Living here in Western North Carolina, we’re surrounded by endless outdoor beauty – yet somehow, we still find new places and experiences every single year.
When we discovered the Asheville Jeep Tours, located in Pisgah Forest, I knew it would be the perfect mix of adventure, fresh mountain air, and memory-making for my family. Oh, but then the real idea kicked in…
The Asheville Jeep Tour was more than perfect – even as locals!
Whether you’re a local family like us or traveling to the Asheville area for vacation, this guided jeep tour is one of the best ways to explore the mountains without the stress of planning, driving, or guessing which trails are kid-friendly.
Here’s a look at our experience – why I recommend it so highly, and what to know before you go.
Our Honest Review of the Asheville Jeep Tour Experience
You already know (if your read the intro) that we loved the jeep ride. But why and is it for you? Let me try to answer that with a little more of a breakdown below:
The Perfect Adventure for a Big Group
We had a total of 9 riders (with room for more). 5 kids and 4 adults, all bundled up and excited for an evening in Pisgah National Forest.
One of my favorite things about this company is how easily they can accommodate groups of all sizes – oh, and how cool the staff is!
The itinerary is completely customizable, which is a huge perk. If you want…
- more hiking or less hiking
- more waterfalls or just one quick stop
- slower paced sightseeing or a little more adventure
- lots of photo opportunities
- or a more relaxing scenic tour
…they tailor everything to your group’s needs.
It’s rare to find an outdoor experience that fits such a variety of ages, abilities, and interests – but this tour did it beautifully.
No Mountain Driving Stress (A Major Win!)
I love the mountains, but let’s be honest – Pisgah’s backroads can be steep, narrow, and unpredictable. Even for locals, navigating old logging roads and winding forest routes can be stressful.
One of the big draws of this Jeep tour is that you get to experience all the beauty without the pressure of driving it yourself. No worrying about keeping your eyes on the road. Not worrying about which trailhead to choose. And no stressing when your maps loses service!
👉 If you get motion sickness, check out the 20 Best Remedies for Motion Sickness.
We sat back, relaxed, chatted, and soaked in the views while our guide, Brian, handled every twist, turn, and gravel road with confidence.
Our 3-Hour Tour | A Perfect Blend of Hiking & Sightseeing
Our first stop was a short, family-friendly hike – about one mile out and back – to a beautiful waterfall tucked away in Pisgah National Forest. Since we hadn’t been on that trail before, it was giving us that “hidden adventure” feeling – which we all loved!
After taking pictures and exploring the base of the waterfall, the guide offered to lead a short, but steep, hike to the top of the waterfall.
Scenic Mountain Overlooks on the Blue Ridge Parkway
After the hike, we headed up to the Blue Ridge Parkway for some of the best mountain views in Western North Carolina. The overlook views, as always, were breathtaking – layers and layers of blue mountains covered in fall leaves.
We took lots of photos, including a big group shot of the birthday girl and her friends with the mountains as a backdrop. What a way to celebrate 13!
What to Know Before You Go
Dress in layers 🧥❄️
Mountain weather changes quickly, especially in Pisgah. Layers keep everyone comfortable during both the Jeep ride and the hike.
The Jeep can be enclosed 🛻🧣
If it’s chilly, the sides and back zip closed. They also provide cozy blankets!
Wear sturdy shoes 👟
Depending on the experience you choose, you may be crossing rocks and walking on uneven ground.
They Provide water and snacks – but we packed our own🥤🍎
Your guide will have light snacks, but it’s always good to pack your favorites—especially for kids.
Make Sure Your Battery is Charged 📸
The overlooks on the Blue Ridge Parkway are stunning. Have your phone charged and camera-ready.
Expect flexibility 🌟
Tours are fully customizable. Want more waterfalls? Less hiking? More scenic stops? Just let your guide know.
Suitable for all ages 👨👩👧👦
From young kids to grandparents, the pace and activities can be adapted for everyone.
Plan for 3+ hours ⏳
Most tours last around three hours, but the exact time varies depending on your group’s interests and pace.
Tipping your guide is appreciated 💵
They put a lot of heart into creating a great experience—especially when they’re hiking with you, taking photos, and keeping your group comfortable. You don’t have to tip your guide, but we did out of gratitude for a wonderful experience.
A Huge Thank You to our Tour Guide
I have to take a moment to highlight Brian, our tour guide, because he made the adventure exceptional.
He was:
- extremely knowledgeable about the local area, the forest, and its history
- fantastic with the kids, keeping them safe but never hovering
- patient and kind, hiking at our pace without rushing
- helpful at every turn, from steadying us on slippery rocks to passing out snacks
- a built-in photographer always offering to take pictures
His calm, friendly presence made the whole group feel comfortable and cared for.
Would We Do It Again? Absolutely.
Between the scenery, not having to drive, finding new trails and waterfalls, and the incredible guide, Asheville Jeep Tour gave us a day full of memories we’ll cherish for years.
If you’re looking for a family-friendly outdoor experience in the Asheville or Brevard area – especially one that works for groups – this is one we truly recommend.
