| NATIONAL PARKS QUICKLINKS |
AT hikes in North Carolina all hikes
Appalachian Trail: Allen Gap to Devil Fork Gap
Go the whole 18.6 miles or shorten your hike by staying at one of the three shelters planted along this leg. Highlights: Civil War markers and panoramic views on Firescald Knob.
Appalachian Trail: Brown Gap to Max Patch
Go 6.9 miles on the Blue Ridge, mostly tracing the border of North Carolina and Tennessee, to one of the largest balds in the Southern Appalachians.
Appalachian Trail: Carvers Gap to US 19E
Cross over several grassy balds and look for wild ponies on this 13.5-mile leg with three AT shelters.
Appalachian Trail: Davenport Gap to Max Patch Road
This 18.7-mile weekend trip starts with a 2,700-foot climb up Snowbird Mountain then descends and climbs again to Max Patch, an old homestead and logging camp.
Appalachian Trail: Devil Fork Gap to Sams Gap
Cross farmlands and woods then climb 1,500 feet to Lick Rock. Bonus: Look closely for an old barbed wire fence that once separated North Carolina and Tennessee.
Appalachian Trail: Dicks Creek Gap to Winding Stair Gap
Perfect for a weeklong jaunt, this 38-mile section climbs mountains, winds through deep gaps and passes a short side hike to Standing Indian Mountain, where Indian lore says a bolt of lighting struck a lone Cherokee sentinel and turned him to stone.
Appalachian Trail: Fontana Dam to Newfound Gap
Multiple peaks, steep climbs, and open meadows highlight this 40.6-mile trip in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Appalachian Trail: Hot Springs, NC to Tanyard Gap
Switchback 1,000 feet to poster-worthy views of Lovers Leap Rock, an aptly-named perch made famous by a suicidal Cherokee maiden.
Appalachian Trail: Indian Grave Gap to Iron Mountain Gap
Fields painted in wildflowers, steep climbs to sweet vistas, and rhododendron tunnels await ambitious day-hikers and weekend warriors on this 10.2-mile hike.
Appalachian Trail: Iron Mountain Gap to Carvers Gap
Connect Roan Mountain, Little Rock Knob, and Iron Mountain on this rolling 13.2-mile leg through Pisgah National Forest.
Appalachian Trail: Lovers Leap Loop
Sample a classic stretch of the Appalachian Trail on this 11.5-mile route around a 1,000-foot gorge, with overlooks and eye-candy vistas of the Smokies.
Appalachian Trail: Max Patch Road to Hot Springs, NC
Enjoy panoramic Smokies views on blueberry- and rhododendron-lined trails on the way to French Broad River, where relaxing hot springs await.
Appalachian Trail: Newfound Gap to Davenport Gap
This 30.3-miler in the Great Smokies leads to picturesque panoramas including Charles Bunion, a popular 5,736-foot bald.
Appalachian Trail: Sams Gap to Spivey Gap
Top-of-the-world vistas, fields of wildflowers and sun-dappled hardwood forests are nothing compared to David Greer, an insane murderer who once lived on Bald Mountain from 1802 to 1834.
Appalachian Trail: Spivey Gap to US 19W
Link dense maple forests to scenic ridgelines then finish with a steep descent to the Nolichucky River on this 9-mile leg. Bonus: Check out Uncle Johnny Hostel, a popular hangout for thru-hikers.
Appalachian Trail: Stecoach Gap to Fontana Dam
Meander through lush hardwood forests with moderate elevation change and check out Cable Gap Shelter--a cozy, three-sided log shelter.
Appalachian Trail: Tanyard Gap to Allen Gap
Cruise 8.1 miles into wooded creek valleys and up Rich Mountain where an old fire tower is accessible by a short spur trail.
Appalachian Trail: US 19 to Stecoach Gap
Start at the Nantahala Outdoor Center and hit the trail for a beautiful, yet rugged 12.7-mile walk under hardwoods and through Nantahala Gorge. Not up for a long day hike? Stop at Sassafras Gap Shelter and swap stories with thru-hikers.
Appalachian Trail: US 19W to Indian Grave Gap
This segment packs a lot in 7.2 miles: rocky ledges, sweeping river views, and an old 1930s shelter.
Appalachian Trail: Wayah Gap to US 19
Build your quads on this remote section of the Appalachian Trail, which features seven balds over 5,000 feet, and amazing views of the Smokies from Jump off Point.
Appalachian Trail: Winding Stair Gap to Wayah Gap
This 6.2-miler offers a quick overnight getaway. Connect scenic outcrops with views to nearby mountains and camp at Silver Bald Shelter.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Charlies Bunion Loop
Get away for a night or three on this 12.8-mile lasso loop that delivers you to the high reaches of the Great Smoky Mountains.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Charlies Bunion Loop
Get away for a night or three on this 12.8-mile lasso loop that delivers you to the high reaches of the Great Smoky Mountains.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Charlies Bunion Loop
Get away for a night or three on this 12.8-mile lasso loop that delivers you to the high reaches of the Great Smoky Mountains.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Clingmans Dome via Newfound Gap
Ascend to the second highest point east of the Mississippi on this 7.6-mile Appalachian Trail hike through misty coniferous forest.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Fontana Dam to Mollies Ridge via AT
See boars and bears on the Appalachian Trail.
Share your tales of travel & adventure with our step-by-step guide. Upload trail descriptions, photos, video, and more.
Photos + Videos
Packing for a Backcountry Ski DayKristin Hostetter shows you the essential gear, and how to pack it, for a day of backcountry skiing. |
Adjust Your Pack Straps on the TrailMaximize your pack's comfort with a few easy, on-trail strap adjustments. |
|
Life's Short, Hike More!
What makes a backpacker a backpacker? It's not the garage full of gear or piles of guidebooks--it's the experiences, from thru-hiking a long trail to pushing your personal envelope to inspiring a child's love of wilderness. Here we present BACKPACKER's new Life List: 10 experiences to add to your tick-listnow--and the key skills you need to nail them.
Secret Hikes: Appalachian Trail
The last lonely stretch of the AT beckons from the mountains of western Maine.
Secret Hikes: Glacier National Park
Score wildlife sightings daily, choice views hourly--and at least one juicy burger--on this weeklong circuit.
Secret Hikes: Grand Canyon National Park
Surprise: This park's busy corridor trails offer a fast track to a private slice of heaven.
Secret Hikes: Grand Teton National Park
Rise above the crowds and earn solo views of elk, wildflowers, and summit sunsets.
International Travel
From Nepal to New Zealand, we have stories and tips to help you plan the perfect 'life list' trek abroad.
Navigation Center
Learn how to orient a map, navigate any terrain, and the ins-and-outs of GPS devices.
BACKPACKER's Free Smartphone GPS App
Record and share you adventures with our new, free navigation app. Plus, discover thousands of GPS-enabled hikes in national parks and major cities.
Green Guide
A backpacker's guide to environmental issues and "green" gear.
