Favorite Hikes of 2019

Hikes Map Explore

Well, another year of hiking has come and gone. While I enjoy every hike I go on, this is a list of my favorite hikes of 2019. These are the hikes where everything aligned perfectly. And of course what I mean is someone must have walked in front of me hitting all the spider webs before I did...

Shuckstack Fire Tower

6.7 mi

17.6

A difficult hike for sure, but the views from the fire tower make every step worth it. I hiked this on a Friday and only passed a handful of people and had the view all to myself.

Explore Hike

Wesser Bald via Tellico Gap

2.9 mi

5.8

One of the best views along the Appalachian Trail in North Carolina. Catching 360-degree views from Wesser Bald's fire tower on a beautiful summer day is a wonderful thing.

Explore Hike

Brasstown Bald via the Arkaquah Trail

11.8 mi

28.4

The most difficult hike I've done. This was a challenge but a great day as well. Hiking in winter gives you plenty of views through the trees.

Panther Top Lookout Tower

2.3 mi

While just a short hike along forest service roads, Panther Top Lookout Tower has exceptional views. Just watch out for the lady bugs. The swarm can get bitey.

Explore Hike

Raven Cliff Falls Loop

7.7 mi

16.4

This was one of the first hikes I did years ago and although they've removed the cable crossing, this is still a great loop with views, a waterfall, swing bridge and an impressive rock face.

Explore Hike

Foster Falls Climber's Loop

2.5 mi

4.3

Whether hiking or rock climbing, this interesting loop explores a waterfall, rock cliffs and a short section of the Fiery Gizzard Trail.

Explore Hike

Hawkbill Rock via the Snowball Trail

2.7 mi

8.4

Right next to the crowded Craggy Gardens area north of Asheville along the Blue Ridge Parkway, Hawkbill Rock provided an incredible view that felt much more remote that it actually is.

Explore Hike

Rabun Bald via Hale Ridge Road

7.9 mi

12.6

The longest route to Rabun Bald I've been on, I found most of this trail provided solitude until reaching the summit. Luck is definitely needed to get Rabun Bald all to yourself.

Explore Hike

Scaly Mountain via Hickory Knut Trail

3.3 mi

3.9

After finding closed roads on the way to Albert Mountain, Scaly Mountain was a welcome second option. The trail was covered in ice making it more interesting or dangerous, depending on who you ask.

Explore Hike

Explore More Hikes in the Southeast

Disclaimer: Hiking can be dangerous. The information on this site is meant as a guide and represents trail conditions at a given time. Always let someone know where you are going. A basic knowledge of first aid, backcountry navigation, and some common sense are highly encouraged. The difficulty and duration ratings are subjective and will not be representative of everyone's experience.

Disclaimer Disclaimer: Falling off a cliff, drowning in a river, or being eaten by a bear is still a better way to go than dying of a heart attack while sitting in traffic on the way to the office.