Hiking Around Asheville, NC
Including the Blue Ridge Mountains
May 8 - May 13, 2027
Hiking Around Asheville, NC
May 8 - May 13, 2027Highlights
- Hike the lovely Blue Ridge Mountains
- Visit Hot Springs, voted "Best Mountain Town"
- Relax in Little Switzerland
- Time to explore personal interests
- Suggestions for additional things to do
- And More...See itinerary for details
Itinerary
Saturday, 08 May 2027: Arrive Asheville; Welcome Dinner (D)
Schedule your arrival no later than 4:00pm and take local transportation to the hotel. The tour will begin at 5:30PM in the lobby of the hotel. Our Welcome Meeting will be followed by dinner together to get acquainted and discuss our upcoming adventure. Overnight Asheville - 2 nights
Sunday, 09 May 2027: NC Arboretum Hiking; Folk Art Center (B,L)
We ease into our hiking adventure at the North Carolina Arboretum, a large public garden designed by Frederick Law Olmstead located within the botanically beautiful Southern Appalachian Mountains. The arboretum offers more than 10 miles of hiking trails of varying difficulty levels. It's a great way to "get our feet wet," so to speak and a wonderful opportunity to take in the scenery. We'll make our way to the Folk Art Center on the Blue Ridge Parkway. This is always an interesting stop as the center showcases the finest in traditional and contemporary craft of the Southern Appalachians. We return to Asheville where the remainder of the day is yours to further explore this mountain town.
Monday, 10 May 2027: Mt Mitchell & The Blue Ridge Parkway (B,L)
Today we're headed out along the Blue Ridge Parkway, one of the most scenic roads in America. Our first stop is Mount Mitchell (weather permitting) to enjoy breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, rolling ridges and green valleys. The summit of Mount Mitchell, at an elevation of 6,684 feet, is the highest point east of the Mississippi. We'll take the short but steep paved path to the observation area to look upon the eastern half of the US. Additional hiking this day will be determined by your Tour Leader. Our destination is Little Switzerland, a summer resort that originated in 1910. It was named for its sweeping panoramas of deep valleys and distant ranges resembling those of the foothills in the Swiss Alps. We will have time for lunch and exploring the town, taking another leisurely hike, or simply relaxing at the hotel. Overnight Little Switzerland - 2 nights
Tuesday, 11 May 2027: Hiking the AT @ Roan Mountain Ridge Line (B,L)
Today is the most challenging hike of our itinerary. Roan Mountain, situated on the border between North Carolina and Tennessee, is not just one mountain, but a five-mile ridge of several mountain tops and is often rocky and steep. The Appalachian Trail crosses the grassy summits and affords wonderful panoramic mountain views during this ridge line hike. It's one of most spectacular sections of the Appalachian Trail! We'll return to Little Switzerland later this afternoon and enjoy downtime at our hotel.
Wednesday, 12 May 2027: Laurel River Trail Hike; Hot Springs, NC; Farewell Dinner (B,D)
Today we're headed to Hot Springs, NC to hike along the easy but scenic Laurel Creek Trail. This former rail-bed trail follows Big Laurel Creek through a scenic gorge to its junction with the French Broad River at the old logging ghost town of Runion. It's mostly flat, making the 7-mile out-and-back distance highly do-able but we'll walk just a portion of it. After our hike, we'll stop in Hot Springs, known for the hot mineral waters and the fact the AT traverses the middle of town. Wander through shops in town which feature locally made items and pop into an old-time hardware store. We return to Asheville late this afternoon and enjoy a Farewell Dinner to reminisce, and perhaps plan future hiking adventures! Overnight Asheville - 1 night
Thursday, 13 May 2027: Return Home from Asheville (B)
Sadly, our time together has come to an end. Based on the departure time you provide WTT, your Tour Leader will organize travelers into small groups so you can ride-share to the airport if you wish.
