Asheville Family Photographer shares 7 Family-Friendly Hikes on the Blue Ridge Parkway for your next Fall Family Photoshoot
A WNC native, 3rd generation photographer and industry veteran with over 16 years of professional experience working as a Family Portrait Photographer in Ashville, I have hiked all over these Blue Ridge Mountains and I have spent hundreds of hours out on the Blue Ridge Parkway! I know it like the back of my hand and I can even tell you about the progression of fall color in most sections of the parkway in Asheville with near perfect certainty! That’s a pretty weird fact — that I know where fall color can be found first, when to expect it along this section and that section and where to go to find some nice color still hanging on late in the season! (I didn’t realize this was an unusual knowledge set until this week when Melissa pointed it out!) In this blog post, I’m going to share 7 Family-Friendly Hikes on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Asheville, North Carolina.
If you’re looking for the perfect way to introduce your kids to the magic of the mountains, the Blue Ridge Parkway near Asheville, North Carolina is one of the best places to start. Known as “America’s Favorite Drive,” the Parkway winds through misty ridgelines, wildflower meadows, and lush forests — and along the way, it offers dozens of easy, family-friendly hiking trails! Whether your crew is looking for a quick nature walk, a picnic spot with views, or a short trek to a waterfall, Asheville’s stretch of the Parkway has something for every age and energy level!
Why Families Love Hiking the Blue Ridge Parkway
- Kid-Friendly Options: Many trails are short, safe, and easy to navigate for little legs.
- Close to Asheville: Many trailheads are just a short drive from downtown.
- Well-Maintained: Trails are clearly marked, with plenty of scenic overlooks and parking areas.
- Endless Variety: Waterfalls, tunnels, wildflowers, and panoramic views — all in one day’s adventure!
7 Family-Friendly Hikes in Asheville on the Blue Ridge Parkway
Here are some of the best Family-Friendly Hikes on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Asheville that combine beauty, accessibility, and plenty of fun for the whole family:
1. Craggy Gardens Trail (MP 364)
Distance: 1.5 miles roundtrip | Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Highlights: This short, scenic hike leads through rhododendron tunnels to a stunning 360° mountain view. In June, the rhododendrons bloom in bright pink and purple — a sight kids (and parents) won’t forget. Bring a picnic for the grassy summit.
Pro tip: Stop at the Craggy Gardens Visitor Center for restrooms, maps, and wildflower displays.
2. Craggy Pinnacle Trail (MP 364.1)
Distance: 1 mile roundtrip | Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Highlights: Just up the road from Craggy Gardens, this trail offers one of the most breathtaking overlooks on the Parkway — and it’s short enough for younger children. The path is lined with wildflowers in summer and offers panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
3. Graveyard Fields Loop (MP 418.8)
Distance: 1.5 to 3.2 miles | Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Highlights: Kids love this one! The name might sound spooky, but the trail is beautiful — with two waterfalls, wooden bridges, and wild blueberry bushes (ripe in late summer). The lower falls are only about a half-mile from the parking lot, making it a perfect short hike for families.
Pro tip: The trail can get muddy; pack extra shoes and a towel for the car.
4. Fryingpan Mountain Lookout Tower Trail (MP 409.6)
Distance: 1.5 miles roundtrip | Difficulty: Moderate (gentle uphill)
Highlights: This wide gravel road leads to an old fire tower with sweeping views of the Pisgah Ridge. Older kids will love climbing the tower stairs (safely fenced in) for a bird’s-eye view of Mount Pisgah.
5. Mount Pisgah Trail (MP 407.6)
Distance: 2.6 miles roundtrip | Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: A bit more challenging but still doable for families with older kids. The forested trail ends at an observation platform with one of the most iconic views on the Parkway. On your way down, reward everyone with a treat at the Pisgah Inn or a picnic at the overlook.
6. Devil’s Courthouse (MP 422.4)
Distance: 1 mile roundtrip | Difficulty: Moderate (short but steep)
Highlights: Don’t let the name fool you — this trail is family-approved! It’s short but steep, leading to one of the most dramatic viewpoints on the Parkway. From the top, you can see four states on a clear day.
Pro tip: Hold hands with little ones near the summit — the rock outcrop can be windy.
7. Waterrock Knob Trail (MP 451.2)
Distance: 1.2 miles roundtrip | Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: This trail starts right from the Waterrock Knob Visitor Center and climbs gently to one of the highest peaks on the Parkway. It’s perfect for a family sunset hike — and there are restrooms, picnic tables, and sweeping views right at the parking area.
Tips for a Smooth Parkway Adventure
- Start early. The Parkway fills up quickly on weekends and during fall foliage season.
- Pack layers. Weather can change fast at high elevations — it’s often 10–15°F cooler than Asheville.
- Bring snacks and water. Some trailheads have limited services, so stock up before you drive.
- Fill your Gas Tank. For obvious reasons!
- Check closures. Portions of the Parkway may be closed for maintenance or storm damage — check the Blue Ridge Parkway Road Closures before heading out.
- Don’t rush it. Stop at overlooks, explore nature, and let the kids play — that’s the best part of a family day in the mountains!
Where to Stop Along the Way
- Folk Art Center (MP 382): Great stop for local crafts, art demos, and restrooms.
- Craggy Gardens Visitor Center (MP 364): Perfect for picnic supplies and ranger info.
- Pisgah Inn (MP 408): Family-friendly dining with incredible mountain views.
- Sliding Rock (near MP 412): Just a short detour off the Parkway — natural waterslide fun in the summer!
Why Shoot Family Portraits on the Blue Ridge Parkway?
When visiting Asheville, planning a day for hiking along the Blue Ridge Parkway near Asheville is one of the best ways to make unforgettable memory of the trip with your family and what better way to memorialize that memory than with a once in a lifetime, gorgeous Blue Ridge Parkway Photoshoot with your family as well!!!
You can learn more about booking your Family Portrait Session on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Asheville on my website, located here: Asheville’s Best Family Photographer
Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, climbing mountains, chasing butterflies through meadows, or spotting clouds from mountaintops, Asheville’s stretch of the Parkway will leave your whole family smiling (and ready for ice cream at The Hop or Whit’s afterward)!
