Why hike on flat land when you can conquer peaks? These hikes come with brag-worthy mountain views.
Here are some great hikes to explore in North Carolina.
matthewavl 路 reviewed 8 months ago
Did the trail northbound late-April 2025. Had plenty of water, especially along the southern parts, after a rainy week prior. Pilot Mountain ascent was brutal but made later ascents, even the one to the parkway and Black Balsam feel like a walk in the park. The Narrows was my favorite part (did it at sunrise), reminiscent of the Chimneys at Linville Gorge. And there's an exceptionally lone Rhododendron that stands atop a distinctive pile of boulders near the top of Sassafras Mountain -- an interesting sight!
Appalachian Trail Section Hike - Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Carmen OMO Williams 路 reviewed over 4 years ago
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.
Scott Hopkins 路 reviewed over 4 years ago
Overall this was a good trail. I did it in 2 days, 1 night, I stayed at Carter Shelter. Nice shelter and privy. The hike down from Albert Mountain is rough, if you go up to the fire tower, I鈥檇 recommend backtracking for about .2 miles and take the Bypass, your knees will thank you. Getting closer to Standing Indian Mountain the trail gets a little overgrown. The Lower Ridge trail starts off overgrown, rocky and steep as you decend from the AT. Most of the trail is overgrown and you won鈥檛 find water for the first 2.5 miles or so. When the trail gets to Standing Indian Campground, just follow the road to your right and it鈥檒l take you to the connector trail back to the parking area by the Backcountry Info Panel.
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