Hiking Around Asheville, NC
May 8 - May 13, 2027Pricing
Room Share
$2,293.00Single Room
$3,085.00Non-Members
ADD $50.00Status of this Tour
Space Available
Tour Pricing Includes
- All meals and activities expressly listed in the itinerary, PLUS...
- All tipping of local guides
- WTT Tour Leader to enhance the individual & group experience
- Arranged room sharing with another solo traveler
- Travel Dollar credits (a benefit of WTT membership) toward future travel with WTT
Not Included In The Price
- Airfare or other transportation to and from the tour
- Airport transfers
- Meals and activities not specified in the itinerary
- Beverages other than coffee, tea & still water unless otherwise noted
- Any personal expenses or expenditures
- Any pre- or post- tour arrangements
- Any gratuities for WTT Tour Leader
- Trip Cancellation / Trip Interruption Insurance
Payment Dates -and- Cancellation Terms for This Tour
You have 3 days to cancel and receive a refund. Thereafter, the amount required at time of reservation is non-refundable and the following cancellation penalties will be enforced.
Monday, 9 Nov 2026: Last day $250 deposit can be converted to a credit for use on a new reservation; thereafter the deposit is forfeited.
Sunday, 7 Feb 2027: Balance Due. Cancellation after this date but before Wednesday, 24 Mar 2027 results in a cancellation penalty of 50% of your Total Tour Cost.
Wednesday, 24 Mar 2027: Cancellation on or after this date results in a cancellation penalty of 100% of your Total Tour Cost.
Using Parked Credits: If traveler cancels during the 3-day cancel without penalty period, used credits will be re-parked with the original expiration date(s). Thereafter, cancellation will result in forfeiture of the total amount of parked credits used. If applicable, additional cancellation penalties will be assessed based on date of cancellation.
To Cancel: Should you need to cancel after
your space on this tour is confirmed, you must use the Cancellation Form. Cancellation penalties are based on the date we receive your
cancellation form. No other method of communicating a cancellation will be accepted.
Insurance Reminder
Trip Cancellation / Trip Interruption Insurance is not included in the cost of the tour. It is your responsibility to determine the amount and type of coverage you require to recoup some or all of your travel investment, whether you cancel, are unable to complete the tour, or the tour cannot operate. Section 4.0 of WTT Terms & Conditions explains what will happen to your payments in the unlikely event that your tour cannot operate. You can purchase travel insurance from any provider you choose. To get an idea of rates, please go to NTA Travel Protection Plan (Enter 206063 for the "Tour Operator Location #") or TravelGuard.
Hiking Around Asheville, NC
May 8 - May 13, 2027Flights, Transfers & Lodging
Arrival & Departure Information
Travelers will make their own air arrangements as follows:
Arrival Airport: AVL - Asheville, NC (Asheville Regional Airport)
Arrival Date: Saturday, May 8. Arrive no later than 4:00pm.
Arrival Transfer: Use local shuttle or taxi service. Details provided in Final Travel Instructions.
Depart Airport: AVL - Asheville, NC (Asheville Regional Airport)
Departure Date: Thursday, May 13th. Depart at your convenience.
Departure Transfer: Use local shuttle or taxi service. WTT Tour Leader will assist in coordinating ride sharing.
When to Book Your Air
It is up to you to decide how soon you want to make your travel arrangements, however we recommend waiting until you receive your final payment invoice. You will still have plenty of time to get your air (about 4 months).
Once you have booked your flights (or other transportation arrangements), use the Travel Arrangements Form to send WTT your flight details. Use the same form to update your information should it change.
Airport Transfer Information
Getting from the airport to the hotel (i.e. the arrival transfer) can be a point of concern for some travelers. Locate the "Arrival and Departure Information" -OR- "Want to Arrive a Day Early?" on this page for arrival transfer information.
When arrival transfers are not included: WTT will provide suggestions to get to the hotel in your Final Travel Instructions about 2-3 weeks before the start of the tour. You'll also be able to see who else is arriving at the same time if you want to coordinate ride-sharing to the hotel.
