The Best Things To Do In Asheville In Winter In 2025 (With Map)

Want to know the best things to do in Asheville in Winter? You’re in the right place!

Whether you’re going for a getaway or if you’re a local, here are some things you can do during the wintertime in Asheville that range from outdoor hikes to cozy indoor activities when you’re ready to warm up!

Why listen to me about things to do in Asheville, NC? Because I used to live there! My first job was at the Biltmore Estate – specifically, in the Bake Shop and Ice Cream Shop – where I talked to tourists and locals regularly, as well as exploring it extensively.

Asheville is an artsy city with a very chill character (and I don’t just mean “chill” as in the winter weather, ha). Their motto is “Keep Asheville Weird” and it’s also called the San Francisco of the East Coast.

So, let’s get on to the best things to do in Asheville in Winter!

Map of the Best Things To Do In Asheville In Winter

Things To Do In Asheville In Winter: Asheville Winter Temperatures

If you’re wondering about the average temps per month in Asheville, NC in the Winter, here they are:

❄️ December: High 50°F / Low 31°F Precipitation: 7 days
❄️ January: High 47°F / Low 28°F Precipitation: 7 days
❄️ February: High 51°F / Low 31°F Precipitation: 7 days

It does snow in Asheville, usually between the end of November and mid-March, with January seeing the most snow. January gets 3.5 inches of snow on average. 11 inches is the most snow Asheville gets – you aren’t likely to see much snow, but in the mountains you will see some snow and ice.

Best things to do in Asheville in Winter: Outdoor Activities

Asheville is an outdoor-lovers dream! It has the highest mountain peaks on the US East Coast, and it’s home to a lot of outdoor adventurers, so you’re sure to find something you’ll love to do. Here are the best outdoor Winter activities to find in Asheville for adventurers and nature-lovers alike, whether you’re looking to be active or slower-paced:

1. Best Things To Do In Asheville In Winter: Go Ice Climbing

There’s only about a 2-3 week window typically to ice climb in Asheville, so you’ll have to check when to go for this unique winter activity!

It is dangerous, so be aware of the risks before you go.

2. Go Skiing, Snowboarding or Snow-tubing

Obviously, Winter in the mountains means skiing, sledding, snowboarding and tubing! Here are some places in and near Asheville where you can do just that:

⛷️ Beech Mountain Ski Resort (in Beech Mountain, NC, it’s the highest ski area in the Eastern US – they also have events!)
⛷️ Cataloochee Ski Area in Maggie Valley
Sapphire Valley Ski Resort
⛷️ Wolf Ridge Ski Resort (closest to Asheville)
⛷️ Sugar Mountain (near Boone, NC and App State – they also have ice skating and snowshoeing!)
⛷️ Appalachian Ski Mountain in Blowing Rock

3. Drive and/or hike the Blue Ridge Parkway

The Blue Ridge Parkway is a designated National Heritage Area because of its importance. You can hike or drive to discover amazing views of the Smoky Mountains and to experience natural sites, including waterfalls and whitewater rivers.

Make sure to stop at the scenic overlooks and take amazing photos!

👉 Hiking tours of the Blue Ridge Parkway with waterfalls:

🥾 Learn More About this Waterfalls and Blue Ridge Parkway Hiking Tour with Expert Naturalist Here

👉 Drive yourself: Use this interactive map and more!

🚗 Rent a Car in Asheville with Discover Cars Here

👉 Driving and hiking tour:

Go with a naturalist who is also driving, so you don’t have to worry about keeping your eyes on the road – plus, stop for hikes and scenic lookouts!

🚙 Check Out this Scenic Driving Tour of the Blue Ridge Mountains Here

4. Go Mountain Biking and E-Biking

You can rent mountain bikes and eBikes from the Adventure Center of Asheville, which has a bike course you can use or you can take the bikes on your own adventures, like on the Blue Ridge Parkway, for instance! The Center also has bike trail information to help you find a great spot for biking.

5. Things To Do In Asheville In Winter: Go on a Winter Hike

Find a hike or mountain biking trail using the Asheville Hike Finder! Here are the top places to hike in Asheville.

6. Things To Do In Asheville In Winter: Hike Mount Pisgah

One of the easiest and best places to hike is Mount Pisgah, which is a 2.6 miles round-trip and takes 1-2 hours. You’ll get an excellent view at the top for a relatively short hike!

