Half-Day Hike With Long Range Views From Asheville

Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life with a half-day hike to Black Balsam Knob, just outside Asheville. This moderate 4-mile trek offers breathtaking 360-degree vistas and the chance to spot diverse wildlife in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Led by a knowledgeable naturalist, the intimate group of four will learn about the area’s unique flora and fauna as they ascend to the summit. From the panoramic viewpoint, hikers can savor provided snacks and bottled water while soaking in the stunning scenery. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or new to hiking, this immersive outdoor experience promises to leave you refreshed and inspired.

Good To Know

• Guided hike to the summit of Black Balsam Knob, offering 360-degree panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains from Asheville.
• Moderate 4-mile round trip hike with an experienced naturalist guide who shares expertise on local flora and wildlife.
• Small group tour limited to 4 travelers, ensuring personalized attention and an immersive outdoor experience.
• Includes bottled water and snacks, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour.
• Not wheelchair accessible, but service animals are allowed, making the tour suitable for a range of fitness levels.

Tour Overview

The tour offers a half-day hike with long-range views from the outskirts of Asheville.

It’s operated by Hike Bike Kayak Asheville and is a small-group tour with a maximum of 4 travelers. A naturalist guide leads the hike, focusing on identifying local flora and spotting potential wildlife.

The tour starts at the Asheville Visitor Center and ends back at the same location. A moderate fitness level is required as the hike covers a 4-mile round trip to Black Balsam Knob.

Bottled water and snacks are provided, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start.

Hiking Details

The hike takes place on the outskirts of Asheville, including a 4-mile round trip to the summit of Black Balsam Knob.

The tour starts at 9:00 am from the Asheville Visitor Center’s lowest parking lot. Hikers meet their naturalist guide at this location and embark on a moderate-difficulty trek.

Along the way, the guide points out local flora and potential wildlife. The hike ends back at the starting point, where hikers can refuel with the provided bottled water and snacks.

A moderate level of physical fitness is required to complete this 4-mile hike with an elevation gain.

Guided Hike Experience

Guests embark on a memorable half-day hiking adventure with a knowledgeable naturalist guide leading the way.

The small-group tour, limited to 4 travelers, sets off from the Asheville Visitor Center, traversing the outskirts of the city. The hike covers a 4-mile round trip to the breathtaking Black Balsam Knob, offering long-range views.

Along the way, the guide shares expertise on identifying local flora and potential wildlife spotting. Bottled water and snacks are provided, and the tour ends back at the original meeting point.

With a moderate fitness level required, this guided hike promises an immersive outdoor experience amidst Asheville’s natural beauty.

Stunning Viewpoints

Ascending the forested trail, hikers are rewarded with stunning long-range vistas from the top of Black Balsam Knob.

The 360-degree panorama showcases the undulating Blue Ridge Mountains, their peaks and valleys stretching as far as the eye can see. On clear days, the views extend for miles, offering a breathtaking visual feast.

Hikers can observe the diverse flora and fauna of the region, with the chance of spotting wildlife like black bears, white-tailed deer, or soaring raptors.

The relatively moderate difficulty of the hike makes these extraordinary views accessible to a wide range of visitors, offering a truly memorable outdoor experience just outside of Asheville.

Wildlife Spotting Opportunities

During the hike, visitors may spot a variety of wildlife native to the Blue Ridge Mountains. The naturalist guide will be on the lookout for potential sightings and share information about the species encountered.

Some of the wildlife that hikers may see includes:

1. White-tailed deer, gracefully navigating the forest floor.
2. Black bears, foraging for food in the dense underbrush.
3. Diverse bird species, such as the vibrant scarlet tanager or the elusive peregrine falcon, soaring overhead.

Observing these creatures in their natural habitat is a highlight of the hike, offering a unique opportunity to connect with the abundant wildlife that thrives in the Appalachian wilderness.

Tour Inclusions

The tour includes thoughtful provisions to enhance the hiking experience. Participants are provided with bottled water and snacks to keep them energized throughout the hike.

With a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience, travelers can plan their trip with flexibility. On top of that, the tour offers a lowest price guarantee, starting from $85.00, ensuring value for money.

Guided by a knowledgeable naturalist, the small-group hike focuses on identifying local flora and potential wildlife spotting, providing an immersive outdoor adventure.

Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or new to the trails, this half-day excursion from Asheville offers an engaging and well-rounded experience.

Accessibility and Amenities

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, though service animals are allowed.

Confirmation is received at the time of booking. Parking is available at the meeting point, the Asheville Visitor Center, which also provides public restrooms.

The key accessibility details are:

1. Not wheelchair accessible
2. Service animals permitted
3. Public restrooms available at the meeting location

Sum Up

This half-day hike to Black Balsam Knob offers a chance to take in the breathtaking beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Guided by a knowledgeable naturalist, guests can enjoy stunning 360-degree vistas, spot diverse wildlife, and savor snacks and water, making it an ideal adventure for both seasoned hikers and beginners alike. With a focus on an immersive outdoor experience, this hike promises to leave a lasting impression.