The best walks and hikes around Biltmore Forest

Yes, while the Biltmore Estate requires a ticket for access, the surrounding area offers many free, public trails. The Pisgah National Forest, once part of the Vanderbilt estate, has hundreds of miles of trails. You can also explore sections of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, which runs through the region and is accessible from the Blue Ridge Parkway.

For an easy and scenic walk, the French Broad River Park – Jean Webb Park loop is a great choice. It's a mostly flat, 4.6-mile (7.4 km) path through public parks along the river. The North Carolina Arboretum is also a popular favorite for families, offering over 10 miles of trails ranging from easy to difficult, set within beautiful gardens.

Many public trails in the area are dog-friendly, provided your dog is on a leash. The trails in the Pisgah National Forest and along the French Broad River Greenway are good options. However, pets are not permitted on trails within the private Biltmore Estate, with the exception of service animals. Always check specific regulations for the trail you plan to hike.

The Pisgah National Forest is famous for its waterfalls. Graveyard Fields offers a popular loop trail that leads to two different waterfalls. For an easier option, Looking Glass Falls is visible from the road, while the trail to Moore Cove Falls lets you walk behind a 50-foot cascade. Many other waterfalls, like Linville Falls and Crabtree Falls, are accessible via trailheads along the Blue Ridge Parkway.

The Blue Ridge Parkway provides numerous access points to excellent hiking. You can find parking at various overlooks and trailheads. For example, the trailhead for the Mount Pisgah Trail is located at milepost 407.6. Other popular spots accessible from the parkway include Craggy Gardens (milepost 364.4) and Black Balsam Knob (milepost 420.2), both offering stunning 360-degree views.

For a strenuous hike with a rewarding view, consider the Mount Pisgah Trail. This 2.6-mile round-trip hike climbs to a 5,721-foot summit with an observation deck offering spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. Another challenging favorite is the 6.4-mile Looking Glass Rock Trail, which leads to panoramic vistas from a massive rock face.

Yes, the French Broad River Greenway offers a paved, scenic loop perfect for an easy walk or run. Within the ticketed Biltmore Estate, the 3-mile Lagoon Trail is also paved and provides a flat route with views of the Biltmore House.

Trails along the French Broad River, such as the Biltmore Estate Path loop, typically offer flat, easy walking through open meadows and managed forests. You'll enjoy serene river views and may see some of the estate's agricultural areas. The public French Broad River Greenway provides a similar experience through city parkland.

Hiking is possible year-round, but each season offers a unique experience. Spring brings blooming wildflowers, while summer offers lush green forests. Autumn is exceptionally popular for its vibrant fall foliage, especially along the Blue Ridge Parkway. In June, the rhododendrons at Craggy Gardens are a major attraction. Winter can be cold, but offers clearer long-range views through the bare trees.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community. Reviewers often praise the diversity of the trails, from the manicured paths on the Biltmore Estate like the Bass Pond loop to the rugged wilderness of the Pisgah National Forest. The stunning mountain scenery and well-maintained public greenways are also frequently mentioned.

There are over 70 curated hiking routes available around Biltmore Forest on komoot. These range from easy, flat greenway paths to moderate woodland trails and difficult mountain climbs, ensuring there is a suitable option for every skill level.

Absolutely. For a very short and picturesque walk on the Biltmore Estate, the Gardens loop is a lovely 1.6-mile (2.6 km) option through the estate's historic gardens. It's a great way to experience the landscape without a strenuous hike.