Privately Guided Full Day Hike

If you’re looking for a way to truly connect with nature during your visit to Asheville, this Privately Guided Full Day Hike offers something special. Tailored to your interests and fitness level, it’s perfect for travelers who want an authentic outdoor experience with expert guidance. From stunning mountain views to peaceful meditation in the woods, this tour promises a memorable day in the Blue Ridge.

What we love about this experience is how flexible and personalized it is—your guide will craft the day around what you want to see and do, making it ideal for both seasoned hikers and those just starting out. Plus, the inclusion of a delicious picnic lunch means you won’t need to worry about bringing snacks or meals. On the flip side, keep in mind that transportation isn’t included, so planning your arrival and departure is essential.

This tour suits nature lovers, families with children, or anyone eager to escape the crowds and enjoy a private, peaceful hike. If you value knowledgeable guides who make the environment come alive, this experience is a solid choice.

Key Points

• Fully customizable day in the Blue Ridge Mountains near Asheville
• Guided by local experts who tailor the hike to your ability and interests
• Includes a picnic lunch and optional trekking poles at no extra cost
• Private tour ensures a personalized and flexible experience
• Focuses on natural beauty, with stops like Pisgah National Forest and Blue Ridge Parkway
• Ideal for all ages and fitness levels, most travelers can participate

Discovering Asheville’s Mountain Trails

This full-day private hike is designed to showcase the very best of the Blue Ridge’s natural environment, while respecting your pace and preferences. It’s a more intimate alternative to group tours—meaning fewer distractions and more room for questions, conversations, and spontaneous detours into a particularly scenic spot.

The experience kicks off at the Blue Ridge Hiking Company meeting point at 70 College Street, Asheville. From there, your guide will take you on a journey through some of the most beautiful parks, forests, and mountain overlooks in the region.

What the Itinerary Looks Like

The core of this tour is a visit to Pisgah National Forest, a well-loved area that offers peaceful woods, cascading waterfalls, and striking vistas. Here, you’ll enjoy an easy hike to a secluded spot, perfect for a moment of calm and reflection. Many guides include a meditation session at this peaceful location, which adds a touch of serenity to your adventure. The walk is short enough to be accessible but still offers plenty of natural beauty.

A highlight for many is the drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway, often called “America’s favorite drive,” with its sweeping mountain views, tunnels, and scenic overlooks. While the tour focuses on hiking, this drive is an integral part of experiencing the region’s breathtaking scenery.

Customization and Comfort

Because this is a private tour, your guide will customize the route to match your interests. Whether you prefer a longer, more challenging hike or a gentle walk with plenty of stops for photos, the guide will adapt accordingly. You can also request trekking poles, which can help on uneven terrain or if you’re carrying extra weight from the picnic or gear.

The tour offers flexibility in length—most participants choose between 6 and 8 hours—so you can opt for a brisk exploration or a more leisurely day in nature.

What’s Included and What’s Not

Your guide supplies a picnic lunch, so you won’t need to pack a meal unless you have specific dietary restrictions—just notify the company in advance. Trekking poles are available at no cost, making hiking more comfortable and accessible.

Transport to and from the meeting point is not included, but the tour is convenient to reach from Asheville’s hotels and accommodations. If needed, additional transportation can be arranged for an extra fee, which is good to know if you’re staying a bit outside the city.

Accessibility and Practical Details

This experience is suitable for most travelers—from seasoned hikers to novices—since the route is tailored to your ability. Service animals are permitted, and the tour is close to public transport options, making logistics easier.

With a typical booking window of about 14 days in advance, planning ahead is wise, especially during peak season. The tour is very well reviewed, with a consistent 5-star rating, reflecting happy customers appreciating the guides’ professionalism and local knowledge.

Why People Love This Hike

Many reviews highlight the expertise and friendliness of the guides. One reviewer lauded a guide named Bev for her organization, professionalism, and contagious enthusiasm, making the day both fun and educational. Others appreciate the stunning views, describing the Blue Ridge horizon as humbling and awe-inspiring, sometimes bringing travelers to tears.

The opportunity to combine gentle meditation, scenic drives, and personalized hikes makes this experience stand out. It’s evident that the guides prioritize your safety, comfort, and enjoyment—often going above and beyond, like packing tasty snacks or sharing local insights about flora and fauna.

Beyond the Highlights: What to Expect

In terms of scenery, you’ll encounter everything from lush forests to wildflower-strewn trails, with stops at some of the region’s most iconic landscapes. The Picnic Lunch is a thoughtful touch—many reviews mention how delicious and well-packed the meals are, which can be a real treat after several hours of walking.

If you’re concerned about cost, consider what’s included: personalized attention, tailored routes, and a full day in the mountains. For $220 per person, this is a good value for those seeking an authentic, stress-free outdoor experience with a knowledgeable guide.

The Downside? A Few Considerations

While the tour itself is quite flexible, transportation to and from the meeting point is not included, so you’ll need to plan accordingly. Weather can also affect the experience—bad weather leads to cancellations or rescheduling, but the company’s policy offers full refunds or alternative dates, providing peace of mind.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This private hike is a great match for families, couples, or solo travelers eager for a personalized experience. It’s perfect if you’re looking to avoid crowded trails and want a guide who can introduce you to the region’s natural beauty at your pace. Those with an interest in meditation or mindfulness may also find the guided meditation stops especially appealing.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, seeking a peaceful retreat, or just want an outdoor adventure with a local touch, this tour offers a flexible and authentic way to explore Asheville’s mountains.

Final Thoughts

This Privately Guided Full Day Hike is a fantastic way to experience the Blue Ridge Mountains in a way that’s both personal and deeply connected to the landscape. The combination of knowledgeable guides, stunning vistas, and customizable routes means you’ll get a tailored experience that suits your interests.

The inclusion of a picnic lunch and optional hiking poles enhances the value—making this a well-rounded outdoor adventure for all ages and fitness levels. And with consistently glowing reviews, you can trust that the guides’ local expertise will make your day memorable.

If you’re someone who appreciates authentic nature experiences with a personal touch, this tour is well worth considering. It’s a chance to slow down, breathe deeply, and enjoy the natural beauty of Asheville’s iconic mountains.

FAQs

Is transportation to the tour start point included?
No, transportation is not included. You should plan to get to the meeting location at Blue Ridge Hiking Company on your own, but additional transportation can be arranged for an extra fee.

How long does the hike last?
Most participants book for about 6 to 8 hours, giving plenty of time for exploration, breaks, and a picnic lunch.

Can I customize the route or difficulty?
Yes, since it’s a private hike, your guide will tailor the route and pace to your ability and preferences.

Are trekking poles provided?
They can be requested at no extra charge, helping to provide stability and comfort on uneven terrain.

What’s included in the price?
The tour includes a guided hike, a picnic lunch, and trekking poles if requested. Gratuities and transportation are not included.

Is this suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, including families with children, especially since the hike is flexible and tailored to your ability.

What happens in case of bad weather?
If weather conditions are poor, the tour may be canceled or rescheduled. You’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

How far in advance should I book?
Most bookings are made about two weeks in advance, so plan ahead to secure your preferred date.

By choosing this private full-day guided hike, you’re setting yourself up for an authentic, scenic, and personalized adventure into the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It’s a perfect way to experience Asheville’s natural splendor with the comfort of expert guidance.