August 12, 2024
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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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
Difficulty: Moderate
Type: Out and Back
A diverse trail with great views, open fields, and multiple creek crossings packed into 2.1 miles.
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!
Difficulty: Easy
Type: Out and Back
A short hike to a rocky outcrop with expansive views, perfect for a quick and rewarding outing.
Difficulty: Challenging
Type: Out and Back
This challenging 7.2-mile round-trip trail ascends Grandfather Mountain, offering incredible views and unique rock formations.
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.
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.
Difficulty: Easy
Type: Out and Back
A short, accessible trail leading to an overlook with one of the best views of the Linville Gorge.
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.
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.
For more information on these trails, visit the respective links. Happy hiking!
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