#58 of 109 Asheville Things To Do

Blue Ridge Hiking Company

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Blue Ridge Hiking Company - Guided Hikes for All Abilities
Written by: Vicky Reddish
Staff Score:
5.0 / 5
The Bottom Line:

Blue Ridge Hiking Company makes the wilderness more accessible through guided hikes. Ranging from half-day to multi-day, these hikes let people of all abilities levels explore the beauty of the surrounding mountains.

- The SmokyMountains.com Local Expert Team

Blue Ridge Hiking Company is committed to helping people explore the wilderness surrounding Asheville, and they do that through guided hikes. Hikes can be tailored to any ability level, and they offer varying levels of outdoor adventure.

The hikes that Blue Ridge Hiking Company offers range in length from half-day outings to multi-day backpacking excursions, so it’s easy to find something that fits within your schedule. Half-day hikes can be scheduled for the morning or the afternoon, and full-day hikes are also an option. Multi-day hikes may last anywhere from a weekend to a full week.

As for destinations, the guides know the best hikes in the region and can make an informed recommendation based on desired distance, difficulty and destination. Waterfalls and 6,000-foot peaks are common destinations, but there are others. Most overnight hikes follow a portion of the well-known Appalachian Trail.

Of course, there’s always the possibility of an accident when you’re hiking. In the event of an injury, all guides are certified in CPR and trained in wilderness medicine.

Hiking is a wonderful way to explore the region’s picturesque mountains, and Blue Ridge Hiking Company has the experience and expertise necessary to make sure you get the most out of your hike. Whether your group is looking for a rigorous climb or a relaxing stroll, they know just the place to take you.

A few of our favorites at Blue Ridge Hiking Company Include:

Private Full-Day Hike
Explore the region as you like with a guided Private Full-Day Hike. Twice as long as the half-day option, this duration lets you cover 5 to 10 miles of trail and reach destinations deeper in the wilderness. Summit the highest mountains in the area, pass multiple waterfalls or take spurs off of the Appalachian Trail. Just let your guide know what you’d like, and they’ll show the way.

Sunset Hike
The Sunset Hike is a short but rigorous hike to a west-facing peak. The hike is strenuous and it’ll be dark during the descent, but the views on a clear evening are well worth the effort. All necessary equipment (including a headlamp) is provided, and this can be done as a group or private adventure.

Group Overnight Trip
Spend a few nights on the trail with like-minded hikers on a Group Overnight Trip. Offered throughout the warmer months, there are options for Appalachian Trail through-hikers, families who are just exploring backpacking and other groups.

Private Overnight Trip
If you’d prefer to spend some nights backpacking apart from a group setting, sign up for a Private Overnight Trip. Your guide will do all the planning, take care of logistics and show you the way. All you need to do is carry your personal gear and enjoy the views.

Supported Hike and Shuttle
If you’re through-hiking the Appalachian Trail, let the folks at Blue Ridge Hiking Company help you carry the load. They’ll transport your gear for you while you hike the trail, meeting you each morning and night, or you can get a shuttle to and from their bunkhouse. Either way, you’ll be able to get through this section without such a load on your back.

Insider Tips:
– For a half-day hike, try to book a morning timeslot rather than an afternoon one. You’ll avoid the heat of the day and the larger afternoon crows, and there’ll be less likelihood of thunderstorms while you’re out.
– Unless you’re hiking solo, consider paying for a private hike rather than a group one. Rates for private hikes are only a few dollars more than what it costs two people to go on a group hike, and private options work out to be cheaper if you have a group of three or more.