❄️ Tip: Pisgah Inn is closed in the Winter months.

7. Explore Pisgah National Forest

Pisgah National Forest covers over 500,000 acres of land and hundreds of miles of trails, plus mountains, waterfalls, whitewater rivers and more to discover! It even includes the Biltmore Estate.

Pisgah National Forest was the first National Forest in the US in 1911. It was also the location of the first US school of forestry, which you can learn about at the Cradle of Forestry site. Here are some places to visit in Pisgah National Forest in the Winter:

🥾 The NC Arboretum, which has landscaped gardens and trails, exhibits, events and more
🥾 Bent Creek Experimental Forest, where you can go hiking, mountain biking, camping, fishing, horseback riding and more
🥾 NC Cradle of Forestry, where you can go hiking, biking, picnicking and more
🥾 Sliding Rock, a 60-foot natural water slide with a pool of water at the bottom, so you can slide down it
🥾 Mt. Mitchell State Park, where you can go camping and do outdoor activities
🥾 Linville Gorge, also known as the Grand Canyon of the East

8. Adventure in Chimney Rock State Park

Chimney Rock Park is an amazing spot for Instagram-worthy photos at the rock itself, which has a fantastic view, and also a Winter events calendar! Here are some things you can find to do in the Winter at Chimney Rock Park:

🏔️ Ride the Elevator to the top
🥾 Find a hike for every experience level
🥾 Mindfulness Hikes
🐦 Winter Birding
📸 Winter Photo Contest
🎸 Live Music Performances at Old Rock Cafe
🏔️ See Pumpkin the Groundhog at the annual Groundhog Day Celebration
🏔️ Visit the animal discovery den and other family activities
🥾 Go rock climbing (weather-permitting, must be booked in advance)

9. Go on an eBike Tour of Downtown Asheville

Having lived in Asheville, I can vouch for the experience of riding around the city and seeing various parts of it. This eBike tour, for instance, takes you through the city, neighborhoods and natural areas, and you’ll get explanations of the history as well – and Asheville does have a rich and interesting history!

This tour is for a small group so you’ll get personalized attention, and it leaves in the early afternoon.

🚵‍♂️ Learn More About this Asheville Historic Downtown Guided Electric Bike Tour with Scenic Views Here

10. Go on an E-bike Brewery Crawl

If you love craft beer and eBikes, plus learning about Asheville’s history, this tour is for you!

🚵‍♂️🍻 Check Out this Electric Bike Brewery Crawl of Asheville Here

11. Go Winter White Water Rafting, Tubing, Kayaking and more

There are many places to go white water rafting and kayaking in and around Asheville, including:

🌊 French Broad River
🌊 Nantahala River
🌊 Tuckasegee River
🌊 North Toe River

Here are the best French Broad River water tours in Asheville for Winter – remember for these tours, that you’ll need proper clothing and footwear, and they may be weather-dependent, so be sure to check first with the tours!

👉 Tubing on the French Broad River:

This tubing adventures takes 2-3 hours and is with a small group. After the tour, you can get a drink and listen to live music and games on the weekend!

🛟 Learn More About this Asheville Tubing Adventure on the French Broad River Here

👉 Kayaking on the French Broad River:

This small-group kayaking tour is led by a naturalist and you’ll get explanations as you pass by local places in Asheville like the Biltmore Estate, plus answer all your nature questions. Pick up is also available from your hotel or wherever you’re staying.

🛟 Learn More About this French Broad River Kayak Tour in Asheville Here

👉 Whitewater Rafting on the French Broad River:

This 2-hour whitewater rafting trip with the Asheville Adventure Company includes four miles of Class II-III rapids with swim stops and views of Pisgah National Forest. You also get a cold local craft beer at the end, included!

🛟 Learn More About this French Broad Gorge Whitewater Rafting Trip Here

👉 Floating Bar Crawl on the French Broad River:

If you’re not looking for anything too active, and if you love craft beer and food trucks, opt for this relaxing floating bar crawl tour!

🛟 Check Out this Floating Bar Crawl Tour in Asheville Here

12. Try Winter Ziplining

There are multiple places to zipline in Asheville – you can get amazing views of the mountains from above!

