Five-Star Trails: Asheville. Jennifer Pharr Davis
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defines the trail as a loop, an out-and-back (taking you in and out via the same route), a figure eight, or a balloon.
HIKING TIME
Unlike distance, which is a real, measured number, hiking time is an estimate. Every hiker has a different pace. In this guidebook, you can assume the hiking time is based on a pace of about 1.75–2 miles per hour (when taking notes and pictures), and that is the standard for most of the hike times. There are some adjustments for steepness, rough terrain, and high elevation. And there is some time built in for a quick breather here and there, but hikers should consider that any prolonged break (such as lunch or swimming) will add to the hike time. Also keep in mind seasonal daylight hours, so that you don’t find yourself hiking back to the trailhead in the dark; and remember that forested canopies greatly block the fading daylight.
HIGHLIGHTS
Waterfalls, historic sites, or other features that draw hikers to the trail are capsuled here.
ELEVATION
Unless the route is virtually flat—in which case that fact will be cited and one elevation will be listed—two elevation points are always indicated: one at the trailhead and another figure for the highest or lowest altitude on that route. For most hikes herein, you will ascend from the trailhead, but in some cases, the trailhead may be the route’s peak, in which case you will descend from there. (Also see “Elevation Profiles”.)
ACCESS
Fees or permits required to hike the trail and trail-access hours are indicated here.
MAPS
This item recommends sources in addition to the maps in this guidebook, and hikers are strongly urged to consult these references.
FACILITIES
This section alerts you to restrooms, phones, water, picnic tables, and other basics at or near the trailhead.
WHEELCHAIR ACCESS
For each hike, you will readily see whether or not it is feasible for the enjoyment of outdoors enthusiasts who use a wheelchair.
COMMENTS
Assorted nuggets of information, such as whether or not your dog is allowed on the trails, appear here.
CONTACTS
Phone numbers and websites listed here are handy for checking up-to-date trail conditions and gleaning other day-to-day information.
OVERVIEW, ROUTE DETAILS, NEARBY ATTRACTIONS, AND DIRECTIONS
Each profile contains a complete narrative of the hike: “Overview” gives you a quick summary of what to expect on that trail. The “Route Details” section guides you on the hike, start-to-finish. In “Nearby Attractions,” you will learn of area sites that you might like, such as restaurants, museums, or other trails. “Directions” will get you to the trailhead from a well-known road or highway.
Weather
Hiking is a great activity to enjoy in Asheville throughout the year.
Hiking the trails around Asheville in autumn should be on everyone’s to-do list. The forest lights up like a fireworks show, and blueberries and blackberries grow along or near most paths. Animal sightings are also prevalent during this season, as many of the animals are trying to eat as much as possible before the long, cold winter.
Springtime is a favorite season for many hikers, as the wildflowers and wildlife begin to visit the trail. Mid-May, the mountain laurel and flaming azalea accent many trails with beautiful pink and orange blooms.
During summer the trails are a great place to escape the heat. Waterfall hikes become especially desirable during this season. However, mountain vistas are sometimes less spectacular, as a summer haze can obscure the distant peaks.
In winter, road access by car to the trailheads for many of the best hikes in the region becomes difficult or impossible if the Blue Ridge Parkway closes. Note that real-time road openings and closures can be accessed through the parkway’s website, nps.gov/blri. But several of these trails are still reachable if you are willing to drive to them on winding back roads or to hike in on approach trails. The bare trees of December, January, and February provide incredible views that are not available the rest of the year.
Water
How much is enough? Well, one simple physiological fact should convince you to err on the side of excess when deciding how much water to pack: a hiker walking steadily in 90-degree heat needs approximately 10 quarts of fluid per day. That’s 2.5 gallons. A good rule of thumb is to hydrate prior to your hike, carry (and drink) 6 ounces of water for every mile you plan to hike, and hydrate again after the hike. For most people, the pleasures of hiking make carrying water a relatively minor price to pay to remain safe and healthy. So pack more water than you anticipate needing even for short hikes.
If you are tempted to drink “found water,” do so with extreme caution. Many ponds and lakes encountered by hikers are fairly stagnant and taste terrible, plus they present inherent risks for thirsty trekkers. Giardia parasites contaminate many water sources and cause the dreaded intestinal giardiasis that can last for weeks after ingestion. For information, visit the Centers for Disease Control website at cdc.gov/parasites/giardia.
In any case, effective treatment is essential before using any water source found along the trail. Boiling water for 2–3 minutes is always a safe measure for camping, but day hikers can consider iodine tablets, approved chemical mixes, filtration units rated for Giardia, and UV filtration. Some of these methods (e.g., filtration with an added carbon filter) remove bad tastes typical in stagnant water, while others add their own taste. Carry a means of purification to help in a pinch and if you realize you have underestimated your consumption needs.
Clothing
Weather, unexpected trail conditions, fatigue, extended hiking duration, and wrong turns can individually or collectively turn a great outing into a very uncomfortable one at best—and a life-threatening one at worst. Thus, proper attire plays a key role in staying comfortable and, sometimes, in staying alive. Here are some helpful guidelines: