10 Easy Road Trips from Asheville, NC: Iconic Things To Do Just Outside Buncombe County
If you love Asheville but you’ve already hit the breweries, art galleries, and downtown spots, it might be time for a little
out-of-county road trip.
The good news? You don’t have to drive far. Within an hour or so, you’ll find waterfalls, small towns, epic mountain views, and quirky roadside stops in the surrounding counties of
Haywood, Henderson, McDowell, Madison, Rutherford, Transylvania, and Yancey.
These 10 short road trips are perfect for a day out from Asheville, North Carolina—no over-planning needed.
1. Chase Elk & Mountain Views in Cataloochee Valley (Haywood County)
If you’ve ever wanted to see wild elk up close, this is your spot.
Cataloochee Valley, in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, is just west of Asheville in
Haywood County. The drive itself is an adventure—narrow mountain roads, thick forest, and quiet valleys.
- Drive time from Asheville: About 1–1.5 hours
- Best for: Wildlife watching, photography, peaceful scenic drive
Head out early in the morning or late in the afternoon. That’s when the elk usually stroll into the open fields. You might see them grazing with mist hanging over the valley—it feels like stepping into another world.
There are old churches and historic buildings scattered around too, so you can park and walk around a bit.
Tip: Bring a pair of binoculars and keep your distance. These animals are big, beautiful, and very much wild.
2. Spend a Relaxing Day in Waynesville’s Small-Town Main Street (Haywood County)
Waynesville is one of those small mountain towns that makes you say, “I could live here.”
Its walkable downtown is lined with local shops, galleries, cafés, and a classic, friendly vibe. If you’re craving a slower pace than Asheville, this is a great escape in
Haywood County.
- Drive time from Asheville: About 30–40 minutes
- Best for: Strolling, shopping, local restaurants
Grab a coffee, wander Main Street, pop into a few galleries, and just see where the day takes you. On some weekends, you might stumble into a festival, live music, or an art event without even trying.
If you’re visiting in fall, the town feels extra cozy, with mountain views glowing in shades of red and gold all around.
3. Visit Jump Off Rock for Sunset Views (Henderson County)
Looking for an easy sunset spot that doesn’t require a long hike? Head to
Jump Off Rock in
Henderson County, just outside Hendersonville.
- Drive time from Asheville: About 45 minutes
- Best for: Sunset views, quick scenic stop, low-effort outing
You can drive almost to the overlook, then walk a short distance to the viewing area. On a clear day, you’ll see layers of blue mountains stretching into the distance.
There are a couple of short walking trails around the overlook if you want to explore a bit more, but you can also just bring a light jacket, relax on a bench, and watch the sky change colors.
If you’re planning a date night road trip from Asheville, this is a simple but memorable idea.
4. Apple Orchards & Cider Tastings in Hendersonville (Henderson County)
If you’re in the Asheville area in late summer or fall, you’ll see signs for
apple orchards everywhere—and many of the best are south of town in
Henderson County.
- Drive time from Asheville: 30–45 minutes, depending on the orchard
- Best for: Families, fall fun, u-pick apples, cider lovers
Many orchards near Hendersonville offer:
- Apple picking by the basket or bag
- Fresh cider (hot or cold)
- Apple donuts or fried pies
- Hayrides or kids’ play areas
Even if you’re not big into apples, the rolling farmland and mountain views make the drive worthwhile. It’s one of those simple North Carolina road trips that turns into a full day without much planning.
5. Explore Waterfalls & Lake James in Marion (McDowell County)
Head east from Asheville into
McDowell County, and you’ll hit Marion and the Lake James area—great for anyone who loves water, hikes, and quiet mountain scenery.
- Drive time from Asheville: About 45 minutes to 1 hour
- Best for: Hiking, swimming, boating, picnics
A few options in the area:
- Lake James State Park – Sandy swimming areas, boat rentals nearby, and easy hiking trails along the water.
- Nearby waterfall hikes – Depending on how far you want to drive, there are several short waterfall trails within reach of Marion.
On a hot summer day, this makes the perfect change of pace from downtown Asheville—less crowds, more water, and plenty of space to relax.
6. Soak in the River Town Vibes of Hot Springs (Madison County)
Hot Springs, in
Madison County, is a small riverside town with a laid-back, almost bohemian feel. It sits along the French Broad River and the Appalachian Trail, so you’ll see hikers, tubers, and road trippers all passing through.
