Looking for the coolest way to spend a summer day in the Blue Ridge Mountains? Look no further than Hendersonville’s Ice Cream Trail — a whimsical journey through frozen delights that promises sweet surprises for all ages. With more than a dozen stops spread across Henderson County, this trail is a must for families, foodies, and anyone looking to cool down with something creamy and delicious.
The Sweetest Trail in North Carolina
The Hendersonville Ice Cream Trail isn’t your average food crawl. It’s a celebration of creativity, culture, and culinary craftsmanship — all served one scoop at a time. Along the trail, you’ll find everything from hand-churned classics to vibrant Mexican paletas, Irish-style thick scoops, frozen custards, and dairy-free delights. Whether you’re into old-school banana splits or wild flavor experiments, this trail has a cone with your name on it.
As Michelle Owens, Hendersonville’s tourism director, puts it:
“We recommend a lot of trails in our area of the Blue Ridge Mountains, but the Ice Cream Trail is the one you’ll want to take after completing the others. Who hasn’t earned a scoop or two after a hike or paddle?”
Home-Churned Goodness and Chef-Inspired Flavors
Several of the trail’s stars make their ice cream from scratch — and it shows in every rich, creamy bite.
At The Baker’s Box, culinary school grads Mara and George Nicholas bring gourmet flair to frozen treats. Mara’s lineup includes six rotating flavors like spicy butter pecan, blueberries and cream, and Baileys Irish Cream swirl. Served in scoops or milkshakes, it’s the only chef-driven stop on the trail — and bonus: her massive LEGO collection adds extra fun for the kids.
Down on the farm, McConnell Farms scoops up small-batch flavors made with their own produce — think peaches, figs, blackberries, and even honey and ginger. Their slower-churning process adds extra density and flavor, with combinations like fig mascarpone and blackberry chocolate chip that are simply unforgettable.
A Global Scoop Experience
The Ice Cream Trail also takes you on a trip around the world — no passport required.
At Celtic Creamery, you’ll taste authentic Irish-style ice cream modeled after McCarthy’s of Ballybunion, Ireland. With a texture that’s thick, rich, and ultra-satisfying, this spot also makes its own waffle cones and serves warm, fresh mini donuts.
Craving something tropical or spicy? Head to El Rio Ice Cream & Paleteria or La Vida Loca Ice Cream, where you’ll find over 30 flavors of creamy ice cream alongside paletas (ice pops) in fruity flavors like mango, key lime, and pineapple. La Vida Loca also serves up chamoyadas, a bold combo of salty, spicy, sweet, and tart.
Main Street Magic
In Downtown Hendersonville, the trail continues with national favorites and crowd-pleasing choices.
At sweetFrog Premium Frozen Yogurt, 21 rotating flavors and a 40+ topping bar await. With lower-fat options and plenty of no-sugar-added and dairy-free varieties, it’s a win for health-conscious treat seekers.
Across the street, Kilwin’s delivers pure indulgence with 32 luscious flavors like sea salt caramel, cappuccino chocolate chip, and toasted coconut. Don’t miss their legendary Mackinac Island fudge, made in-house and always tempting passersby.
Custards, Cones, and Cool Surprises
If frozen custard is your go-to, Whit’s Frozen Custard offers dense, ultra-creamy treats made fresh daily. With chocolate, vanilla, and two rotating flavors always on hand — plus gluten-free, vegan, and low-sugar options — it’s a trail stop that pleases everyone.
Meanwhile, Luv Ice Cream crafts warm, fresh waffle cones daily and pairs their sweet offerings with savory snacks, creating a well-rounded family-friendly destination.
Finish with a Flurry of Flavor
Some stops offer more than just ice cream — they’re full-on experiences.
Harry’s Grill & Piggy’s Ice Cream delights with nostalgic decor, rooftop statues, and famously thick milkshakes. It’s long been a favorite for summer campers and road-tripping families.
At Baabal’s Ice Cream Shoppe & Family Grille, you’ll find 36 flavors to choose from, making it a crowd-pleaser for groups with different cravings.
Dairi-O, a beloved NC-based chain, offers both hand-scooped and soft-serve options, dipped cones, and a full menu of diner-style comfort food.
More Than Just Dessert
What makes the Ice Cream Trail truly special is how it reflects the charm and diversity of Hendersonville itself. From farm stands and Main Street shops to international influences and handcrafted perfection, every stop tells a story. As Michelle Owens says,
“The experience takes you beyond ice cream to all that’s great in Hendersonville and Henderson County.”
So grab your spoons, pile into the car, and hit the sweetest trail in North Carolina. Whether you aim to visit every stop or just sample a few favorites, one thing’s for sure — this is a journey worth taking, one scoop at a time. 🍦