Search a hike or location

search
Best difficult hikes in North Carolina
Share:

Best difficult hikes in North Carolina

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 North Carolina.

Most popular hikes

1

Difficult

Mountains-to-Sea Trail

Swain County, North Carolina · star 4.1 (8) · 1893.3 km · Est. 68 days

2

Difficult

Appalachian Trail Section Hike - Davenport Gap to Max Patch Road

Haywood County, North Carolina · star 4.5 (11) · 23.3 km · Est. 7 hrs 11 min

3

Difficult

Appalachian Trail Section Hike - Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Graham County, North Carolina · star 4.5 (8) · 116.6 km · Est. 5 days

4

Difficult

Appalachian Trail - Tennessee

Avery County, North Carolina · star 4.3 (7) · 98.6 km · Est. 5 days

5

Difficult

Chunky Gal Trail

Clay County, North Carolina · star 4.0 (2) · 41.1 km · Est. 2 days

6

Difficult

Spence Ridge Trail

Burke County, North Carolina · star 4.0 (2) · 4.3 km · Est. 1 hrs 17 min

7

Difficult

Lost Cove Trail

Yancey County, North Carolina · star 4.0 (3) · 10.7 km · Est. 3 hrs 14 min

8

Difficult

Hanging Rock Ridge via Dutch Creek Road

Watauga County, North Carolina · star 4.5 (17) · 4.6 km · Est. 1 hrs 32 min

9

Difficult

Three Top Mountain Trail

Ashe County, North Carolina · star 4.4 (14) · 6.8 km · Est. 2 hrs 7 min

10

Difficult

Sugar Cove Trail

McDowell County, North Carolina · star 4.5 (6) · 8.1 km · Est. 2 hrs 16 min

SHOW MORE HIKES

Reviews for difficult hikes in North Carolina

Hector Guerrero avatar

Mountains-to-Sea Trail

Hector Guerrero · reviewed about 6 years ago

star star star star star

Mathias Nielsen avatar

Appalachian Trail Section Hike - Davenport Gap to Max Patch Road

Mathias Nielsen · reviewed almost 6 years ago

star star star star star

Carmen OMO Williams avatar

Appalachian Trail Section Hike - Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Carmen OMO Williams · reviewed about 5 years ago

star star star star star

I have always loved this section of the AT. So, I came back and did it again. Be ready for some serious uphill whether you start at Fontana Dam or Davenport Gap.

Lena Bailey avatar

Appalachian Trail - Tennessee

Lenadean · reviewed over 1 year ago

star star star star star

Sen. Sydney Gerhold avatar

Chunky Gal Trail

ExplorerScout31 · reviewed almost 2 years ago

star star star star star

Frequently asked questions for hikes in North Carolina

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/

More hikes in North Carolina

by difficulty

by type

by activity