Quick Details
Transportation and Meeting place: Transportation for the Waterfalls and Blue Ridge Parkway Tour is provided from our storefront at 1 River Arts Place, Asheville, NC 28801. You will be riding in either a Ford Expedition or a Ford Econoline Passenger Van. We do our best to give you a comfortable riding experience, so you can be hands-free and have the opportunity to take in all the sights, while being somewhat limited in vehicle size permitted on the forest roads. Our clean, well-maintained vehicles have varying seat heights and leg room, and are always climate-controlled!
Tour time: Meet your guide and fellow hikers at the start time available on the calendar, or listed in your confirmation e-mail. For this tour, start times vary seasonally, but are always in the early morning to beat the crowds to the very best waterfalls! Tours last about 5 hours long.
Difficulty: Easy to moderate forest walks, around 2.5 miles total. Expect some uneven terrain and slight trail inclines.
Required footwear: Sturdy tennis shoes or hiking boots, rubber outsoles (recommended).
Recommended clothing: Rainwear (either rain jacket or poncho); multiple layers (for chilly mornings and higher 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, poncho in case of light rain, and multiple stunning waterfalls, guaranteed!
Winter tours note: The Blue Ridge Parkway is closed with inclement weather in winter months (usually late-Nov to early-March). During these times, we will modify the tour to include alternate scenic sites (and often an additional waterfall!) in Pisgah National Forest.
This is a public group tour and you will be with other parties, for a maximum of 9 people. For an experience with just your party, check out our Private Tours.
Tips: Never required but always appreciated!
See below for FULL tour description, and more important information!
This intimate Waterfalls and Blue Ridge Parkway tour is a great way to experience the best hikes near Asheville and panoramic mountain views, in only a half day! Your guide shows you a mix of the biggest waterfalls and also “off the beaten path” waterfalls in Pisgah National Forest. Home to 250+ waterfalls, this unique tour is a must-do Asheville, NC hiking experience.
You will begin your morning near Asheville’s River Arts District where you will meet your guide and get to know your fellow hikers over a cup of Joe. The Waterfalls and Blue Ridge Parkway Tour begins as you enter Pisgah National Forest, or the Blue Ridge Parkway — a National Park! You will spend several hours exploring the best waterfalls near Asheville, visiting multi-tiered waterfalls, hidden pools, rock overhangs, and more! Keep in mind the Parkway portion is a driving tour, and each hike will require a quick drive to the next trailhead. In total, you will spend about 3 hours hiking, 1 hour on the Parkway, and 1 hour getting around and traveling to and from the meeting location.
Your guide will integrate hikes (according to everyone’s interests) for a total distance of around 2.5 miles, walking at a leisurely pace and discussing the edible and medicinal properties of unique trees and wildflowers along the way! For inexperienced hikers, your guide will be sure to provide you with tips for navigating the roots, rocks, and mud that give our Southern Appalachian rainforest its character.
Your guide will discuss important scenic features for you to notice on the way, including historic sites as well as seasonal highlights — such as spring wildflowers, Rhododendrons in bloom, autumn leaves, or frozen springs. On the Blue Ridge Parkway, enjoy wide-open vistas — with endless views of mountain peaks and fertile valleys (including ones you visit!)
Since the Blue Ridge Parkway is closed with inclement weather often in winter months (usually late-Nov to early-March) we may sometimes modify a tour to include alternate scenic sites (and often an additional waterfall!) in Pisgah National Forest.
Feel free to reach out to us with any questions you have about the Blue Ridge Parkway tour, but please note that you will receive a confirmation email with meeting times and locations, and answers to 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.