🌄 The Gorge in Saluda, NC has the steepest and fastest zipline in the US.

🌄 Navitat Canopy Adventures has great zipline tours in Asheville.

🌄 Check out the Adventure Center of Asheville for ziplining, an adventure course and biking with views of downtown Asheville. Check for discounts on Asheville Winter activities from the Adventure Center.

🌄 The Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) is a day trip from Asheville that has a zipline above the Nantahala River and Gorge, plus the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

13. Things To Do In Asheville In Winter: Walk the Asheville Urban Trail

Without stops, this “museum without walls” takes about one hour. You can do a self-guided walking tour and learn about the history of Asheville (there’s a lot). The trail has its own interactive website you can follow, as well with a printable map and audio tour. Make sure to take fun photos with all the statues and sculptures!

14. Things To Do In Asheville In Winter: Enjoy the Wildlife

Go Bird and wildlife watching in the winter in all the natural areas in and around Asheville! Winter species include cardinals, purple finches, tufted titmice and waterfowl. You can look for birds at the Biltmore Estate, Blue Ridge Parkway, the NC Arboretum, and other outdoor areas.

You can also go on a birding tour, like this one with a guide – binoculars included – at the Beaver Lake Bird Sanctuary:

🐦 Get all the Details About this Birding at Beaver Lake Private Tour Here

15. Winter Stand Up Paddle Boarding (SUP)

If you’re a SUP fan, or trying for the first time, you can go in Winter (the water will be cold, of course)! Stand-Up Paddle-boarding is popular in Asheville.

Here’s a small-group, guided 2.5-hour SUP tour down the French Broad River that goes by the Biltmore Estate. You’ll learn about Asheville’s history, plus SUP techniques, and you’ll end up in the River Arts District where you can shop, eat and drink afterward:

🏄‍♀️ Learn More About this 4-Mile Guided Paddleboard Tour on The French Broad River in Asheville Here

16. Take a Segway Tour of Asheville

If you’re not into walking around so much, go on this guided segway tour instead! This is perfect for first-time visitors and for the beginning of your visit so you can get a lay of the land while learning the history:

🌄 Learn More About this 2-Hour Guided Segway Tour of Asheville Here

17. Go on a Walking Ghost Tour at Night

Asheville is infamous for its plethora of ghost stories… at least, that’s what I remember from when I lived there! When the sun goes down, why not go on a ghost tour to learn all the scary stories, including the one about the woman who haunts the Grove Park Inn?

👻 Book an Asheville Night-Time Walking Ghost Tour Here

18. Go Fly Fishing for Trout

I remember trying fly-fishing while living in Asheville… I wasn’t very good, but I had fun! Whether you’re a fishing-type of person or not (I’m not), fly fishing isn’t like regular fishing – it’s definitely more interesting, at least in my opinion! I remember the fun of standing in the rocky stream and pitching the fishing rod out to try to catch something, while enjoying the great outdoors.

👉🎣 Southern Appalachian Anglers has fishing guides.

19. Challenge yourself at Asheville’s Golf Courses

Winter is a great time to go golfing in Asheville. Another reason to golf in Asheville is for the challenging courses, because of the mountainous location.

Here are the area golf courses to check out:

🏌 Omni Grove Park Inn Golf Course (designed by Donald Ross)
🏌 Crowne Plaza Resort Golf Course
🏌 Asheville Municipal Golf Course (designed by Donald Ross)
🏌 Rumbling Bald Golf Course
🏌 Etowah Valley Golf Course
🏌 Maggie Valley Golf Course

20. Go horseback riding

Horseback riding, if you’re into it, is a great activity for anytime of year – just dress warmly if it’s cold out!

🏇 Check Out this Amazing Guided Horseback Riding Adventure on the Flame Azalea Trail Here

21. Visit Black Mountain

Black Mountain is the cutest storybook mountain town located just 15 minutes from Asheville! You can do a day trip or partial-day trip and explore the small town’s shops, restaurants, galleries, views, outdoor activities and more.

Best things to do in Asheville in Winter: Indoor Activities

So, once you’ve gotten cold enough from all the outdoor activities and you’re ready to head indoors – or, if the weather is bad enough – here are tons of amazing Asheville indoor activities to make any Winter trip well worth your time!