Don't Worry. We're Expecting You: One of the reasons we ask for your travel arrangements is so we know when you're arriving and can approximate when you should be at the hotel. Your Final Travel Instructions will have instructions on what to do and who to contact if your flight is delayed.
Lodging / Hotels
Asheville, NC: DoubleTree Hotel Asheville-Biltmore
Little Switzerland, NC: Switzerland Inn
Asheville, NC: Hilton Asheville Biltmore Park
Whenever possible, we choose hotels that are near the city center and/or where there are things to do and places to eat within walking distance of the hotel. When the chosen hotel is not within walking distance of much, transportation options, at the traveler's expense, are typically available.
In the unlikely event WTT is unable to provide the hotel accommodation(s) listed, for whatever reason, WTT will substitute similar quality accommodation(s) at no additional cost to the traveler.
Want to Arrive a Day Early?
Worried about possible flight delays? Consider arriving one day before the official tour start date. Many of our travelers choose this optional service. Your pre-tour package includes:
- The room (standard check-in times apply)
- Breakfast the following morning
- Optional activity suggestions prior to tour
- $115.00 Roomshare pp $230.00 Single Occupancy
The pre-tour package is an optional service. Rates are established at time of tour posting. Early check-in is solely at the discretion of the hotel and cannot be arranged in advance.
Early Arrival Hotel: This tour uses the same hotel used on the first night of the tour.
Hiking Around Asheville, NC
May 8 - May 13, 2027Destination Information
What do others say about this tour and traveling with WTT?
How Does Room Sharing Work?
On the Reservation Form there are 3 choices regarding room-sharing.
Note: Certain room-types may be unavailable at the time you make your reservation. If a room-type is unavailable the choice will be greyed out.
- Select "Yes, I want to share a room" and WTT will assign you a roommate when Final Travel Instructions are sent.
- You can specify a roommate by entering her name where indicated. If your named roommate is not on the tour, for any reason, WTT will assign you a roommate unless you pay to have your own room, if available.
- Select "No, I do not wish to share a room" if you want to have your own room. Additional costs apply.
- All shared rooms have 2 beds
- All shared rooms are non-smoking
- No special requests about your roommate can be accommodated
- See "Frequently Asked Questions" TAB for more details
How Active is this Tour?
- 15% Easy
- 70% Moderate (hiking up to 4 miles and several hours over uneven terrain)
- 15% Strenuous (some difficult terrain, hiking every day)
Walking is a key component of all WTT tours, and especially this tour. Every day includes hikes of various distances and terrain, most of which are rated moderate. However, the activities on this tour, as compared to a standard WTT tour, are considered moderate to strenuous. On certain hikes, you will need to clamber over rocks and roots and walk up and down steep inclines. If you are not accustomed to being physically active, daily hiking will result in soreness and exhaustion. We cannot guarantee favorable weather, however WTT has found that with proper attire travelers will be comfortable in most conditions. Please pay close attention to the packing list!
Your Responsibilities as a Solo Traveler
As a solo traveler you are responsible for yourself, your possessions, your physical fitness, and all other aspects related to participation in the WTT tour you have chosen. Be sure to read the itinerary closely to better understand the physical requirements necessary for the tour.
WTT tours are not suitable for anyone whose mobility is challenged or compromised. If you struggle with walking, standing or negotiating stairs or if you are in doubt as to your ability to meet the physical activity requirements, you should not sign up for this trip.
What is the Group Size?
You will be introduced to the WTT Tour Leader when you receive your Final Travel Instructions, about 2-3 weeks before the tour begins.
Learn about your fellow travelers after final payment by visiting MyWTT. Room sharing assignments will be listed in the Final Travel Instructions.
What meals are included and how are dietary restrictions accommodated?
Each day of the itinerary lists the included meals for that day (B,L,D,O). When a meal is not included, the WTT Tour Leader will have suggestions for where to eat.
