The best walks and hikes around Waynesville

Yes, many trails in the national forests around Waynesville welcome dogs on a leash. However, please be aware that dogs are generally not permitted on trails within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, with a few exceptions for paved paths. Always check the specific regulations for the trail you plan to hike before you go.

For a very accessible and family-friendly walk, the Lake Junaluska Trail inner loop is an excellent choice. It's a mostly flat, paved path around a scenic lake, perfect for strollers and all ages. The Waynesville Greenway Trail along Richland Creek is another great paved option for a relaxed family outing.

The region is famous for its waterfalls. The hike to Woodfin Falls along the Mountains to Sea Trail is a great option. For a shorter walk to a spectacular double cascade, Soco Falls is a very popular spot. Nearby, Mingo Falls is one of the tallest in the southern Appalachians, reached by a short but steep set of stairs.

Yes, there are several enjoyable loop hikes. The Lake Junaluska Bridge loop offers a longer circular route around the lake. For a more traditional mountain trail experience, the Graveyard Fields area on the Blue Ridge Parkway features a popular loop that takes you to two different waterfalls.

The Blue Ridge Parkway provides access to some of the area's most scenic trails. You can join a section of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail directly from an overlook, like the route from Licklog Gap. Other famous parkway hikes nearby include the trails at Waterrock Knob and the high-elevation Richland Balsam Trail, the highest point on the parkway.

For stunning 360-degree views, the trails around Black Balsam Knob are a local favorite, known for their grassy, open balds. The summit of Waterrock Knob, a relatively short but steep hike off the Blue Ridge Parkway, also offers spectacular long-range vistas, especially at sunrise or sunset.

Hiking is possible year-round, but spring and fall are particularly spectacular. Spring brings blooming wildflowers, from late April through May. Autumn, typically in October, offers world-class fall foliage. Summer is also popular, though it can be warm and humid, making higher-elevation trails more comfortable. Winter hiking can be beautiful, but be prepared for ice and snow, especially on the Blue Ridge Parkway, which often closes sections due to weather.

Absolutely. The Shining Rock Wilderness and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park offer numerous challenging trails. The hike to Cold Mountain is a classic strenuous climb. In the Cataloochee Valley area of the Smokies, the Boogerman Trail is a demanding loop known for its historic character and multiple stream crossings, accessible from the Caldwell Fork Trailhead.

Both towns are excellent hiking hubs. Waynesville offers a quieter, small-town basecamp with incredibly quick access to the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It's ideal for those who want to be immersed in nature. Asheville is a larger city with more amenities but can be busier. Both provide access to many of the same iconic hiking areas, like the trails in the Pisgah National Forest.

The komoot community often praises the variety of trails available directly from the Blue Ridge Parkway. Hikers particularly enjoy the access to both high-elevation mountain balds with panoramic views and sheltered forest paths leading to beautiful waterfalls. The well-maintained trails and the stunning scenery of the Blue Ridge Mountains are frequently highlighted.

Yes, for a leisurely walk, the Lake Junaluska Trail outer loop is a fantastic paved option with beautiful mountain and lake views. The Waynesville Greenway Trail is another excellent choice, offering a five-mile paved path that follows Richland Creek, perfect for walking or biking.