- Drive time from Asheville: About 45–50 minutes
- Best for: River time, short hikes, relaxed day trip
Popular ways to spend a day in Hot Springs:
- Walk around the tiny downtown and grab a bite to eat
- Book a soak in the mineral hot tubs overlooking the river
- Stroll a small section of the Appalachian Trail
It’s a great spot if you want to feel like you’ve really “gotten away” without driving very far from Asheville.
7. Adventure in Chimney Rock & Lake Lure (Rutherford County)
Looking for a classic North Carolina postcard view? Head to
Chimney Rock in
Rutherford County.
- Drive time from Asheville: About 1–1.25 hours
- Best for: Big views, family day trip, short but steep hikes
At Chimney Rock, you can:
- Ride an elevator or climb stairs up to the famous rock overlook
- Hike to Hickory Nut Falls, a tall, beautiful waterfall
- Enjoy sweeping views of Lake Lure and the surrounding gorge
Afterward, drive a few minutes to Lake Lure for:
- Beach access in summer
- Boat tours on the lake
- A relaxing walk along the lakefront
Fans of the movie “Dirty Dancing” might recognize the area—some scenes were filmed around Lake Lure, which adds a fun little twist to the trip.
8. Go Waterfall-Hopping in Brevard & Pisgah National Forest (Transylvania County)
If you’re looking for
waterfalls near Asheville, Brevard in
Transylvania County is the place. The area is nicknamed the “Land of Waterfalls,” and it lives up to the hype.
- Drive time from Asheville: About 45 minutes
- Best for: Scenic drives, easy waterfall walks, families & casual hikers
Within a short drive of Brevard, you’ll find:
- Looking Glass Falls – You can see this one from the road and walk down a short set of steps.
- Moore Cove Falls – A gentle hike through the forest with a pretty payoff.
- Sliding opportunities at certain spots (check local rules and conditions).
The drive through Pisgah National Forest itself is gorgeous—tall trees, mountain streams, and plenty of spots to pull over and explore.
9. Slide Down the Natural Rock Slide at Sliding Rock (Transylvania County)
Yes, Sliding Rock deserves its own mention. It’s one of the most iconic
things to do near Asheville on a hot day.
Located in
Transylvania County, Sliding Rock is exactly what it sounds like: a smooth, slanted rock with cold mountain water rushing over it, turning it into a natural waterslide.
- Drive time from Asheville: About 45 minutes to 1 hour
- Best for: Summer fun, families, thrill-seekers who don’t mind cold water
Here’s how it works:
- You wait your turn at the top.
- You sit down and slide about 60 feet down the rock.
- You splash into an 8-foot-deep pool at the bottom.
The water is cold. Really cold. But that’s part of the fun.
There are lifeguards on duty in peak season, and there’s a small fee for entry and parking, so bring a little cash or a card and some sturdy water shoes.
10. Climb the Highest Peaks East of the Mississippi in Yancey County
If you want big mountain views and cooler temperatures, head north to
Yancey County, home to some of the highest peaks in the eastern United States.
- Drive time from Asheville: About 1–1.25 hours, depending on your destination
- Best for: Hiking, scenic overlooks, serious mountain vibes
In this area you can:
- Explore the Mount Mitchell region via nearby routes (note: Mount Mitchell’s summit itself sits in a different county, but the surrounding high country and access routes pass through Yancey County).
- Check out high-elevation hiking trails with cooler temps in summer.
- Enjoy quiet, less-crowded mountain roads and overlooks.
On a clear day, the views feel endless, and in summer the temperatures can be 10–20 degrees cooler than in Asheville. It’s a great break from the heat if you’re visiting in July or August.
Tips for Planning Your Asheville Road Trips
To make the most of these short drives from Asheville, keep a few simple tips in mind:
- Watch the weather: Mountain weather changes fast. Pack a light jacket, even in summer.
- Gas up before you go: Some routes get pretty rural, with long stretches between gas stations.
- Pack snacks and water: Especially for waterfall and hiking days.
- Start early: You’ll beat some traffic and have more time to explore.
Ready to Hit the Road from Asheville?
You don’t have to drive far from Asheville, North Carolina, to find new adventures. Whether you’re into
waterfalls, small mountain towns, river time, or big views, these nearby counties—Haywood, Henderson, McDowell, Madison, Rutherford, Transylvania, and Yancey—are full of easy day-trip options.
Have you taken any of these road trips from Asheville?
- Which spot is your favorite?
- Did I miss a must-see place in one of these counties?
I’d love to hear your experiences and ideas.
Drop a comment with your own tips, favorite stops, or questions about planning a road trip from Asheville. And if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends or family who are planning a visit to the mountains of North Carolina!
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