Asheville, NC: Shining Rock
Just off the Blue Ridge Parkway, this 10-mile loop treks through the Pisgah National Forest past numerous ridge-top overlooks and up to a quartz-clustered summit.
|
|
Winston-Salem: Salem Lake TrailStroll along the shores of Salem Lake on this 7-mile loop over rolling hills and under tall pine and poplar trees. Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Noland Divide to Newton BaldThis 16-miler packs big vertical change and diverse landscapes (from grassy campsites to mountain summits) into a two-night trip. 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. |
|
|
Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Tricorner LoopA peak bagger's dream, this 31-mile Smokies backpack loops across forested ridgelines, offering the opportunity to tag eight 6,000-foot summits along the way.
The NEW Smokemont Loop-DRAFTHaving flexible, sensible and like minded hiking partners is always key.. especially when attempting a big trip. This was a very ambitious 2-day trip that took an unexpected turn. |
Top 3: Better in WinterWhat off season? Bundle up and reap the benefits of colder weather in these snowy playgrounds. 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. 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: 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. |
Editors' Choice Snow Award 2012: Sierra Designs Tov and L.L. Bean Ultralite 850Gear Editor Kristin Hostetter explains the new innovations in down insulation technology |
Editors' Choice Snow Award 2012: Vasque Snow Junkie UD BootsStaff Photographer Ben Fullerton reviews the lightweight Snow Junkie boots from Vasque |
|
|

Courtesy of NC Tourism/Bill Russ
| Most Popular |
Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Big Creek Loop Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Hemphill Bald Loop Asheville, NC: Cold Mountain |

Fall/Winter Gear Guide
Boost Your Apps
Carry the Best Maps
FREE Rocky Mountain Trip Planner
Survival Skills 101 • Eat Better