22. Go Shopping & Dining In Downtown Asheville

This is on the urban trail, but be sure whether or not you do the trail to stop here and stroll around the sidewalk and window-shop, plus see the dome-topped Basilica of Saint Lawrence. There are restaurants here where you can grab all kinds of food, as well as craft breweries. It’s super eclectic and artsy, and you’ll love it!

You can also get a guided tour, in a vehicle to stay warm, of the murals and street art in downtown, the River Arts District and West Asheville:

❄️ Find all the Street Art on this Mountain Mural Tour by Clicking Here

23. Stroll around historic Biltmore Village

Biltmore Village, right outside of the Biltmore House entrance, is a favorite location (my family loves to meet here for get-togethers). It was designed and developed by Richard Morris Hunt and George Vanderbilt. There are many local art galleries, shops and restaurants here.

❄️ Learn More About this Downtown Asheville & Biltmore Village Private Full-Day Tour Here

24. Experience the Christmas decorations at The Biltmore Estate

The best time to see the Christmas decorations at the Biltmore Estate is actually in early January. It will be MUCH less crowded then, as they’re getting ready to take the decorations down – but haven’t yet.

My advice is to go during the day when the weather is nice. Enjoy the house with its decor on a tour and eat from the bake/ice cream shops and restaurants outside. You can also venture up to the horse stables, where they have a blacksmith you can watch among other things. There’s also a winery.

Also, get your tickets in advance in case they sell out (normally they do). The house also has two hotels if you need a place to stay (one is a convenience hotel, the other is luxury).

25. Warm up at the Omni Grove Park Inn

You don’t have to stay at the Omni Grove Park Inn to experience it! This beautiful and historic hotel is a must-see when in Asheville, and especially during wintertime when there are things going on!

The Grove Park Inn is a historic, gigantic luxury inn and spa with the biggest fireplace you’ve ever seen. You can stroll along, or sit in rocking chairs, in the corridors that have amazing mountain views as well as numerous Christmas trees decorated in unique ways. There is also a giant tree in one location, plus displays with information about the history of the hotel and its famous visitors throughout the years.

Definitely, definitely go sit by the humongous fireplace and drink a hot chocolate, for me! And try to find the miniature Grove Park Inn inside with its Christmas decor!

👉🎄 Gingerbread House Competition

My family usually goes to the annual Gingerbread House Competition around Thanksgiving when we travel to see family, as we either meet in Asheville or go through the city. We always stop in because it’s completely free and the Gingerbread Houses are pretty spectacular!

👉 🎶 Winter Concert Series

The Grove Park Inn hosts weekend Winter Concert Series! Check out the information on dates and performances here.

👉 🧖‍♀️ Spa

You can walk through the amazing underground spa, which has waterfalls and caverns, plus book spa treatments if you wish! There’s even a hiking trail, and then you can hit the hot tub afterwards to warm up!

👉 🥃 Eat & Drink

The Grove Park Inn has multiple restaurants with fantastic food, plus bars including a dueling piano bar and wine bar, cocktail terrace and even wild food foraging experiences.

26. Check out Grovewood Village

Grovewood Village is right by the Grove Park Inn, and has art galleries and studios, a restaurant, an antique car museum and the Biltmore Industries Homespun Museum – currently the museums are closed until April 1, but check the website if you’re interested!

27. Visit the Southern Highland Craft Guild Folk Art Center

The Southern Highland Craft Guild Folk Art Center is a huge space with exhibits and more of local artists.

28. Visit Asheville’s Amazing Breweries

Did you know that Asheville is the brewery capital of the US? It has the most breweries per capita in any city, so visiting the local breweries is a must if you enjoy beer! If you don’t want to do the above-mentioned tours on a bike or floating on the river, you can also do this walking tour of downtown breweries if you want to experience this with a group and get explanations!

🍻 Check Out this Downtown Asheville Guided Brewery Walking Tour Here

29. Things To Do In Asheville In Winter: Go on a Coffee Tour

It’s winter, so why not go for some hot (or iced – because who doesn’t love iced coffee when it’s cold outside?) local coffee and tea? There’s also a honey tasting involved.

