Opportunities for great hikes in the mountains and foothills of North Carolina are limited only by the imagination. From a gentle stroll over the grassy meadows of the New River State Park to the steep climbs of Mount Mitchell, hiking trails in the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area offer intimate contact with an ancient and biodiverse mountain landscape.  Numerous hiking clubs and other organizations sponsor guided hikes for those who like company and interpretation along the way.

Every hiker has a favorite trail or two, and there are far too many trails to provide a comprehensive list here, but below are several great hikes chosen for the unique features of the natural or cultural landscape. These hikes provide a great introduction to the splendor of the North Carolina mountains.

Appalachian Trail

For those who want a taste of the Appalachian Trail (AT) but not a long distance experience, Max Patch south of Hot Springs is on the AT and an easy quarter-mile hike from a parking lot. The 4,600-foot mountain was cleared and used as pastureland in the 19th century. Today the open crest is a favorite picnic destination with 360-degree views. From the summit of Max Patch, hikers can explore the Appalachian Trail in either direction. Twenty miles to the north, the AT runs down the middle of the main street in Hot Springs, the only town on the Trail in North Carolina.

From downtown Hot Springs, follow NC 209 for 7.3 miles to Meadow Fork Road (SR 1175). Go 5.3 miles to SR 1181. Follow 1181 for 2 miles (turns into gravel). At the top of the mountain, turn right onto SR 1182, then travel three miles to the Max Patch parking lot.

Asheville Urban Trail

The 1.7 mile Asheville Urban Trail, a project of the Asheville Area Arts Council, leads hikers through the center of a city rich in art and history. Along the way, visitors will see the work of many local artists and can learn about the city's history at various interpretive stops. The trail passes buildings with distinctive architecture, through neighborhoods and past shops, restaurants, galleries and lively public spaces.

The Urban Trail begins in the heart of Asheville at Pack Place, where maps are available for self-guided tours. Arrangements for guided tours must be made 10-14 days in advance.

Carl Sandburg Home

Five miles of hiking trails wind through the rolling pastures and woodlands of Connemara, the North Carolina farm of renowned poet and author Carl Sandburg. Visitors may stroll through the flower and vegetable gardens and apple orchard to the lakes and ponds on the property, which is designated a National Historic Site. The trails are easy to moderate except for a short steep segment of the Glassy Mountain Trail. Trail maps are available at the main house.

The Carl Sandburg Home is located three miles south of Hendersonville, off NC 225. From I-26 take Exit 53. Turn right onto Upward Road if traveling east; turn left onto Upward Road if traveling west. At intersection with US 25, continue straight. (Upward Road is now North Highland Lake Road.) At the light at NC 225 turn left (south). At next light take a right onto Little River Road. Visitor parking is on the left.

Cataloochee Valley

Less than an hour's drive from downtown Asheville, just inside the eastern boundary of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, hikers can step back in time into a quiet rural valley once inhabited by a small farming community of 1,200. Evidence of the community remains in the form of several old buildings, including a school, church, and a number of homes and barns. Elk have been reintroduced into the area and can be seen grazing in the fallow fields. Thirty-seven miles of easy to moderate trails run through the Cataloochee Valley, including the popular Boogerman's Loop and Big Ridge Loop Trails which can be accessed from the campground parking lot.

From Asheville, take I-40 west to Exit 20 onto US 276. Follow US 276 north 0.1 mile to Cove Creek Road (SR 284) on the right. Travel 5.8 miles to Cove Creek Gap at the boundary of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Continue another 4.8 miles to the campground entrance. Trailheads are in the parking lot.

Craggy Pinnacle

Located at Craggy Gardens on the Blue Ridge Parkway, just north of Asheville, this 1.5 mile hiking trail is a favorite for visitors seeking the rich colors of summer and fall in the mountains. In June, the summits come alive with the pinks, purples, and whites of rhododendron in full bloom. In fall, the blazing reds, oranges and yellows of trees can be seen for miles. The Craggy Pinnacle Trail takes hikers on a short climb through a rhododendron thicket to a rocky top with great views of the Craggy Mountains, Black Mountains and the Swannanoa Valley.

From Asheville, take the Blue Ridge Parkway north to just past the visitor center. The parking lot is on the left at Milepost 364.1. The trailhead is at the south side of the parking lot.

