Ashville Ashville, North Carolina – HER//Excursions ashville NC travel tips (cloudwaysapps.com) is a great destination for amazing sunset and scenic hikes. It is located in Appalachia and is surrounded by mountains and trails – one that literally runs to the coast (Mountain to Sea trail). The city is also convenient to the Great Smokies National Park Great Smoky Mountains National Park (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov) in neighboring Tennessee. Another popular hiking spot is the Pisagah National Forest National Forests in North Carolina – Pisgah National Forest (usda.gov), which also offers enough trails to keep both day hikers and backpackers busy for years.
While I’ve self-guided in the past, I opted to use Blue Ridge Hiking Company, a hiking tour company, this time. The company offers tours ranging from half to full day and even multiday backpacking trips. Use of a tour guide is particularly helpful for new hikers and backpackers who need a safe introduction into venturing into the wilderness with experienced staff not only well-versed in equipment needed, but also know the area well. Experienced hikers new to the area as well as solo hikers can also take comfort in the services of experienced company.
Frankly, I was initially reluctant to spend money on something I had done for years on my own. However, I worried about running into bears while hiking alone. It turns out that the hiking company offers sunset hiking tours. I jumped at the chance to experience something I had never done before. Tanner, my guide, took me to a moderately populated overlook just a few minutes from my hotel. We shared a snack as we watched the sun set. Overall, I enjoyed the experience and was glad I took the tour.
The following day Matt, another guide, took me to Pisgah National Forest to Black Balsam. We followed the ridgeline, passing through yellowing grass and brush before climbing to traverse a couple of peaks via the Art Loeb Trail. All in all, we hiked a loop of about 5 miles. As per my request, the loop was strenuous enough to satisfy the need for a good leg burn. The drive to and from trail on the Blue Ridge Parkway was a beautiful bonus. I got to enjoy the yellow/orange, bronze and red colors of fall on the scenic drive. The hiking guided tour turned out to be worth it after all.
Ashley
How very interesting! As someone that usually just hikes trails from research on my own, this is really great insight! Definitely something to keep in mind for my next adventure!
srodger
I apologize for the late reply! I am so glad that you have found the information to be helpful. Please feel free to reach out if you have any further questions of need clarity on something. Thank you!