Embark on an unforgettable family adventure amidst the breathtaking beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Discover the best family and kid friendly hikes near Asheville, North Carolina, handpicked to ensure a memorable outdoor experience for you and your little ones. These trails offer easy access, stunning vistas, and captivating waterfalls, promising moments in nature that your family will treasure for years to come.
Unforgettable Outdoor Adventures for All Ages
Use this list of 5 trails near the Blue Ridge Parkway to help you plan your trip! We saw multiple families and groups with young children hiking these trails in the late spring during our visit.
Moore Cove Falls Trail
One of western North Carolina’s many beautiful waterfalls is the delicate and high cascading Moore Cove Falls. This waterfall trail offers a unique experience as you can walk behind the water trickling from a rock overhang about 50 ft tall and into the cove.
- Level of Difficulty: Easy
- Distance: 1.2 miles (out-and-back trail).
- Elevation Gain: ~150 ft
- Cost: Free!
You get to pass over a stone bridge and creek, and overall the trail gives off storybook forest vibes.
Hooker Falls Trail
Flowing on the Little River through DuPont State Forest, the Hooker Falls trail is a perfect spot to cool down with a beautiful swimming hole. The relatively short, accessible hike on the southern portion of North Carolina is a favorite for kids and those of all hiking experience levels.
- Level of Difficulty: Easy to moderate. There is a steady decline on the way down to the fall, which you’ll have to ascend on your way back.
- Distance: 0.8 miles (out-and-back trail).
- Cost: Free!
- Dogs are allowed as long as they’re kept on a leash.
This is a popular spot, especially in the summer months, and gives locals and tourists a nice spot to relax, have a picnic, and cool off in the refreshing water.
Skinny Dip Falls Trail
Skinny Dip Falls in Pisgah National Forest is a short, family-friendly hike to a refreshing swimming hole off the Blue Ridge Parkway. The multilayered, cascading waterfall is a perfect spot to relax and cool off in the cold mountain water. Contrary to its name, there is no skinny dipping at Skinny Dip Falls!
- Level of Difficulty: Easy
- Distance: 1 mile (out-and-back trail)
- Elevation Gain: ~200 ft
- Cost: Free!
Graveyard Fields Loop Trail – Lower and Upper Falls
A trip along the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina would not be complete without a stop to hike the Graveyard Fields Loop Trail. This trail leads you through verdant forests with wildflowers, blueberries, and crystal-clear streams of the lower and upper waterfalls.
Located in Pisgah National Forest near Asheville, hiking to the upper falls is ideal for those seeking a moderate challenge with highly rewarding views. While the lower falls is more accessible and a better fit for families with kids.
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Distance varies depending on your path.
- Length from parking lot to lower falls: 0.3 miles (more kid-friendly option)
- Length from parking lot to upper falls: 3.2 miles round trip
- Elevation gain: ~320 ft.
- Cost: Free in Pisgah National Forest
Looking Glass Falls Viewpoint
Rightfully one of the most famous waterfalls in the state of North Carolina, Looking Glass Falls is a prime waterfall example for any outdoorsy person’s screensaver or calendar. As one of the most visited and photographed waterfalls on the east coast, Looking Glass Falls in Pisgah National Forest is a must-see for visitors and local outdoor enthusiasts.
- Level of Difficulty: Easy
- Distance: 0-0.3 miles (lookout with a staircase down to the base of the falls).
- Elevation Gain: ~35 ft
- Cost: Free!
Park right along the side of the road and walk to the viewpoint above, or go down the stairs to get up close and personal with this waterfall! In the warmer months, you can go swimming in the calmer waters a bit down from the falls.
Start Planning Your Trip to Asheville
These kid friendly hikes near Asheville are easy, short, and deliver on incredible mountain and waterfall views. While your children may not remember the full outdoors experience, each of these options allows your family to be fully surrounded by and enjoy the serenity of nature.
