Quick Details
Transportation: Transportation on a private Asheville tour is provided with pick-up in downtown Asheville. Pick-up outside of Asheville is an option, with an additional fee.
Small Group Pricing: Group of 5 at $115/person, Group of 4 at $135/person, Group of 3 at $155/person, Group of 2 at $175/person. *Small group fee of $150 applied during peak summer and fall season. Pick-up outside of downtown Asheville available for additional fee (please call).
Groups of over 5 guests: Please contact us for a quote if you have a group larger than 5! Luxury passenger vans available. Transportation available for up to 65 guests. Multiple guides are provided for larger groups, so the group may be subdivided into ~20 guests, and an intimate experience in the outdoors is still possible. Reduced rates available for those groups who do not need transportation.
Tour time: Custom timing, but recommended start times are available on the calendar (usually 8:30 am to 9:00 am). Tours generally last 4.5 hours long, but shorter or longer custom tours available.
Popular Private Tour option: We often provide an extended version of our Waterfalls and Blue Ridge Parkway tour, with a more advanced mountaintop hike OR with swimming in our popular swimming holes and at the famous “Sliding Rock,” a 60-foot natural waterfall slide.
Difficulty: We offer a full spectrum of customized tours to meet the needs and desires of your group. The range of tour options includes: no hiking to longer hikes (such as a summit hike, series of waterfalls, mountaintop blueberry picking in August or Appalachian Trail hike)
Required footwear: Sturdy tennis shoes or hiking boots, rubber outsoles (recommended)
Recommended clothing: Rainwear (either rain jacket or poncho); multiple layers (for chilly mornings or high elevation destinations)
Recommended personal items: Water and snacks, Ziploc or dry bag (to protect items, such as small electronics, from rain), a bag to dispose of any potential litter items (such as food wrappers)
What’s provided: Hiking poles, a poncho in case of light rain, transportation for up to 5 guests with pick-up in downtown Asheville.
Tips: Never required but always appreciated!
We understand that planning the logistics for an out-of-town trip can be a hassle, let alone determining which trails to pursue while hiking in Asheville, NC. We work closely with you to design a customizable tour that fits the scenic interests and hiking preferences of your entire group, to ensure you have an optimal outdoor experience on the best hikes near Asheville.
On your Private Asheville Tour, you will have a designated private guide to lead you throughout your tour, while exploring enchanted Southern Appalachian forests and scenic drives from the comfort of your own vehicle. Your guide will provide riveting stories of the history and ecology of the Southern Appalachians and reveal some of the “best kept secrets” and “hidden gems” of our mountains.
Our Private Asheville Tours are fully customizable, with a range of options from little to no hiking, easy/moderate hiking to more difficult summit hikes. Some examples of our private excursions include: Appalachian Trail hiking tours, multi-stop Waterfall and Blue Ridge Parkway tours, and more! At Asheville Hiking Tours, we value inclusion in the outdoors and offer tour options with wheelchair/scooter accessibility. We take pride in curating thrilling experiences for all ages— and sometimes for your furry friends as well (leased dogs welcome).
Winter tours note: The Blue Ridge Parkway is closed with inclement weather or in winter months (usually late-Nov to early-March). We nonetheless have plenty of Private Tour options with scenic sites throughout the National Forests, in case of Parkway closures.
Please call to inquire about our diverse Private Asheville Tour options so we can begin crafting your unique adventure in the outdoors! We strive to make your tour the highlight of your trip to Asheville. After booking your private tour, feel free to reach out to us with any questions, but also please note that YOUR GUIDE WILL CONTACT YOU the day before the tour to confirm meeting times and locations and answer any additional questions you may have.
Rain/ice/snow policy: Our early morning departure helps us avoid the afternoon precipitation. Nonetheless, many guests have an excellent time in the light rain, under the forest canopy (and rain makes waterfalls even better!) In case of heavy rain or inclement weather, full refunds are provided.