You’ll get to visit the downtown art district, The Grove Arcade which is one of the oldest buildings in Asheville with photo-worthy architecture, and Asheville’s Pack Square.

☕ Learn More About this Asheville Coffee Tour Here

30. Things To Do In Asheville In Winter: Go on a Haunted Pub Crawl

I already mentioned Asheville’s haunted rep, and listed a ghost tour – but why not make it a haunted pub crawl? Then, you can experience Asheville’s breweries while getting told ghost tales – the best of both worlds, I would say!

👻🍻Join this Asheville Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl by US Ghost Adventures Here

31. Tour the Thomas Wolfe Memorial

“You can’t go home again” is the famous quote from Asheville author Thomas Wolfe (1900-1938). Wolfe’s book titled “Look Homeward, Angel” talked about the people and places in his hometown (Asheville) at the time, and when he returned home, people did not like him so much since he’d written about them.

You can tour his childhood home, and there’s even a walking tour guide you can do in Asheville.

32. Best Things To Do In Asheville In Winter: Go to the Asheville Salt Cave

The Asheville Salt Cave is the oldest salt mine in the world, and today it’s a hammam spa! There’s nidra yoga, family sessions and more to discover.

33. Experience Asheville’s Music Scene

Here are some indoor spots to enjoy Asheville’s music scene in the Winter:

The Orange Peel – a historic live music venue since the 1960s
Grey Eagle
The Thomas Wolfe Auditorium – see the Asheville Symphony
Wortham Center for the Performing Arts
Highland Brewing
Westville Pub
Barley’s
Pisgah Brewing
AVL Beauty Academy – dance club
Jack of the Wood – Bluegrass music
Ben’s Tune Up
5 Walnut Wine Bar

🎸🎶 Get the Details About this Historic Music Scene Walking Tour in Asheville Here

34. Best Things To Do In Asheville In Winter: Go to the Winter Fringe Arts Festival

The Fringe Festival happens annually and lets artists display and perform all kinds of work throughout the city.

Where to Stay in Asheville, NC On Any Budget

✅ Budget Option: 27 Blake Street

27 Blake Street is a hidden gem B&B that has period antiques and outdoor landscaping and sculptures. It’s located in the Montford neighborhood, which was the first suburb in the US and just a short walk from downtown Asheville. They have amazing reviews, easy parking and more amenities.

🛏️ Learn More About 27 Blake Street Hotel Here

👉 If you’re looking for hostels, I use HostelWorld to find the best hostels and deals!

✅ Mid-Tier Option: 1899 Wright Inn and Carriage House

The top-rated 1899 Wright Inn and Carriage House is actually perfection for a storybook Asheville stay. It’s also located in the Historic Montford neighborhood and is a stunning example of Queen Victorian architecture with antique interiors, an evening social hour, board games, couple massages, bike rentals and more. It’s also located conveniently close to downtown.

🛏️ Learn More About the 1899 Wright Inn and Carriage House Here

✅ Luxury Option: The Omni Grove Park Inn

I already talked about how much I love The Omni Grove Park Inn, but can one ever say enough about his historic icon? You won’t find something this unique elsewhere, from the majestic views to the spa, golf course, restaurants and bars, gigantic fireplace, hiking, amenities and so much more.

🛏️ Check Prices at The Omni Grove Park Inn Here

Where to find cheap flights for Asheville

👉 For flights, WayAway is a flight aggregator that helps you find the cheapest flights. Use the code MUKI-TRAVELS for 10% off WayAway Plus.

What You’ll Need For Asheville, NC Travel

👉 To rent a car in Asheville, Discover Cars is a great tool to use.

👉 Find more tips on things like travel insurance, what to pack, and more on my travel resources page.

All in All: 34 Best Things To Do In Asheville In Winter

I hope this guide helps you plan the best trip in Asheville! The city is a perfect place for a short or long Winter getaway because there’s so much to do.

👉 Find more tips on things like travel insurance, what to pack, and more on my travel resources page.
👉 For more North Carolina places to visit, check out this Charlotte guide and this Raleigh guide!
👉 47 Best Photo Spots In Boone and Blowing Rock, NC (With Map)
👉 Also check out this post on the best photo spots in Nashville, TN.
👉 For more US destinations to discover and photograph, check out all my USA travel guides here.