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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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.

Asheville, NC: Green Knob

In the shadow of Mount Mitchell, this 5.6-mile ridgeline hike climbs through hemlock and chestnut oak to a watchtower overlook of Blue Ridge and Pisgah peaks.

Asheville, NC: Laurel Mountain - Pilot Rock Loop

Looping 13.2 miles on vintage Pisgah trails outside Asheville, this ride connects the bench-cut singletrack of Laurel Mountain with the hand-tingling descent of Pilot Rock.

Asheville, NC: Linville Gorge

Sample a weekend-sized chunk of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail in the Pisgah National Forest.

Asheville, NC: Woody Ridge Trail

This challenging 4.8-miler in the Black Mountains features a stiff climb past rhododendron and rocky outcrops to a windswept ridge connecting Celo Knob and Gibbs Mountain.

Linville, NC: Babel Tower

End your hike with a splash on this 2.8-mile out-and-back to a Pisgah National Forest swimming hole oasis.

Mt. Mitchell - Green Knob to Mt. Mitchell

Pisgah National Forest: Black Balsam Knob to Cold Mountain

Trek 18.2 miles from the South's best view to its most famous mountain.

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Photos + Videos

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