NCTrails: Hiking in North Carolina

Leading a shakedown backpacking trip this weekend to SMSP and saw on the website that the bridge over High Shoals Falls is closed. Is that the one right above the falls? Can you still hike up to the platform below the falls? Didn't know if anyone had info based on recent weather/rain that has come through.

I read somewhere that the Blue Dot Trail off of NC 126 can provide a longer scenic hike that provides access to the Shortoff Mtn trail. However one website listed it as closed. Does anyone know if the trail is still open/would you recommend it?

I am a moderate hiker, but have done some strenuous hikes as well. Would love to explore some great trails while in Asheville. Also, what do I need to know about bears in the area?

Hey guys, I just stumbled on this group and it seems cool! Wanted to get y’all’s input on some good swimming holes that have moderate to hard hikes so that hopefully there’s less people. Waterfalls are a happy bonus as well! Any input is appreciated :)

Haven't seen anyone ask in a while so figured I would ask around since Summer is almost upon us..

My favorite camping location is closed, so does anyone know of any campgrounds with more distanced sites? Ideally they don't require a long hike, but please share your favorites even if a parking spot is not near.

The most important thing for my group is the ability to make a little noise without bothering neighbors, but we would also love some sort of charm to the location, especially if the campsite is a long drive away.

Bonus points for proximity to Charlotte, NC.

Note: I’ve gotten some people angry by asking for “secluded” sites, especially on r/camping. Just to be clear, I’m not asking for your super secret favorite private camping spot. Just looking for campgrounds with more space.

I'm not very used to hiking and I'm looking to plan a 3-4 day trip in western north carolina and string together some day hikes, I've never been camping so I'm just looking for some day hikes. I live in eastern tennessee and can drive to wherever in western nc so I don't have a specific location pinned down. Looking for some hikes that are around 4-8 miles long, moderate Not looking for anything super strenuous (crazy elevation changes, up and down huge rocks) as I had an ankle injury last year. Anything with waterfalls, or mountainous views would be cool, or generally anything pretty or notable. Just looking to get out and enjoy some nature basically

I went to dupont state park and saw three different waterfalls in a loop that was cool, as an example of what I enjoy.

Sorry if this post is not detailed enough or super pinned down on a specific park/location, please let me know if I can edit with more information. Thank you to anyone that responds.

I'm going to be in Waynesville/ Asheville in early June and want to do a 2 night/ 3 day hike. Do you have any recommendations? Will it be too hot? I'm willing to drive 2 hours from Waynesville to get to the trail.

I will be leading a group of backpackers on a 2-nighter in the UNF soon. I've hiked and camped there before, so I have a great campsite in mind for the first night. The second night, I'd like to camp somewhere on the northern end of Dutchman's Creek, near Lick Mountain. I've never passed through that area - are there good dispersed camping sites near the creek up there? Would prefer not to camp at Yates Camp, looking for something quieter. Crossposted from r/CampingandHiking

Any recommended spots near the triad area to backpack with my dog?

I recently lost one of my 2 dogs to cancer. She had health complications for years that prevented us from taking her on trips. I would really love to train my other dog to go camping with me. He is on leash 100% of the time because he is pretty reactive to animals and other dogs. I already know some spots I like in the Uwharries. Any other recommendations?

I will be heading to Asheville soon and hiking Mt.Mitchell. I saw 2 trails on All trails, one starts at the top and loops around for about 6 miles and the other is the longer hike that starts at the campground. I’m looking to get some insight as to trail conditions and how the elevation is. Is it super steep the whole way or pretty gradual? I hike quite often and have done some bigger east coast hikes (Mt.Tammany in NJ, Alum Cave Bluffs in GSM, Maryland Heights in Harpers Ferry, and a few other rocky, steep hikes that we get on the east coast) I very much want to do the whole hike up but the elevation is a lot more than I have done before. I am looking forward to the accomplishment of going up to the summit and not starting up there. Any advice and insight would be great!

I'm planning on hiking the Art Loeb trail this weekend, southbound to Davidson River Campground and wondering about campsite availability.

Is the Art Loeb trail usually crowded with day hikers or backpackers? Should I plan to camp early to get a campsite near Black Balsam or is there enough space to camp even if it gets crowded?

Thanks.

I'm looking to get in to backpacking and overnight camping/hiking trips. I have a decent bit of experience with hiking in general, but I've never done a "hike, camp, hike" sort of deal. Any good spots y'all know of for such a thing?

Regarding difficulty, I'd be looking for something in the moderate to semi difficult range. I like my hikes to be kinda challenging :)

Also, I've heard about The Gorge in Linville and done some research on the Grand Loop. Probably not the best place to start due to the overwhelming difficulty, but are there any shorter trails there that would be good for starting out?

Hi, we moved from up North few years ago. My Wife has memories of a family campground in our home state and is hoping to start a tradition in this state with our children.

The campground had themed weeks, bingo, various recreational activities, pools, seasonal, cabins, tents, amphitheater, and store. Wondering if any place in the Carolinas that exist like that?

I apologize in advance if this was already posted in here...but I would like to hike the Lake Powhatan Loop...I see you have to park in the arboretum where there is a fee. I have heard you can park elsewhere to get on the trail without even going in the arboretum. Any help on the parking situation is appreciated! I never really explore that side of town and would like to start!

Hi! I'm visiting Linville Gorge for the first time next week with a couple of friends but am unsure which trailheads are safe to drive to with a low clearance 2wd car like my Toyota Corrolla.

I've read conflicting advice when this question has been asked in the past so any insight and recommendations from your own experience would be much appreciated!

I can’t find any photos online.

Is there like an app to find fellow backpackers to go on a weekend trip with? None of my friends are into backpacking and hoping to meet people who are!

I have an option of flying to Asheville, going to Pisgah, doing Art Loeb for 3 days or

Flying into Knoxville and visiting Smoky Mountains. (What are the best 2/3 day hikes here? Big Creek?)

Which would you recommend for a 3 day weekend in August.

Hey Everyone!

My husband and I just moved to Asheville NC and are looking for hikes with a fire/service road. We would love to take our dog with us who like the wider space.

If anyone knows of any wider trail hikes, we'd love your input. Thanks!

Update: Thanks all, we decided on Banner Elk/Linville Gorge area for a few days, then Brevard for a few days.

Hi all, I’m planning a trip to the NC mountains and would love recommendations for 1-2 locations to base ourselves out of for day hikes. We would be doing early morning / late afternoon summer hikes at about 6 hours max for each one. I’m thinking about Banner Elk for one location so we can do Roan Mountan/Linville Gorge hikes, but what’s a good second location? Considering Cherokee for GSMNP or Asheville area for Pisgah.

We’d love a combo of cute small town vibes with a few food options and scenic medium-challenging hikes.