North Carolina state parks are rich in natural beauty, with gorgeous lakes and breathtaking views. And Asheville, sitting between two stunning national forests, is representative of this natural beauty. It’s an eclectic town that is oozing with creativity and history and is a great destination for anyone seeking the great outdoors.
If that wasn’t reason enough to jump in your car for an impromptu weekend getaway, the state parks near Asheville also provide guests with top-notch activities and adventure sports for a state-of-the-art camping experience.
Not sure where to begin? These 10 state parks will undoubtedly be excellent choices.
Map of State Parks Near Asheville NC
Here is a map of the North Carolina state parks covered in this post:
List of State Parks Near Asheville
Here is the list of 10 exceptional state parks near Asheville, North Carolina. We’ve included a brief detailed description of each park, so you know what to expect.
1. Mount Mitchell State Park
Distance from Asheville: about 20 miles northeast of Asheville (straight-line).
Location: Burnsville, North Carolina
Mount Mitchell State Park is a 4,789-acre (1,938 ha) North Carolina state park in Yancey County, North Carolina in the United States.
Highlights associated with Mount Mitchell State Park include waterfall scenery, beach access, and coastal dunes.
See our full Mount Mitchell State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
2. Chimney Rock State Park
Distance from Asheville: about 20 miles southeast of Asheville (straight-line).
Location: 431 Main Street, Chimney Rock, NC 28720
Chimney Rock State Park is a North Carolina state park in Chimney Rock, Rutherford County, North Carolina in the United States.
Highlights associated with Chimney Rock State Park include waterfall scenery, beach access, and coastal dunes.
See our full Chimney Rock State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
3. Bullhead Mountain State Natural Area
Distance from Asheville: about 24 miles northeast of Asheville (straight-line).
Location: State Highway 80 South, Hamrick, North Carolina 28714
Bullhead Mountain State Natural Area covers 442 acres in Yancey County, North Carolina. Established 2000.
Highlights associated with Bullhead Mountain State Natural Area include river access, island scenery, and mountain scenery.
See our full Bullhead Mountain State Natural Area guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
4. Sliding Rock Recreation Area
Distance from Asheville: about 26 miles southwest of Asheville (straight-line).
Location: Art Loeb Trail, North Carolina
Sliding Rock Recreation Area is a recreation area in Transylvania County, North Carolina.
Highlights associated with Sliding Rock Recreation Area include waterfall scenery, river access, and mountain scenery.
See our full Sliding Rock Recreation Area guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
5. Lamar Alexander Rocky Fork State Park
Distance from Asheville: about 31 miles north of Asheville (straight-line).
Location: Flag Pond, TN
Lamar Alexander Rocky Fork State Park (RFSP) is a state park spanning 2,076 acres (8.40 km2) in Unicoi County, East Tennessee, near the community of Flag Pond and the Tennessee–North Carolina state line.
Visitor facilities listed for the park include rental cabins.
See our full Lamar Alexander Rocky Fork State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
6. Jones Gap State Park
Distance from Asheville: about 33 miles south of Asheville (straight-line).
Location: Pinnacle Pass Trail, South Carolina 29635
Jones Gap State Park is a South Carolina state park in northern Greenville County, near Marietta.
Highlights associated with Jones Gap State Park include waterfall scenery, river access, and mountain scenery.
Visitor facilities listed for the park include hiking trails.
See our full Jones Gap State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
7. Caesars Head State Park
Distance from Asheville: about 34 miles south of Asheville (straight-line).
Location: 8155 Geer Highway, Cleveland, SC 29635
Caesars Head State Park is a park in northern Greenville County, South Carolina, that borders Transylvania County, North Carolina, and is reached via US 276.
Highlights associated with Caesars Head State Park include waterfall scenery, beach access, and lake recreation.
See our full Caesars Head State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
8. Hicks Gap State Natural Area
Distance from Asheville: about 36 miles north of Asheville (straight-line).
Location: Appalachian Trail, Tennessee 37650
Hicks Gap State Natural Area covers 350 acres in Marion County, Tennessee.
Highlights associated with Hicks Gap State Natural Area include mountain scenery, wooded landscapes, and seasonal wildflowers.
See our full Hicks Gap State Natural Area guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
9. Lake James State Park
Distance from Asheville: about 38 miles east of Asheville (straight-line).
Location: Nebo, North Carolina
Lake James State Park: North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountain Lake.
Highlights associated with Lake James State Park include waterfall scenery, beach access, and lake recreation.
Visitor facilities listed for the park include a campground, hiking trails, a designated swimming area, and a visitor center.
See our full Lake James State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
10. Grandfather Mountain State Park
Distance from Asheville: about 55 miles northeast of Asheville (straight-line).
Location: 9872 Highway 105 South, Banner Elk, NC 28604
Because of its exceptional ecological diversity, the park has been designated as a United Nations International Biosphere Reserve. And if you enjoy bird watching, this state park is home to 200 kinds of birds and will quickly become one of your favorites. It also takes you to wildlife habitats where you can observe cougars, bears, and other animals.
The park has 13 miles of hiking trails ranging from mild climbs to strenuous treks. The Grandfather Trail, for example, is a difficult trail where you have to use ropes and ladders that will offer your body a solid workout.
The park also has the country’s highest suspension footbridge, positioned above sea level, that offers 360-degree panoramic views of the mountains below. There’s a fee to use the bridge.
The state park features ADA-accessible park offices, parking, and restrooms, as well as tent sites, group tent sites, and firewood for camping. It also has more than 100 picnic tables with grills distributed throughout the area for convenient picnicking for families.
Website: ncparks.gov/…
See our full Grandfather Mountain State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
Conclusion
Asheville, NC, is a popular city that welcomes thousands of visitors each year. Apart from its local, cultural, and historic attractions, the city’s easy access to numerous state parks offers the perfect opportunity to relax and enjoy picturesque views from the most serene parks. A visit to any of these stunning state parks near Asheville might just become your perfect weekend trip.
