Member-only story

50 Can't-Miss Trail Adventures in the Pisgah, Nantahala, Uwharrie, and Croatan

Rodney Parker

·8.5k Followers· Follow

Published in Hiking North Carolina S National Forests: 50 Can T Miss Trail Adventures In The Pisgah Nantahala Uwharrie And Croatan National Forests (Southern Gateways Guides)

6 min read · 1 week before

680 View Claps

49 Respond

Save

Listen

North Carolina is a hiker's paradise, with an endless variety of trails to explore. From easy day hikes to challenging multi-day treks, there's something for everyone in the Tar Heel State.

Hiking North Carolina's National Forests: 50 Can't-Miss Trail Adventures in the Pisgah, Nantahala, Uwharrie, and Croatan National Forests (Southern Gateways Guides)

by Johnny Molloy

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	9844 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	263 pages

This guidebook showcases the best trails in four of North Carolina's most popular mountain regions: the Pisgah, Nantahala, Uwharrie, and Croatan. Each trail description includes detailed directions, elevation profiles, and information on difficulty, distance, and scenery.

Whether you're a seasoned hiker or just getting started, this guidebook will help you plan the perfect adventure in the North Carolina mountains.

Pisgah National Forest

The Pisgah National Forest is home to some of the most popular hiking trails in North Carolina, including the iconic Appalachian Trail. With over 500 miles of trails to choose from, there's something for everyone in the Pisgah.

Here are a few of the most popular trails in the Pisgah National Forest:

Graveyard Fields Loop Trail: This easy 3-mile loop trail is perfect for families with young children. The trail winds through a beautiful meadow filled with wildflowers, and there are several waterfalls along the way.
Mount Mitchell Trail: This challenging 10-mile trail leads to the summit of Mount Mitchell, the highest point in the eastern United States. The views from the summit are breathtaking, and the trail is well worth the effort.
Art Loeb Trail: This long-distance trail traverses the entire Pisgah National Forest. The trail is divided into 14 sections, each of which can be hiked in a day. The Art Loeb Trail is a great way to experience the diversity of the Pisgah.

Nantahala National Forest

The Nantahala National Forest is located in the southwestern corner of North Carolina. The forest is home to a variety of hiking trails, from easy day hikes to challenging multi-day treks.

Here are a few of the most popular trails in the Nantahala National Forest:

Rainbow Falls Trail: This easy 2-mile trail leads to Rainbow Falls, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in North Carolina. The trail is well-maintained and suitable for all ages.
Standing Indian Loop Trail: This moderate 5-mile loop trail offers stunning views of the Nantahala River. The trail is well-marked and easy to follow.
Bartram Trail: This long-distance trail follows the route of the explorer William Bartram. The trail is divided into 10 sections, each of which can be hiked in a day. The Bartram Trail is a great way to experience the wilderness of the Nantahala.

Uwharrie National Forest

The Uwharrie National Forest is located in the central part of North Carolina. The forest is home to a variety of hiking trails, including the Uwharrie Trail, a 30-mile loop trail that traverses the entire forest.

Here are a few of the most popular trails in the Uwharrie National Forest:

Uwharrie Trail: This challenging 30-mile loop trail is perfect for backpackers. The trail is well-marked and offers a variety of scenery, including forests, streams, and waterfalls.
Little Long Mountain Trail: This moderate 5-mile trail leads to the summit of Little Long Mountain, the highest point in the Uwharrie National Forest. The views from the summit are breathtaking, and the trail is worth the effort.
Uwharrie Lakes Trail: This easy 2-mile trail loops around two small lakes in the Uwharrie National Forest. The trail is perfect for a leisurely walk or hike.

Croatan National Forest

The Croatan National Forest is located in the southeastern corner of North Carolina. The forest is home to a variety of hiking trails, including the Croatan Trail, a 20-mile loop trail that traverses the entire forest.

Here are a few of the most popular trails in the Croatan National Forest:

Croatan Trail: This challenging 20-mile loop trail is perfect for backpackers. The trail is well-marked and offers a variety of scenery, including forests, swamps, and beaches.
Bear Island Trail: This moderate 5-mile trail leads to the summit of Bear Island, the highest point in the Croatan National Forest. The views from the summit are breathtaking, and the trail is worth the effort.
Neusiok Trail: This easy 2-mile trail loops around Neusiok Lake in the Croatan National Forest. The trail is perfect for a leisurely walk or hike.

Plan Your Adventure

With so many great trails to choose from, planning your next hiking adventure in the North Carolina mountains is easy. Use this guidebook to find the perfect trail for your skill level and interests, and then hit the trail and enjoy the stunning scenery.

Hiking North Carolina's National Forests: 50 Can't-Miss Trail Adventures in the Pisgah, Nantahala, Uwharrie, and Croatan National Forests (Southern Gateways Guides)

by Johnny Molloy

4.6 out of 5