DuPont State Forest

More than 80 miles of trails and roads wander through the 10,300 acres of mountain terrain in DuPont State Forest, taking hikers to three beautiful waterfalls. Hooker Falls is a quarter-mile hike down the river on Hooker Falls Road and is easily accessible year round. Triple Falls is a 15-minute walk from the Hooker Falls parking area, and High Falls is a 15-minute walk further upstream from Triple Falls.

From Asheville take I-26 east to Exit 40, and follow NC 280 toward Pisgah Forest. Turn left (east) on US 64 and go 3.7 miles to Penrose. Turn right on Crab Creek Rd. and continue 4.3 mile. Turn right on DuPont Rd. and travel 3.1 miles.

Graveyard Fields

One of the most popular hiking areas in the Pisgah National Forest, Graveyard Fields is a high, flat mountain valley with three stunning waterfalls and a wide variety of wildflowers and berries. Graveyard Fields Loop Trail is a moderate 3.19 mile hike which starts from the overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Spur trails lead to two of the three major waterfalls on the Yellowstone Prong River.

At the junction of US 276 and the Blue Ridge Parkway in Pisgah National Forest, go south to Graveyard Fields Overlook at Parkway Milepost 418.8. From Exit 85 off U.S. 23/74 in Sylva, drive east on U.S. 23/74 for 8.9 mi. then turn left, entering the Blue Ridge Parkway. Proceed in the direction of Asheville, and go 0.8 mi. past Milepost 418, then turn left into the Graveyard Fields parking lot.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

With 150 hiking trails covering more than 850 miles, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers hikers many options ranging from half-hour walks to week-long backpacking trips with paths rated from mild to strenuous. The Appalachian Trail runs for 70 miles along the Park's top ridge. Some trails take hikers into remote deep woods, to waterfalls and alongside mountain streams, or past historical sites. Hiking maps and other information are available at the Oconaluftee Visitors Center in Cherokee.

Hickory Nut Gorge

The sheer cliffs of Hickory Nut Gorge rise above the rocky Broad River as it rushes toward lower elevations. Hikers along the riverbank can view the 404-foot Hickory Nut Falls that is within the boundaries of Chimney Rock State Park. Several trails within the Park take hikers to both the top and bottom of the falls.

Hickory Nut Gorge is located approximately 15 miles southeast of Asheville, North Carolina. It is accessible via US 64 from Hendersonville and Rutherfordton, and on US 9 from Black Mountain.

Joyce Kilmer Memorial Trail

An easy two-mile figure-eight loop trail takes hikers into the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest to the site of the largest stand of virgin trees in Western North Carolina. At the center of the "eight" is a plaque commemorating the poet and World War I hero, Joyce Kilmer, for whom the forest is named. Kilmer authored the famous poem, "Trees."

From Asheville, take I-40 west to Exit 27. Take US 19/74 for 47 miles; bear right on NC 28 north. Go 5 miles, turn left on NC 143 to Robbinsville. Take NC 143 west for 12 miles, turn right on Joyce Kilmer Road (SR 1134.) Go 2 miles and turn left into the Memorial Forest.

Linville Gorge and Falls

Near the town of Linville Falls, the Linville River spills into Linville Gorge, one of the most rugged and scenic gorges in the Eastern United States. Both the Falls and the Gorge are within the Linville Gorge Wilderness Area, which offers some of the premiere hiking in the region with 39 miles of trails, abundant wildlife, remnant stands of uncut forest, and the 90-foot multi-level falls. Breathtaking views of the Falls and Gorge can be had by taking trails from the Linville Falls Visitor Center. Because of the difficult terrain and sometimes dangerous conditions, hikers unfamiliar with the area are urged to contact the US Forest Service for information before setting off on the trails.

The Gorge and Falls trails can be accessed at the Linville Falls Visitor Center, located at Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 316.4. The Wilderness Area is also accessible from US 221, NC 181, and NC 183.

Mountains-to-Sea Trail

This extended trail runs as it is named, from the mountains to the seacoast. The Mountain-to-Sea Trail is easily accessed from a number of points between Asheville and Mount Mitchell, generally off the Blue Ridge Parkway. Among other access points, hikers can join the trail from the French Broad River Overlook, Folk Art Center, Craggy Gardens Visitor Center, Balsam Gap and the Mount Mitchell State Park entrance road. The stretch between Balsam Gap and the Mount Mitchell Road is particularly outstanding.

