Hikes

Many of my favorite hikes are to waterfalls -- so be sure to look under the Waterfalls tab for a listing of those great hikes. As you can tell from my list, most of the hikes here are one to three mile hikes (one way) -- some are so easy as to be considered 'walks'! But to me hiking isn't about distance or difficulty...it's a state of mind. :)  For a discussion of the best one-night hikes in our area, click here. For a list of area hiking clubs, click here. Do you have a favorite hike in our area? If so, leave a comment and tell us about it!

* Indicates my favorite hikes

Hiking the Roan Balds

Best APPALACHIAN TRAIL Hikes in Northeast TN/Western NC/Southwest VA: (from South to North)

• *AT to Max Patch (unbelievable 360 degree mountain views) 
• Sam's Gap to Big Bald (6.5 miles one way - Spectacular views from this natural bald on the TN/NC border)
•  Spivey Gap to High Rocks (gradual climb leads to enormous boulder and overlook)
•  Nolichucky River to Cliff Ridge (great views of the Nolichucky River from high above)
•  *AT to Unaka Mountain Summit (awesome red spruce forest at the summit)
• Hughes Gap to Little Rock Knob (2.3 miles each way - fantastic mountain overlook) 
• Carvers Gap to Roan High Knob (climb to the highest point on Roan Mountain and visit the highest AT shelter)
• *Carvers Gap to Roan Mountain Balds (one of the most spectacular sections of the entire AT)
• Overmountain Shelter hikes (a variety of ways to get to one of the most beloved shelters on the AT)
• AT to Watauga Dam (three different ways to visit the dam)
• AT to Uncle Nick Grindstaff's Grave (a beautiful walk to a unique and eerie place) 
• *Grayson Highlands State Park (come walk with the wild ponies)

Doe River Gorge

Best NORTHEAST TENNESSEE Hikes:

• Bays Mountain (miles and miles of great trails)
• Buffalo Mountain (a steep climb rewarded with terrific views from White Rocks)
• Buzzard Rock (very long and difficult hike in the spectacular Rocky Fork wilderness) 
• Clark's Creek in Unicoi County (various waterfalls and hikes)
• *Doe River Gorge (walk the tracks of the historic Tweetsie Railroad)
• Hampton Creek Cove (three different trails, beautiful farm and woodland setting)
• High Rock Trailhead (great views of Roan and Unaka Mountains)
• Limestone Cove Trail (very steep 3+ mile long trail leads up to Stamping Ground Ridge)
• Osceola Island (a leisurely 1.5-mile loop)
• Pinnacle Mountain Trail (4 1/2 mile trail leading to rehabilitated fire tower)
• *Roan High Bluff (easy one mile hike roundtrip to breathtaking overlook)
• Rock Creek Park (various trails)
• Steele Creek Park (lots of trails of varying difficulty)
• White House Cliffs Trail (short but difficult hike to amazing panoramic views) 

Table Rock View

Best WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA Hikes:

• Bass Lake (enjoy various trails on the Moses Cone Estate, or a beautiful walk around the lake)
• Beacon Heights Overlook (take a picnic and enjoy the views)
• Black Rock Nature Trail (a short trail within Grandfather Mountain to rock outcropping)
• *Craggy Gardens (a short climb to some wonderful overlooks)
• Flat Rock Trail (easy hike to views of Hump Mountain and Grandfather Mountain)
• Price Lake (a serene 2.3 mile walk)
• *Table Rock (a one mile climb to an overlook with terrific panoramic views)
• Tanawha Trail from Beacon Heights to Price Lake (13 amazing miles)
• *Tanawha Trail to Rough Ridge (a one mile climb to some of the best views in our area)

Along the Creeper Trail

Best SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA Hikes:

• *Grayson Highlands State Park (come walk with the wild ponies)
• *Virginia Creeper Trail (walk, jog or bike 34 miles of rails-to-trails)
• Scott Co., VA Trails (so many beautiful options)

Best Eastern Kentucky Hikes:

• Pine Mountain Trail (miles of scenic trails)

Before venturing out, please read my warnings, safety tips and disclaimers.