You do not have to dine alone unless it is your personal choice. You'll most likely be dining with new acquaintances you've made, or you can join the Tour Leader.
Dietary Restrictions: Vegetarian and gluten-free dietary restrictions can be accommodated on this tour with limited selections.
What clothing and items should I pack for this trip?
In general this time of year, temperatures in Asheville are likely to be in the upper 60s to low 70s, dropping to the low 50s at night. Rain is always a possibility. We suggest you monitor weather apps leading up to the time you depart for the most current information.
For This Trip You Will Need—
- Comfortable hiking shoes or boots
- Rain coat and rain pants
- Comfortable daypack to hold water bottle and personal belongings
- Fleece jacket for for cool mornings and evenings and elevation changes
- Athletic clothing that allows you to move freely. Best to layer your clothing with quick-dry synthetic materials or wool. Jeans are not optimal hiking wear.
- Swimsuit - Hotels have pools and Switzerland Inn features a hot tub.
- Insect repellent, sunscreen, hat
- Trekking poles if you are accustomed to using
- Lightweight gloves and a hat — Depending on the time of year, it can be chilly at the summits of mountains
Good Packing Habits—
- Bring what you need to get a good night's sleep, such as ear plugs, white noise generator, sleeping aids, etc. Unfamiliar noises of all types can disrupt your rest.
- Pack a limited amount of comfortable, casual clothing that layer and coordinate. Your fellow travelers will not mind or even notice – seeing you in the same clothing.
- Limit the amount of shoes packed: one pair of well-broken-in walking shoes, and a second pair that could do double-duty as a walking shoe or a slightly dressy shoe.
- Pare down your beauty regimen to the bare minimum and always pack travel-sized toiletries.
- Pack medication in your carry-on and pack only as much as needed for the duration of your tour plus a few extra days as a precaution.
What are the luggage restrictions for this tour?
We will use the WTT Coach. Luggage restrictions are driven by the physical space limitations of this vehicle and the requirement that all travelers be able to manage their own belongings without assistance.
- It is best to travel as lightly as possible. Most travelers regret when they have packed too much.
- You may bring one suitcase plus small shoulder bag/day pack/purse.
- Maximum suitcase size: 22-23 inches in height. This is the size of bag that fits into the overhead bins of aircraft. Suitcases larger than this will not fit properly in the WTT coach; don't bring them.
- The weight of your bag should not exceed 30 pounds as you will need to lift it into the coach luggage compartment.
- You are responsible for managing your own belongings. We expect you to take your belongings from the coach to your room and to bring it back to the coach and load it on days we change hotels. We do not provide luggage pulls; they are not safe and are inconvenient. The possibility of steps exist at most hotel entrances.
How much money should I bring on this tour?
What are the tipping guidelines for this tour?
- You are responsible for tipping waitstaff, porters, or other individuals who provide a service to you at the hotel, or other public locations.
- You may want to tip your WTT Tour Leader for an outstanding job. The amount is entirely a personal preference. If you'd like a guideline, consider $8-$10 per day.
Can I transfer my deposit to another tour?
To get off this tour and register for another tour, you must follow these steps - in the order shown:
2) WAIT before submitting your new reservation! You must receive the Cancellation Confirmation email before submitting your new reservation. This can take up to 2 business days. The Cancellation Confirmation email will list the amount of parked credits from this tour that are now available to use on a new reservation.
3) COMPLETE the new Reservation Form and USE the parked credits towards your deposit on the new tour.
Note: If you used Parked Credits to pay the deposit on this tour, these credits cannot be used a second time and are not eligible to be transferred.
What happens if I need to cancel this tour?
Hiking Around Asheville, NC
May 8 - May 13, 2027SPACE RESERVATION REQUEST
If becoming a member and signing up for a tour at the same time, you only need to fill out this form.
Our Promise to You
It doesn’t matter which tour you choose.
You’ll find your people and make memories that last a lifetime.