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.

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Photos + Videos

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