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Best extra difficult hiking trails in North Carolina
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Best extra difficult hiking trails in North Carolina

Only the bravest need apply! These extra-difficult trails are not for the faint of heart...

Here are some great trails to explore in North Carolina.

Most popular trails

1

Extra Difficult

Omphus Ridge Trail

Clay County, North Carolina · star 5.0 (2) · 2.9 km · Est. 1 hrs 4 min

2

Extra Difficult

Lewellyn Cove Nature Trail

Graham County, North Carolina · star 5.0 (5) · 805 m · Est. 19 min

3

Extra Difficult

Pinch-In Trail

Burke County, North Carolina · star 4.0 (3) · 4.2 km · Est. 1 hrs 43 min

4

Extra Difficult

Chimney Rock

Rutherford County, North Carolina · star 5.0 (17) · 532 m · Est. 21 min

5

Extra Difficult

Youngs Mountain Trail

Rutherford County, North Carolina · star 4.0 (21) · 3.8 km · Est. 1 hrs 30 min

6

Extra Difficult

Woody Ridge Trail

Yancey County, North Carolina · star 4.0 (3) · 8.4 km · Est. 3 hrs 11 min

7

Extra Difficult

Bruce Knob via Bartram Trail

Macon County, North Carolina · star 4.0 (18) · 3.3 km · Est. 1 hrs 13 min

8

Extra Difficult

Lookout Mountain via East Ridge Trail

Buncombe County, North Carolina · star 5.0 (12) · 2.2 km · Est. 50 min

9

Extra Difficult

Cattail Peak, Balsam Cone, Mount Craig and Mount Mitchell via Deep Gap Trail

Yancey County, North Carolina · star 5.0 (19) · 12.2 km · Est. 4 hrs 59 min

10

Extra Difficult

Cable Gap Trail

Graham County, North Carolina · star 4.0 (5) · 2.7 km · Est. 1 hrs 0 min

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Reviews for hiking trails in North Carolina

Armanda Blick avatar

Omphus Ridge Trail

CascadeFjordfinder62 路 reviewed over 1 year ago

star star star star star

Kimber Carroll avatar

Lewellyn Cove Nature Trail

ShadedGlaciertracker12 路 reviewed about 1 year ago

star star star star star

Thomasine Hane DVM avatar

Pinch-In Trail

TimberFootstep29 路 reviewed about 1 year ago

star star star star star

Mohamed Collier avatar

Chimney Rock

PassRanger23 路 reviewed over 1 year ago

star star star star star

avatar

Youngs Mountain Trail

CampsiteSummitscout30 路 reviewed over 1 year ago

star star star star star

This trail was very simple to navigate. We did this last year after registering to park/access the trail. The trailhead is in a gated community so you have to register to get an access code. I recommend this for a family as there weren鈥檛 any difficult areas and our kids all handled it well. There weren鈥檛 too many great views going up except for a few open areas to get some peaks but once at the top it was beautiful.

Frequently asked questions

What is the climate like for hiking in North Carolina?

North Carolina's climate varies greatly from the coastal plains to the mountainous regions. Coastal and Piedmont areas experience hot summers and mild winters, while the mountains can be significantly cooler. However, extreme temperatures can make summer hiking challenging and winter hiking risky due to icy trails and potential snowfall.
Spring and fall offer the most comfortable hiking conditions, with moderate temperatures and lower humidity. Fall is particularly attractive as the forests explode with autumn colors.
The best time to hike in North Carolina generally spans from March to May and September to November. Regardless of the season, check weather forecasts before setting out, and visit the North Carolina State Parks website (https://www.ncparks.gov/) for trail conditions and closures.

Do I need a permit to hike in North Carolina?

Most hiking trails in North Carolina are free and open to the public without a permit. Certain areas, like state parks or wildlife refuges, might require entrance fees or permits. Contact North Carolina State Parks (https://www.ncparks.gov/) for specific information.

Is wild camping allowed in North Carolina?

Wild camping in North Carolina is allowed in many national forest areas, though restrictions apply, such as maintaining distance from water sources. Always follow "Leave No Trace" principles. For specifics, consult the U.S. Forest Service's website for the region (https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/nfsnc/home).

Are there mountain rescue services in North Carolina?

In case of emergencies while hiking in North Carolina, dial 911. Local law enforcement coordinates with voluntary organizations for Search and Rescue operations. For safety tips and emergency information, consult the North Carolina State Parks website (https://www.ncparks.gov/).

Are there dangerous plants in North Carolina?

North Carolina's flora is richly diverse, from coastal pines to mountain rhododendrons. While hiking, you might encounter blooming dogwoods in spring or fiery maples in fall. For a deeper understanding of the region's flora, visit the North Carolina Botanical Garden's website (https://ncbg.unc.edu/).

What wildlife should I be aware of when hiking in North Carolina?

In North Carolina, hikers may encounter wildlife ranging from deer and squirrels to black bears, especially in the mountains. Insects like ticks and mosquitoes are common in warmer months. Always respect wildlife and consider insect repellent. For more information, consult the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission https://a-z-animals.com/animals/location/north-america/united-states/north-carolina/

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