Tsali Home | Introduction | Summer Camps | High Adventure Bases | Pisgah National Forest
Great Smoky Mtns | Nantahala Natl Forest | Uwharrie Natl Forest | Croatan Natl Forest
State Forests | State Parks | Hiking Trails | Mountains-To-Sea Trail | Unique Opportunities
National Seashores | Other Resources | site map | Print a Complete Guide.
HIKING IN NORTH CAROLINA
The North Carolina mountains provide a wide selection of trails for both the inexperienced and advanced hikers. The national forests in North Carolina provide over 1,200 miles of primary foot trails; including seven National Recreation Trails and over 200 miles of the Appalachian Trail. Camping is permitted along all trails, but may be limited or require permits. Appalachian Trail National Scenic Trail The Appalachian Trail covers over 2100 miles from Maine to Georgia. 302 of those miles wind through North Carolina and parts of Tennessee. Since its creation, many hikers take the challenge each year to journey the rugged hills in the Appalachian Mountains. The Appalachian Trail has shelters at various locations for the convenience of campers. During the late spring, summer and early fall these shelters are usual crowded; they are available on a first come, first served basis. Hikers are encouraged to consider using the numerous other trails provided on the Pisgah and Nantahala Forests. The AT provides 500 access points. To camp overnight, permits are necessary in the Shenandoah National Park and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. For the advanced hiker, the AT provides trails from Georgia to Maine (2,158mi). We cannot cover all of the trails in North Carolina, however, it is recommended that adventurers read the books entitled “AT Guide to Tennessee-North Carolina” and “AT Guide to North Carolina – Georgia” at your local bookstore or outfitter. Appalachian Trail Conservancy Catawba Falls (privately owned) (2,400ft) USGS Map: Marion Cheoah Bald (5,062ft) from Stecoah Gap on the AT. Leave NC 28 from gap just west of Stecoah; go to Sweetwater Road (SR 143) for 2 miles southwest to Stecoah Gap where the AT crosses. Park, then follow the white blazes: climb southeast very steeply on AT to crest water 200 yards right. Continue to the summit of Cheoah Bald at 4.3 miles. The trail provides a strenuous 8.6 mile hike and primitive camping. DuPont State Forest Grandfather Mountain (privately owned) (5,964 if) Is located in Linville area and has a mile-high swinging bridge which connects 2 of the peaks. Grandfather is the highest mountain on the Blue Ridge Range and a spectacular Alpine-like ridge-top hike is found there. The highest peaks can be reached only by trail man undeveloped 5,000 acre area. 7 trails have been designated by the US Department of the Interior on the 2 mountains. Located within 10 miles of 6 ski resorts, Grandfather is one of the snowiest spots in North Carolina and a popular winter backpacking and hiking site. From the east, the Daniel Boone Scout Trail reaches Calloway Peak, the mountain’s highest point in 3 miles. The Boone Trail begins on the West side of US 221, 10.8 miles north of the US 221 and Highway 105 junction in Linville and 1.5 miles south of the Blue Ridge Parkway and Halloway Mountain Road junction with US 221. Other trails on the mountain reach Indian House Cave, one of the East’s highest archeological sites, and Black Rock Cliffs Cave, a 6 room cavern. There are 3 trails on Grandfather Mountain form a national recreation trail day or multi-night backpacking circuit over Calloway Peak. Camping is permitted at many backcountry campsites where some shelters are provided. Hiking permits are required and a fee is charged to support trail maintenance and monitoring system for safety. Permits are available at the Grandfather Mountain Entrance. For more information contact: Backcountry Manager Foothills Trail The Foothills Trail in South Carolina connects Table Rock State Park and Oconee State Park with 74.8 miles of trail. It crosses into North Carolina and passes by the Horse Pasture River and the Towaway River. The trail makes use of old wagon and logging roads where possible. Careful planning of both food and equipment is suggested as there aren’t any convenient mid-trip re-supply points after you leave Table Rock State Park in the first 30 mile segment. Foothills Trail Conference Linville Gorge (2,600ft) Linville Gorge is one of Eastern America’s most scenic and rugged gorges. It is also reputed to be the wildest and most treacherous area in the Blue Ridge Parkway, but the risks on graded trails described here are no greater than elsewhere in the wilds of the Southern Appalachians. The area has been set aside as a wilderness by the US Forest Service. Babel Tower Trails begin at the sign on the east side of old NC 105, 2.8 miles south from NC 183. None of these are circle trips, however, all the trails can be followed back to their starting points at 1 to 2.9 miles each. The Babel Tower Trail and Conley Cove Trail makes a hike of 8 miles. Before starting in the gorge, it is desirable to drive to Wisemen’s View recreation site on old NC 105, 1.5 miles south of start of Babel Tower Trail. Here, the gorge can be scanned from overlooks that orient the hiker. The trail offers art 8 mile moderate hike. 828-652-4841 Mountains to Sea Trail Nantahala National Forest Pisgah National Forest Roan Mountain National Recreation Trail (6,286ft) Offers a loop trail that winds through Roan Mountain
Gardens. A natural garden of rhododendron, fir trees, and grass
openings are included. The peak of the bloom is in mid-June.
Portions of the trail are paved with a viewing deck for the
handicapped. Facilities include water, comfort station, picnic
areas, and information stations are provided. Nearby, Cloudland
Trail goes to an observation deck. Take NC 261 to Carver’s Gap,
turn left and follow the road to the summit and parking area. Shortoff Mountain (3,000 ft) Is a highly recommended trip. A moderate walk to the lower end of Linville Gorge (Trail 90) along a series of cliffs offering unsurpassed views into the gorge with lake James as a backdrop in the distance. Exit from 1-40 at Nebo-Lake James exit, east of Marion. Go north 2.8 miles; turn west, left for 0.3 miles; next, turn north, right onto NC 126, which leads around Lake James. After 10 miles, cross the Linville River; go 1.2 miles farther; turn onto the first road on Wolf Pit Road (Forest Road 117). Take the road 2.4 miles to turnaround at dead end to park. Walk 12 minutes more, reach another junction, go either right or left. In 13 minutes reach the 3rd junction; take the woodland footpath straight ahead west between two small gashed pine trees, avoiding the main road which climbs steeply right to the side road to the left which goes steeply downhill (pay special attention to stay on the right road). In 7 minutes you will arrive at the first observation point on the cliffs. Walk north as far as desired along the edge of the cliffs on the tiny trail through rhododendron, laurel, and sand myrtle. A moderate roundtrip of 5-8 miles is provided. |
Great Smoky Mtns. | Nantahala Natl Forest | Uwharrie Natl Forest | Croatan Natl Forest
State Forests | State Parks | Hiking Trails | Mountains-To-Sea Trail | Unique Opportunities
National Seashores | Other Resources | site map | Print a Complete Guide