Road 472. The road will turn to gravel before arriving at an intersection - take a right at this intersection. Follow the road until you reach a parking lot where you will see a bulletin board with trail maps and area information. Lover's Leap Loop Trail A moderate 1.6 mile trail, Lover's Leap Loop is a scenic, steadily climbing trail that ascends Lover's Leap Ridge in Hot Springs, NC. Panoramic views of the French Broad River and the town of Hot Springs make this a major attraction for hikers and visitors to the area. To access this trail from downtown Hot Springs, follow 25/70 East for .5 miles before turning left onto Silvermine Road. Take the first left to continue following Silvermine Road. Just past the bridge, you'll see a trailhead for the Silvermine trail. Continue walking down the road, passing the Silvermine Trail, and get on the Appalachian Trail, which is marked with white blazes. Once on the trail, markers indicating Lover's Loop will be easy to spot. Waterrock Knob Waterrock Knob is considered a must stop when driving along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Located just 18 miles from the end of the parkway at Milepost 451.2 in Maggie Valley, NC, it is the last hiking trail along the parkway before entering into Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Considered one of the best places in the North Carolina mountains to view a sunrise or a sunset. The trailhead is right next to the parking area and a short 1.2 mile roundtrip hike will take you to the summit. It is a steep climb, but worth the effort!