Search a hike or location

search
Best wildlife hikes in Yancey County
Share:

Best wildlife hikes in Yancey County

Calling all nature lovers! These wildlife-rich hikes give you the chance to spot some of the forest's cutest inhabitants.

Here are some great hikes to explore in Yancey County.

Most popular hikes

1

Difficult

Old Mitchell Toll Road - Pinnacle Loop Trail

Yancey County, North Carolina · star 4.4 (19) · 2.4 km · Est. 43 min

2

Medium

Mount Mitchell Summit Trail

Yancey County, North Carolina · star 4.4 (16) · 644 m · Est. 10 min

3

Medium

Mount Mitchell and Commissary Hill Backcountry Campsite via Mount Mitchell Trail

Yancey County, North Carolina · star 4.6 (26) · 5.3 km · Est. 1 hrs 32 min

4

Medium

Buncombe, Maple Camp Bald, Big Tom and Colbert Ridge Loop Trail

Yancey County, North Carolina · star 4.3 (12) · 29.1 km · Est. 8 hrs 15 min

5

Medium

South Toe River - Upper River Loop

Yancey County, North Carolina · star 4.5 (17) · 5.9 km · Est. 1 hrs 29 min

6

Medium

Commissary Hill and Mount Mitchell Loop Trail

Yancey County, North Carolina · star 4.4 (8) · 9.0 km · Est. 2 hrs 26 min

7

Difficult

Big Bald Bypass Loop Trail

Yancey County, North Carolina · star 4.7 (6) · 2.5 km · Est. 47 min

8

Difficult

Little Mountain - Higgins Bald Loop via Mount Mitchell Trail

Yancey County, North Carolina · star 4.2 (17) · 9.2 km · Est. 2 hrs 46 min

9

Medium

Crabtree Falls Trail Loop

Yancey County, North Carolina · star 4.6 (25) · 4.3 km · Est. 1 hrs 10 min

10

Difficult

Celo Knob, Horse Rock and Gibbs Mountain via Colbert Ridge Trail

Yancey County, North Carolina · star 4.4 (17) · 22.1 km · Est. 6 hrs 34 min

SHOW MORE HIKES

Reviews for wildlife hikes in Yancey County

Jed Mayert avatar

Old Mitchell Toll Road - Pinnacle Loop Trail

MeadowBushstrider58 · reviewed almost 2 years ago

star star star star star

Fredia Johnston avatar

Mount Mitchell Summit Trail

SummitviewPathfinder76 · reviewed over 1 year ago

star star star star star

Theo Nader avatar

Mount Mitchell and Commissary Hill Backcountry Campsite via Mount Mitchell Trail

OutbackMountainlover96 · reviewed over 1 year ago

star star star star star

Jeremy Herzog avatar

Buncombe, Maple Camp Bald, Big Tom and Colbert Ridge Loop Trail

SunriseTraveler71 · reviewed over 1 year ago

star star star star star

Evita Hayes avatar

South Toe River - Upper River Loop

TundraTrailfinder52 · reviewed almost 2 years ago

star star star star star

Frequently asked questions for hikes in Yancey 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/

More hikes in Yancey County

by difficulty

by type

by activity