Hiking in North Carolina
There are many day trip hiking trails in North Carolina
and for detailed information about each of them and for
current information about conditions it check with the National
Park Service. Some of the major trail locations can be found
in the mountain ranges of the Grandfather,
Black, Newfound, Balsam
Nantahala, Snowbird and Great
Smoky Mountains.
The Appalachian mountains of North Carolina have a unique
feature—many of them have steep granite cliffs. Theses granite
cliffs are best seen from NC 106 and US 64. However, you
can observe them more closely from the trails that reach
the summits of Whiteside and Satulah mountains in the Highlands.
One of the area’s oldest trails is the Ellicot Rock Trail.
Here you will find a slightly steep trail climb that follows
an old road bed. The Ellicot, which takes about 2 hours
to hike, crosses the Chatooga River and joins the Chatooga
River Trail as well as the Bad Creek Trail. You will find
Commissioner’s Rock which is the intersection of
Georgia, Tennessee and North
Carolina.
If you love all day hikes, then head east on highway 64
toward the Yellow Mountain Trail. The Trail is approximately
9.6 miles round trip, making it the longest trail in the
Highlands. The hike will take you up Cole Mountain as well
as 5,000 foot Short off Mountain. The Trail ends with a
panoramic view of Yellow Mountain. Along the trail you will
be shaded by massive white oaks and chestnut trees. From
early spring to June the trails are rich with floral displays,
and with the onset of summer temperature, many natural snacks
like blackberries grow along the trail.
While hiking in North Carolina make sure to rent a cabin.
Renting
a cabin in North Carolina is an experience that will
live with you forever.
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