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Last updated on May 2nd, 2024 at 02:29 am
Are you looking for the best hikes in North Carolina? In this post, I will share the trails ranging from challenging mountain views to the most peaceful forest paths.
These hikes are rewarding and perfect for both seasoned hikers and outdoor enthusiasts seeking new discoveries.
Keep reading below to find find the best North Carolina hikes.
1. Craggy Gardens
A visit to Craggy Gardens during any time of the year is special because of the scenic views from the summit.
Nestled within the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains, Craggy Gardens has the most enchanting beauty and diverse ecosystems.
As you walk along its winding trails, you’ll be greeted by rhododendron blooms in the spring and breathtaking panoramic views year-round.
It’s crucial to tread carefully and stay on designated paths to preserve the delicate environment. With fragile flora and sensitive ecosystems, venturing off-trail can cause irreversible damage.
Getting there:
From Asheville, take the Blue Ridge Parkway heading north about 18 miles to milepost 364.
You will see the Craggy Gardens Visitor Center on the left.
Continue past the visitor center and go through the Craggy Pinnacle Tunnel. Just after the tunnel, the parking area for the Craggy Pinnacle trailhead is on the left.
Beginning Your Hike:
Start the trail next to the sign that tells a story of the Catawba rhododendron, named for the Catawba Indians that lived east of the Catawba River.
Continue on through the trail of tunneled rhododendrons where the trail is wide, slightly rocky and steep but well-traveled through the season.
At 0.2 miles into the hike, you will come to a large rock where there is an overlook on top of the rock.
Continue on to a bench on the right and a fork in the trail – to the right you will see access to the lower overlook trail and to the left the summit overlook trail.
The lower overlook descends a few hundred feet to a stone wall with views of the Blue Ridge Parkway and the visitor center below.
Turn back and head to the summit where you will be at an elevation of 5892 and an overlook taking in the 360-degree view of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the parkway and the reservoir that provides drinking water for the city of Asheville.
For another nearby hike, head down to the visitor center parking lot and to the left of the lot you will find the Craggy Gardens Nature Trail.
It leads about 1 mile through a thick covering of rhododendron, passes a picnic shelter and emerges through the woods at the Craggy Gardens Picnic Area.
This is considered one of the best North Carolina hikes, although if you are looking for more scenic views, the pinnacle will not disappoint!
2. Old Mitchell Trail
Getting There:
The distance between Mount Mitchell and Craggy Gardens by road is approximately 22 miles, which typically takes around 45 minutes to an hour to drive, depending on traffic and road conditions.
Turn left onto milepost 355; Turn left onto NC 128 at the sign for Mount Mitchell State Park.
If traveling from Interstate 40 East of Asheville, take exit 86/NC 226 to Marion/Shelby. NC 226 merges with US 221 and US 70 in Marion. Veer left on US 70.
After another 2 miles, turn north on NC 80, follow it for 16 miles and then turn left onto the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 355 turn right onto NC 128. Drive 2 miles to the park office and park there to start the Old Mitchell Trail. (4.4 miles)
Summit trail hike from the parking area:
Take the easy to follow paved, handicap accessible path just 0.25miles to the observation deck, where you will be surrounded by the vastness of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Old Mitchell Trail (4.4 miles)
3. Graveyard Fields
Getting There:
From the Asheville area, take the Blue Ridge Parkway about 35 miles south to milepost 418. Located about 9 miles south of the Pisgah Inn.
The parking area is to the right; visit on a weekday and be sure to arrive early to avoid this high trafficked area.
Start the trail:
By walking down the stairs, closest to the bathrooms into a paved pathway to a footbridge across Yellowstone Prong.
Cross the bridge and turn right (following the blue blaze) to Lower Yellowstone Falls.
Continuing on you will walk another 0.2 miles to a steep staircase with slippery rocks at the bottom for viewing of the falls.
Backtracking to the trail junction and turn right following the trail to the Upper Yellowstone Falls where you’ll pass through blueberry fields.
The strenuous hike to the Upper Falls, you’ll slowly start to climb in elevation, on a narrow path climbing over roots and rocks. You will cross the stream several times.
4. Black Balsam Knob
At elevation 6,214 feet you will be hiking to some breathtaking panoramic views!
Getting There:
When driving along the Blue Ridge Parkway from Asheville, you will see the Black Balsam sign past Graveyard fields. Take the road for 0.7 miles and you will see the parking lot.
Begin Your Hike:
The Art Lobe Trail – After a walk through a wooded area and rocky terrain. You’ll enter a meadow with amazing views.
The trail ascends gently to the top of Black Balsam Knob, where you will be at 6,214ft making it one of the highest peaks in the Pisgah National Forest.
5. Frying Pan Tower
