Day Hikes
Spend a day enjoying one of the best things about Western North Carolina - its hiking! With over 1,000 miles of trail within an hour drive from downtown Asheville, we'll customize a trip that is the perfect fit for your interests and experience level.
Private Day Hikes
Private Day Hikes are available every day of the year! To book, select your desired hike date on our Trip Calendar.
Private Half Day Hike (3-4 hours + transportation time)
Spend the morning or afternoon exploring some of the best trails near Asheville. Most half-day hikes are 3-5 miles and well-suited for beginner and intermediate hikers. Our half-day trip destinations include scenic waterfalls, historic sites, 6,000 ft peaks, the Appalachian Trail ,and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Price includes guide and snacks; transportation can be added for an additional fee.
— $210 for 1-3 hikers + $35 for each additional hiker
Private Full Day Hike (6-8 hours + transportation time)
Choose your own adventure! You pick the distance (5-10 miles), terrain, scenery, and difficulty for a spectacular day in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Abundant waterfalls, the highest peaks east of the Mississippi, and the prettiest views you'll find in the South are all at your disposal off the Blue Ridge Parkway, on the Appalachian Trail, or hidden deep within Pisgah National Forest. Price includes guide and lunch; transportation can be added for an additional fee.
— $320 for 1-3 hikers + $50 for each additional hiker
Private Sunset Hikes
Spend the evening with us as we chase a beautiful sunset! We'll travel to a west-facing peak close to town for a short hike before settling in to watch the sunset. Afterward, we'll hike back to the trailhead in the dark. Itineraries can be easy, moderate, or strenuous (your choice!) and distances range from 1.5 to 5 miles. With a little luck, you'll catch the sunset of your dreams! Price includes guide, snacks, and use of headlamps; transportation can be added for an additional fee.
— $210 for 1-3 hikers + $35 for each additional hiker (limited to 6 hikers)
Private Sunrise Hikes
The early bird catches the worm! Hit the trail in the dark, and watch the forest come to life. Let your guide know if you want to find somewhere to watch sunrise, or if you want to just hit the trails early before the crowds. Start time will be determined based on sunrise time and hike preferences. Price includes guide, snacks (coffee and pastries!), and use of headlamps; transportation can be added for an additional fee.
— $210 for 1-3 hikers + $35 for each additional hiker
Views and Brews
Enjoy one of our favorite local trails on a morning hike, then sample one of Beer City's best breweries in the afternoon, avoiding the crowds the whole time! Hike is fully customizable, just like our Private Half Day Hikes. Price includes half-day hike, picnic lunch, transportation, and your first drink. Plenty of non-beer options are available too, including breweries specializing in hard cider, ginger beer, wine, or craft soda.
— $440 for 1-3 hikers + $60 for each additional hiker (limited to 6 hikers)
Email us for more information or to book (please include preferred date and group size in your email).
Group Day Hikes
Click on the trip listings for details and booking information. Group Day Hikes include Blue Ridge Hiking Company transportation.
Fridays starting March 29, 2024: Group Half Day Waterfall Hiking Tour
April 14, 2024: Map and Compass Hike
at Lookout Mountain in Montreat
May 4, 2024: Map and Compass Hike
at Craggy Gardens
June 23, 2024: Map and Compass Hike
at Lookout Mountain in Montreat
July 14, 2024: Map and Compass Hike
at Craggy Gardens
August 17, 2024: Map and Compass Hike
at Lookout Mountain in Montreat
September 21, 2024: Map and Compass Hike
at Craggy Gardens
FAQs - Day Hikes
What do I need to bring on a day hike?
Please wear comfortable trail shoes (sneakers and running shoes are great; you do not have to wear boots). We ask that you bring a rain jacket and extra layers, as well as one liter of water per person for half day hikes and two liters of water per person for a full day hike. You are encouraged to bring a day pack if you have one. You also must pack any personal medications that you might need on the trail, such as an inhaler or epi-pen.
What do you provide?
In addition to the Guide, our hikes include snacks (half day, sunset) or lunch (full day). Headlamps are provided for sunset hikes. Trekking poles or daypacks can be provided for any hike upon request, at no additional charge. Kid Carrier Pack rentals are available on day hikes at a discounted rate of $30.
Where do we meet?
The guide will meet you at our downtown retail location, 70 College Street, Asheville, NC 28801. From there you will follow your guide to the trailhead in your own vehicle. We also offer Brevard based trips available; meetup location for these will be determined by the Guide and are based on where you hike.
Can I bring my pet?
We are happy to welcome well-behaved dogs to join on our Private Day Hikes! Dogs must be kept on a 6' leash at all times during the hike, and owners are expected to pack out any pet waste. Please notify your guide ahead of time if you have a pet that will be joining your hike.
Do I tip my guide?
If your guide does an exceptional job, please show your appreciation with a tip. Our team of well-trained professional guides never expects a tip, but always appreciates it! Industry standard gratuity for a guided hiking trip is 15-20% of the trip cost.
What if it's raining?
We hike in all kinds of weather - including rain and snow. If Blue Ridge Hiking Company deems the conditions unsafe for hiking or driving (e.g. flooding, lightning, ice) then we will cancel the trip and provide a full refund or allow you to reschedule the trip at your convenience.
What if I need transportation?
We are able to provide transportation for an additional fee, if the shuttle vehicle is available. Please call (828) 713-5451 for more information.
If I have a special need or health condition, can I still hike?
Absolutely! We have worked with blind, deaf, and mobility impaired individuals. We recommend booking a private hike, so we can customize the trip and distance to meet your needs.
What is your COVID policy?
The health and safety of our guides and hikers is our highest priority. If you experience COVID-like symptoms or have contact with an individual who has tested positive for COVID within ten days before you trip, please don't come! We will work with you to reschedule or refund your trip. If you have any questions or would like us to take specific safety precautions for your trip, please contact our office.
What is your cancellation policy?
For all Day Hikes, the trip cost includes a 15% non-refundable administrative fee. Hikes may be rescheduled once free of charge; an administrative fee will apply if hikes are rescheduled additional times. Hikes may be cancelled up to 1 week before the trip for a refund (minus the 15% fee). Within 1 week, a 50% refund will be offered. Within 48 hours, a refund will only be offered if Blue Ridge Hiking Company cancels the trip due to severe weather.
How long are the hikes?
Half Day Hikes range in distance from 2 to 5 miles and range in difficulty from easy to strenuous.
Full Day Hikes range in distance from 5 to 10 miles and range in difficulty from easy to strenuous.
How far away are the hikes?
Our hikes are anywhere from 20 minutes to just over an hour's drive from Asheville.
