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Best difficult hikes in Buncombe County
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Best difficult hikes in Buncombe County

Got your game face on? These difficult hikes are designed for hikers who are looking for a serious adventure.

Here are some great hikes to explore in Buncombe County.

Most popular hikes

1

Difficult

Shut-In Trail from Bent Creek River Park

Buncombe County, North Carolina · star 4.6 (19) · 25.9 km · Est. 2 days

2

Difficult

Lookout Mountain, Buck Gap, Sourwood Gap and East Ridge Loop Trail

Buncombe County, North Carolina · star 4.7 (19) · 9.1 km · Est. 2 hrs 41 min

3

Difficult

Stair and Walker Creek Loop Trail

Buncombe County, North Carolina · star 4.5 (15) · 6.9 km · Est. 2 hrs 5 min

4

Difficult

Hawkbill Rock and Snowball Mountain via Mountains-to-Sea Trail

Buncombe County, North Carolina · star 4.5 (25) · 4.4 km · Est. 1 hrs 31 min

5

Difficult

Craggy Gardens Trail

Buncombe County, North Carolina · star 4.4 (16) · 3.4 km · Est. 1 hrs

6

Difficult

Stair Creek Trail

Buncombe County, North Carolina · star 4.3 (3) · 3.4 km · Est. 1 hrs 12 min

7

Difficult

Upper Corner Rock Trail

Buncombe County, North Carolina · star 4.3 (3) · 3.2 km · Est. 1 hrs 3 min

8

Difficult

Flat Spring Knob via Big Butt Trail

Buncombe County, North Carolina · star 4.3 (15) · 6.9 km · Est. 2 hrs 7 min

9

Difficult

Snowball Mountain, Hawkbill Rock and Little Snowball Mountain via Snowball Trail

Buncombe County, North Carolina · star 4.6 (14) · 11.2 km · Est. 3 hrs 28 min

10

Difficult

Little Andy Trail

Buncombe County, North Carolina · star 4.3 (6) · 2.0 km · Est. 37 min

SHOW MORE HIKES

Reviews for difficult hikes in Buncombe County

Shane Dickens II avatar

Shut-In Trail from Bent Creek River Park

StriderWayfarer28 · reviewed about 2 years ago

star star star star star

Ceola Stark avatar

Lookout Mountain, Buck Gap, Sourwood Gap and East Ridge Loop Trail

GorgeAspenseeker28 · reviewed almost 2 years ago

star star star star star

Kati Spinka VM avatar

Stair and Walker Creek Loop Trail

StriderBushwalker11 · reviewed about 2 years ago

star star star star star

Preston Schneider MD avatar

Hawkbill Rock and Snowball Mountain via Mountains-to-Sea Trail

LedgeLedgehopper29 · reviewed about 2 years ago

star star star star star

Zachary Ledner CPA avatar

Craggy Gardens Trail

PinesHikerlife36 · reviewed about 2 years ago

star star star star star

Frequently asked questions for hikes in Buncombe County

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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