Hiking North Carolina

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Home to some of the best hiking in the southeast and some of the most popular parks in the US, Western North Carolina offers hikers a variety of options. From the Smoky Mountains to the Blue Ridge Parkway, you'll find insane views, impressive waterfalls, grassy valleys, and rocky peaks.

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North Carolina Views

Some of the best views are right here in NC. With more mountains over 6000 feet than any other state in the southeast, you don't have to go far for an amazing vista.

The Pinnacle & Blackrock Mountain

10 mi

27.8

Take on the challenge of the Pinnacle and Blackrock Mountain, grabbing two epic views on one long day hike. RIP, your calves.

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Wesser Bald via Tellico Gap

2.9 mi

5.8

Rise above the trees for 360-degree views from Wesser Bald's fire tower on this beautiful section of the Appalachian Trail within the Nantahala National Forest.

Hike the Craggy Pinnacle Trail just north of the Craggy Gardens Visitor Center for multiple expansive views from the summit of Craggy Pinnacle. the third highest mountain in the Great Craggy Mountain sub-range of Blue Ridge Mountains.

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Blue Ridge Parkway

One of the most popular roadways in the US, the Blue Ridge Parkway is chock full of excellent hikes to explore. Whether you're looking for a multi-day or less than an hour hike, you'll find it here. And even if you don't do any hiking, the views along the parkway make the trip worth it all the same.

Art Loeb Trail Double Loop

9.5 mi

11.7

A great longer hike that isn't too difficult, half this hike has either 360 or 180-degree views.

A short partially paved trail to an amazing view. There's no reason not to do this one.

A steep climb rewards you with spectacular 360-degree views. The summit views may be tainted with a communication tower, but I say it makes this hike all the more unique.

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Appalachian Trail Hikes

Hike a section of this classic trail without committing to the entire thing. However, getting a taste may just make you crave more.

Albert Mountain

1 mi

2.4

Short and steep, this 1-mile round trip hike summits Albert Mountain in the Nantahala National Forest and scores epic views in all directions from the fire lookout tower at the top.

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Siler Bald via Wayah Gap

3.6 mi

6.1

The shorter route to Siler Bald, this hike opens up to incredible views in all directions atop Siler Bald, just a short side trail off the AT.

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Standing Indian Mountain

5 mi

6.4

A 5 mile round-trip hike will provide you with an excellent view from Standing Indian Mountain on this easy-medium hike.

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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.