There’s something magical about witnessing sunrise and sunset. Whether you prefer to see the first signs of daylight or close out the evening under a starry sky, there’s no better place to experience these wonders than the Blue Ridge Mountains. In this blog, we’ll share some of our favorite sunrise and sunset spots near Asheville that you simply cannot miss. Read on, take notes, and be sure to bring your camera for this magical expedition!
Treat Yourself to an Unforgettable Experience at These Sunrise and Sunset Spots Near Asheville
Blue Ridge Parkway
One of the most famous attractions in our area is the Blue Ridge Parkway, which offers gorgeous spots to admire the sunrise. Imagine this: you wake up early at the Orchard Inn, get dressed, and pour some hot coffee into a thermos. Then, you hop in the car and take a drive on one of the most famous routes in the country. There are several viewpoints where you can park and marvel at the purple and orange clouds rising above the trees. Another great perk to catching the sunrise is that you can head back to our inn for a delicious breakfast afterward!
Craggy Pinnacle
There’s no better way to start the day than with a sunrise hike, and Craggy Pinnacle offers one of the best early–morning hikes near Asheville. This majestic peak is only 19 miles from downtown and features a beautiful 1.4-mile loop trail with gorgeous views of the Blue Ridge Parkway and a fun adventure through the woods.
The Biltmore Estate
The Biltmore Estate is a must-visit attraction in Western North Carolina. Tour the house, shop for unique gifts, and eat delicious food while you’re there. You should also make time to explore the magnificent gardens. Enhance your experience even further by staying to watch an awe-inspiring sunset over such a regal setting.
Max Patch
Max Patch is one of our favorite places to hike in Western North Carolina. This grassy bald (known as such due to its inability to support alpine growth) affords 360-degree views of the Smoky Mountains as well as an intersection with the Appalachian Trail. It’s the perfect spot for either a sunrise or a sunset that you won’t soon forget.
Mount Mitchell
Cross off two bucket list items: hike the tallest peak east of the Mississippi and see one of the most beautiful sunrises of your entire life when you climb Mount Mitchell. Not only is it a beautiful scene, but you’ll also avoid most of the usual crowds that this popular hiking destination tends to attract.
Lake Lure
A visit to Western North Carolina isn’t complete without at least a day trip to Lake Lure. This human-made lake sits beneath the famous Chimney Rock at the foot of Hickory Nut Gorge. Watch as the sun rises over the mountain and casts its phenomenal glow over the fog-shrouded lake in the morning. Then, spend your morning perusing local shops and cafes.
Black Balsam Knob
Black Balsam Knob is known for having one of the most spectacular mountain views in all of Western North Carolina! In the springtime, you will find yourself surrounded by wildflowers that reach toward the sky as the sun rises over your delightful morning hike. Trust us, you’re in for quite a treat.
Newman’s Restaurant at Orchard Inn
Okay, so we’ve figured out the best sunrise spot. What about sunset? At the end of a long day, take an easy walk from your inn room or cottage to our onsite restaurant: Newman’s. You’ll experience beautiful 360-degree-views from our windows and patio. Enjoy a delicious, upscale, farm-to-table dinner and watch the sunset over the horizon.
Stay at One of the Best B&Bs Near Asheville
As you can see, it doesn’t matter if you are an early bird or a night owl. The Orchard Inn is the best place to stay if you’re looking for sunrise or sunset spots near Asheville! Our B&B is just minutes away in Saluda, NC, and offers peace and quiet along with stunning views. Enjoy the soothing sounds of nature from one of our comfortable accommodations and allow yourself to truly relax. You can enjoy the sunrise and come back in time for breakfast, or if you choose the sunset option, indulge in dinner and a bottle of wine upon your return. Want to make your experience even better? Try doing both!
We look forward to hosting you soon at the Orchard Inn.