On the Blue Ridge Parkway, access is at the following Milepost numbers: French Broad River Overlook, Milepost 393.8; Folk Art Center Parking Lot, Milepost 382; Craggy Gardens Visitor Center, Milepost 364.5; Balsam Gap, Milepost 359.8; and Mount Mitchell Road, Milepost 355.4.

Mingo Falls

A hike to Mingo Falls in the Big Cove Community takes you through the Qualla Boundary, home to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Mingo means "Big Bear" in the Cherokee language, and the spectacular 150-foot waterfall lives up to its name. It can be accessed by taking an easy 10-minute hike from the Mingo Falls Campground on Big Cove Road.

From Asheville, take I-40 to Exit 27. Follow US 23/74 to Exit 81 at Sylva. Drive west on US 74 for 9.7 miles. Take exit 74, continue on US 441 north for 5.2 miles. Turn right at the traffic light at US 19 and continue 0.4 miles. Turn left at next traffic light in the direction of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (staying on US 441 north). Continue for 2.3 miles. Turn right on Big Cove Road. Continue for 5.2 miles. Turn right, cross the bridge to the parking lot and trail.

Moses H. Cone Memorial Park

Twenty-five miles of carriage trails, open for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking, wind through the fields and forests of the 3,500-acre estate of this prosperous textile entrepreneur of the Gilded Age. Stop at historic Moses Cone Manor, a gleaming white 20-room, 13,000 square foot mansion built in 1901 in the grand Colonial Revival style. Hikers can also visit the Parkway Craft Center located there. Adjacent to the Cone Park is Julian Price Memorial Park with a placid lake surrounded by an easy walking path.

The Moses H. Cone Memorial Park is located at Milepost 294 on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Boone. The Julian Price Park is at Milepost 297.

Mount Mitchell State Park

Many trails thread through Mount Mitchell State Park, which is located on the highest peak east of the Mississippi River. All trails are easy to moderate, with the exception of the Black Mountain Crest Trail, which although very scenic is strenuous and long. From the summit on a clear day visitors can enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and the Pisgah National Forest. Trail maps are available at the Park office.

From Asheville, take the Blue Ridge Parkway north to Milepost 355.4, turn left onto NC 128, which leads to the park. From Marion or Old Fort, take US 70 to NC 80, turn north and travel 16 miles to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Turn left and follow the Parkway to Milepost 355.4; turn right onto NC 128 into the park.

Mount Pisgah and Shining Rock Wilderness Area

This popular hiking region is considered a "must see" by any serious hiker. The Mount Pisgah Trail is uphill but not too difficult and is very scenic from the top. Buck Springs Trail leaves from the same parking lot as the Mount Pisgah Trail and is a level walk that leads to the ruins of George Vanderbilt's hunting lodge. The Shining Rock Trail follows a high altitude ridgeline and affords some of the best views in the North Carolina Mountains. Graveyard Fields (see above) is also in this vicinity.

From Asheville, take the Blue Ridge Parkway south to Milepost 407.6 to Mount Pisgah and Buck Springs Trails. The parking lot is on the left. The Shining Rock Wilderness can be accessed by turning northwest on US 276 at Milepost 412. Travel 1.25 miles to the Big East Fork Parking area. Or exit the Parkway at Milepost 420.2 on FR 816. Go 1 mile to the parking area from which Ivestor Gap Trail leads into the wilderness.

New River State Park

The one-mile Hickory Trail that begins at US 221 provides a spectacular view the oldest river in North America, which is the centerpiece of New River State Park. The Farm House Loop Trail beginning at the Alleghany Access Area takes hikers through open fields, rhododendron thickets and oak/hickory woodlands for a beautiful view of the cliffs across the river.

From I-40 east of Asheville, take Exit 86 to Marion, then follow US 226 north to US 221. Continue north on US 221 through Boone to Jefferson. Turn right on NC 88 east, cross the New River and turn left on Wagoner Access Road (SR 1590).

