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Favorite High Country Hikes

August 12, 2024

Favorite High Country Hikes

The North Carolina High Country is a haven for hikers, offering trails that range from easy strolls to challenging climbs. Here's a roundup of some must-visit hiking trails in the region. For directions to each trail and detailed information, be sure to click each link! To see trails that end in waterfalls, click here to read our guide to High Country Waterfalls!

Near Boone

Elk Knob Trail

Difficulty: Moderate

Type: Out and Back

Explore the summit trail for panoramic views or try the backcountry trail for a more secluded hike. 3.5 mile hike out and back.

More Info

Near Blowing Rock

Moses Cone Manor

Difficulty: Various Trails, Mostly Easy

Type: Various Trails

Explore carriage trails that wind through forests and fields, offering scenic views and a taste of history, including a community favorite: Firetower Trail.

Click More Info below to see all the available trails in the area.

More Info

Flat Top Lookout Tower Trail ("Firetower Trail")

Difficulty: Moderate

Type: Out and Back

Starting at Moses Cone Manor, hike to a historic fire tower with 360-degree views of the surrounding area.

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Boone Fork Trail

Difficulty: Moderate

Type: Loop

Accessed from Price Park, this 5-mile trail winds through forests, meadows, and streams. It’s perfect for those looking to experience the diverse beauty of the High Country.

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Green Knob Mountain Trail ("Sims Pond Trail")

Difficulty: Moderate

Type: Out and Back

A diverse trail with great views, open fields, and multiple creek crossings packed into 2.1 miles.

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Rough Ridge Trail

Difficulty: Moderate

Type: Out and Back

Enjoy breathtaking vistas along this 3-mile round-trip trail. The boardwalk sections provide a safe way to navigate rocky terrain while taking in the panoramic views. Leads to some of the best photos in the High Country!

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Near Linville

Beacon Heights

Difficulty: Easy

Type: Out and Back

A short hike to a rocky outcrop with expansive views, perfect for a quick and rewarding outing.

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Grandfather Mountain Profile Trail

Difficulty: Challenging

Type: Out and Back

This challenging 7.2-mile round-trip trail ascends Grandfather Mountain, offering incredible views and unique rock formations.

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Hawksbill Mountain and Table Rock

Difficulty: Moderate

Type: Out and Back

These adjacent peaks offer some of the most spectacular views in the region. The 1.5-mile hike up Hawksbill and the 2.2-mile hike to Table Rock are both rewarding.

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Linville Gorge Wilderness

Difficulty: Moderate-Challenging

Type: Loops

Known as the "Grand Canyon of the East," this area offers numerous trails with varying difficulty levels, providing a true wilderness experience.

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Wiseman's View

Difficulty: Easy

Type: Out and Back

A short, accessible trail leading to an overlook with one of the best views of the Linville Gorge.

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Other Great Hikes

Crabtree Falls Trail

Difficulty: Moderate

Type: Loop

Location: Near Spruce Pine

This 2.5-mile loop features a stunning 70-foot waterfall, making it a picturesque and enjoyable hike.

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Roan Mountain

Difficulty: Moderate

Type: Out and Back

Location: Tennessee

Famous for its Catawba rhododendron blooms, Roan Mountain offers multiple hiking areas with breathtaking views, especially in mid-June.

More Info

For more information on these trails, visit the respective links. Happy hiking!

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