Best Views in Asheville—A Local’s Perspective

Asheville’s one of the most scenic places you could imagine. And I’m not just saying that for nostalgia’s sake. Over ten million visitors per year can back me up, coming from near, far, and everywhere in between just for a chance to witness our own beautiful slice of nature.

Now if you’re after a primo photo-op, you could rely on happenstance, hitting the shutter when the moment just feels right. Not a bad plan. Or you could comb through my previous articles on Asheville’s best hikes or rooftop bars, looking for the perfect backdrop. I would be flattered.

But I figured it’d be most useful to just cut to the chase, and put together five of the best views in Asheville, each of them an incredible destination for both picture-taking, or to simply contemplate the great vastness of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Image from Unsplash

1: Looking Glass Rock Overlook

For those of you who haven’t yet driven the Blue Ridge Parkway, this first view will be a real treat. This winding road is famous for its grand views and overlooks, and on your way down to Looking Glass Rock, about an hour south of downtown Asheville, you’ll pass by at least a dozen opportunities to stop and breathe in that sweet mountain air. 

But this particular stop stands head-and-shoulders above the others. Looking Glass Rock is a big old granite-faced mountain, long used as a landmark by travelers through the Blue Ridge. Come frost or rain, its surface glows with the reflection of the sun, hence the name. If you can catch it at its most iridescent, in the frosty winter or after a good spring shower, then it makes for a truly one-of-a-kind view. 

Before you head out there, be sure to check the Blue Ridge Parkway’s website, to make sure it hasn’t been shut down for inclement weather. 

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2: Atop the Flat Iron Hotel

Natural views aren’t the only item on today’s menu, folks. If you’re looking for a great view of Asheville’s urban sites, then a rooftop bar is the only way to go. Downtown’s got plenty of them, as my previous article will attest, but today I thought I’d go over one I haven’t mentioned before, strategically located in one of the oldest parts of downtown.

I speak, of course, of the Flat Iron Hotel. This unique historic building has long been an icon of downtown Asheville, preserved as a testament to its prosperity during the roaring '20s. Today, it's a top-rate hotel, and a top-rate view from its rooftop bar is just one classic elevator-ride away.

Thanks to its location, a visit here pairs perfectly with both a day of shopping at the Grove Arcade, or for some drinks post-dinner on Patton. All that’s left is to sit back, relax, enjoy a local brew, and appreciate the view of Asheville’s downtown skyline. 

Hours: 4pm to 9pm, Monday through Thursday. Open until 10pm until Fridays. 2pm to 10pm Saturdays. 2pm to 9pm on Sundays.

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3: Drive up Town Mountain Road

Get ready for a little local lore. One and all know about the Blue Ridge Parkway, of course. But few non-Ashevilleans are aware of Town Mountain Road, a little six-ish mile stint connecting the Parkway to downtown. Start at the bottom, off Town Mountain’s intersection with downtown’s College Street, and head on up for ten minutes just before you hit the Parkway.

On the way, you’ll have plentiful views of downtown, foregrounded atop the mountains to the south. Near the road’s termination, you’ll find one of the top spots for taking pictures of Asheville as a whole, encompassing all of its urban and outdoor splendor from a spectacular view. If you’re still feeling adventuresome, park off the trailhead for Craven Gap and continue your journey into the mountains on foot.

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4: Craggy Pinnacle 

I had to think long on hard when it came to which hikes to work into this article. Each one’s got great views in different ways. You could say it depends on what you’re looking for. Views of waterfalls, for instance, are substantial enough to be their own subject. 

But in my personal taste, Craggy Pinnacle always comes out on top. Some refer to Craggy Gardens and Craggy Pinnacle interchangeably, as they’re all part of one preserve. But for clarity’s sake, you’re going to want to head to the parking for Craggy Pinnacle specifically, and head up its 0.6-mile length to one of the most spectacular views on the whole of the Blue Ridge Parkway.

This hike may not take you very long, but reviews of its difficulty range from “moderate” to “substantial,” so be forewarned. Better yet, take some hiking poles. But once you reach that peak, it’ll all be worth it: three-hundred-and-sixty-degree views of the mountains, especially resplendent in Fall and mid-June (rhododendron season).

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5: Frying Pan Mountain Lookout Tower

You know I couldn’t stop at just one hike. Why would I, when it's one of the very best things to do in Asheville?

Located about forty-five minutes south of downtown off the Parkway, a stop here makes an excellent prelude to a visit to the Looking Glass Rock Overlook, only a few mile markers further on. The hike is one-and-a-half miles roundtrip, and plenty accessible for hikers of all ages and skill levels. At its end, you’ll find an historic U.S. Forest Service lookout tower, and while the top cabin is locked, you can still make your way up the steps to one of the best views of the mountains for miles around.

As for all of these high-altitude hikes, be sure to dress for cooler weather. But as an added bonus, since this hike is located south on the Parkway, you'll be passing by the Pisgah Inn, a great place to stop in for coffee, pastries, or to find a keepsake from your time exploring the mountains. 

Locations Mentioned

Looking Glass Rock Overlook

Blue Rdg Pkwy, Canton, NC 28716

Flat Iron Hotel

(828)-579-2106

20 Battery Park Ave, Asheville, NC 28801

Craggy Pinnacle

(828)-348-3400

3641 Blue Rdg Pkwy, Barnardsville, NC 28709

Frying Pan Mountain Trailhead

408 Blue Rdg Pkwy, Canton, NC 28716