Pearson's Falls

A short but exquisitely beautiful hike in a peaceful glen, the quarter-mile Glen Trail takes hikers past the 90-foot Pearson's Falls and through a native wildflower garden with plants of remarkable diversity, including over 200 ferns, flowering plants, algae, and mosses.

Pearson's Falls is located just off Route 176, four miles north of Tryon or three miles south of Saluda. Look for signs to the Falls.

Pilot Mountain State Park

Capped by two prominent pinnacles, 1,400 foot Pilot Mountain served as a landmark for Native Americans and pioneers in days gone by. Today visitors to Pilot Mountain State Park can hike on miles of trails through rhododendron and rocky terrain. At the top, visitors can enjoy the spectacular view across the Piedmont to the mountains.

Pilot Mountain State Park is located 24 miles north of Winston-Salem and 14 miles south of Mount Airy. From US 52, take the Pilot Mountain State Park exit and travel west into the mountain section of the park.

Roan Mountain

Several trails lead through the rich diversity of plant life on Roan Mountain, from spruce-fir forests to large grassy balds, but the area is most noted for its spectacular display of rhododendron blooms in June. An easy, paved trail starts at the information cabin and winds through rhododendrons to an overlook. From there, it is an easy walk along a short 0.3-mile loop or on a longer, figure-eight loop. The Cloudland Trail is a moderate, 1.2-mile hike from the end of the Cloudland parking area to Roan High Bluff Overlook. A ten-mile stretch of the Appalachian Trail also passes through the park with a trailhead at Carver's Gap.

From the junction of NC 226 and NC 261 in Bakersville, take NC 261 north almost 13 miles to Carver's Gap on the North Carolina-Tennessee line. Follow SR 1348, a two-mile spur road from Carver's Gap to the Roan summit parking and trails. This spur road is open from May until late October.

Stone Mountain State Park

Hikers can explore the wonder of the 600-foot, 300 million year-old granite dome, wander through densely wooded areas, and view cascading waterfalls along 16 miles of trails in Stone Mountain State Park. The strenuous Loop Trail leads hikers to the summit of the mountain, then continues to the top of Stone Mountain Falls. From there, the trail descends to the meadow at the base of the mountain and back to the trailhead. Cedar Rock Trail and Wolf Rock Trail lead to excellent views, and Widow's Creek Trail has backcountry camping sites as well.

From the Blue Ridge Parkway, take US 21 south to Roaring Gap. Turn right on Oklahoma Road and follow it for approximately 3 miles. The Park entrance is on the right. From I-77, take Exit 83 and turn west onto US 21. Veer left onto Traphill Road (SR 1002) and follow it to the John P. Frank Parkway. Turn right and follow the parkway to the Park.

Wayah Bald

"Wa ya" means wolf in the Cherokee language, and this bald is named for the red wolves that once lived on its slopes. A fire tower was built on Wayah Bald in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps, and it remains a popular hiking destination today. Two long-distance trails, the Appalachian Trail and the Bartram Trail, cross at the tower, which affords great views of the southern Appalachian mountains in three states.

From Franklin, travel west on US 64 to Old US 64 (Old Murphy Road). Turn right and go 0.2 miles to SR 1310 (Wayah Road). Turn left and continue for 9 miles to Wayah Gap, then turn right on FR 69. Follow the gravel road for 4.5 miles to the parking area.

Whiteside Mountain

Hikers can enjoy the moderate two-mile loop trail that leads around Whiteside Mountain to its summit at 4,930 feet. The high ridgetop above the steep south-facing cliffs offers spectacular views of other mountains in the area. An old-growth forest of northern red oaks, with trunks twisted by strong winds and ice storms, is found at the summit.

Whiteside Mountain is located south of US 64 between Highlands and Cashiers. From Highlands take US 64E about 5 miles. Turn right on SR 1680 and follow the signs.

Resources

Hiking maps and other trail information can be obtained from the Great Smoky Mountain National Park visitor centers, Blue Ridge Parkway visitor centers, US Forest Service ranger offices and State Park offices. Additional information is available on the following websites:

• Blue Ridge Parkway
• Great Smoky Mountains National Park
• National Forests in North Carolina (US Forest Service)
• North Carolina State Parks

Hiking North Carolina's Blue Ridge Heritage by Danny Bernstein is a guidebook which features dozens of hikes within the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area while providing highlights of local history and natural heritage.