Asheville, NC: Cold Mountain
Big views. Quiet streams. A forest paradise. This 8-mile hike to a Hollywood-made-famous summit still offers plenty of solitude, plus fine campsites for a wilderness overnight.
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Appalachian Trail: Sams Gap to Spivey GapTop-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. Raleigh: Dutchmans Creek TrailTrek along a chain of ancient volcanoes to pristine mountain creeks and an old gold mine on this 14.4-mile, 2-day hike in Uwharrie National Forest. Appalachian Trail: Dicks Creek Gap to Winding Stair GapPerfect 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. |
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Charlotte, NC: Mallard and Clark's Creek GreenwayThe Mallard and Clarkâs Creek Greenway is one of several trails in Charlotte that are perfect for riding with the kids. Lost Cove Wilderness: Lost Cove TrailTrek through the proposed Lost Cove Wilderness on the trail through the valley for which it was named. Waterfalls, swim pools, wildlife, and views of Grandfather Mountain are a few of the highlights to enjoy. Black Moutain Range: Deep GapGreat opportunity for a key swap trip. Attack the Black Mountain Range from the South and East in 2 groups. Meet up at Deep Gap for the closest thing you'll find in the South to alpine camping. Swap keys and enjoy a great hike out to one another's car in either direction. |
Top 3: Better in WinterWhat off season? Bundle up and reap the benefits of colder weather in these snowy playgrounds. Smokies Adventure Guide (2012 National Parks Series: Part 5 of 6)Leave it to our seasoned map contributors to find solitude in America's most-visited park. This exclusive trip planner serves up routes guaranteed to get you off the tourist trail and into deep wilderness. Trail Mix: Great November Hikes in the EastYour region's go-now guide: Explore New York City, hike four states in 24 hours, and perfect days in NC, GA, and NH. |
Trail Mix: EastYour region's go-now guide. Rip & Go: Bartram Trail - Nantahala National Forest, NCClimb past a glimmering highland lake to a lofty southern bald. |
Appalachian Trail Nature Photo GalleryWildflowers, bugs, and other nature photographs shot by our map correspondent on the AT © Jeff Chow AT Shelter Photo GalleryA few of the shelters and lean-tos found along the length of the Appalachian Trail © Jeff Chow Panoramas of the Appalachian TrailA collection of five-star overlooks along the Appalachian Trail © Jeff Chow |
AT Interview: Correspondent Jeff ChowJeff Chow spent 10 months mapping every mile of the AT for BACKPACKER. Learn about his favorite spots and hard-earned tips here. 3D Flyover: Smoky Mountains National ParkLink high peaks, blueberry-cloaked balds, primo trout fishing, and the South's sweetest backcountry swimming holes on this challenging, 56.7-mile hike. |
Gear Review: The North Face Summit Series Anti-Matter SoftshellThis softshell packs a double punch with waterproofing and breathability. |
Gear Review: Big Sky Soul TentGo lightweight with this freestanding solo tent. |
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Courtesy of NC Tourism/Bill Russ
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Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Big Creek Loop Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Hemphill Bald Loop Asheville, NC: Cold Mountain |

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