Grandfather Mountain   For experienced hikers, the two-mile Grandfather Trail makes its way through patches of spruce and fir and across rock outcrops with the help of ladders and cables. For hikers seeking a less strenuous adventure, try the Black Rock Trail. Starting at the Grandfather Mountain attraction, the trail offers panoramic views of several surrounding mountain peaks, including MacRae and Attic Window.

Can’t decide which of the 11 trails to hike first? Browse the free Backcountry Trail Guide offered with your admission ticket or hiking permit. You can also spend some time at the attraction, which includes a museum, gift shop and the Mile High Swinging Bridge that spans an 80-foot gap at the top of Linville Peak

Chimney Rock    The area is known for its flora and fauna – as well as some semi-famous scenery. Explore both as you take one of the five hiking trails that lead to Hickory Nut Falls, which plunges 404 feet down a sheer rock face. It and other locales here were used as background in the 1991 film “The Last of the Mohicans” starring Daniel Day-Lewis.

One of the unique aspects of Chimney Rock is the 26-story elevator that operates inside the towering pillar of igneous rock that gives the park its name. Once at the top, inspiring 360-degree views from the summit are yours for the taking.

Mount Mitchell    There are a few places in the world that still stand apart from the ordinary. Rising more than a mile high, surrounded by the gentle mist of low-hanging clouds, Mount Mitchell State Park is one of these extraordinary places. Choose between a short stroll or a more extensive hike into the woods. Either choice will be rewarding as the beauty of the park is best seen from one of its many trails. Hikers should wear appropriate clothing and carry proper gear as the high altitude makes the climate of Mount Mitchell chilly, even in summer.

A short trail beginning at the summit parking lot leads to the stone observation platform. On a clear day, visitors can see as far as 85 miles and enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and the Pisgah National Forest.

Linville Gorge - Grandfather Ranger District, Pisgah National Forest. Linville Gorge was first designated a wild area in 1951 by the Chief of the Forest Service. With the signing of the Wilderness Act of 1964, the area became one of the original components of the National Wilderness System. The original 7,575 acres was increased to the present 12,002 acres by the 1984 North Carolina Wilderness Act.

Roan Mountain – Rhododendron Gardens National Recreation Trail    Naturalists have journeyed to the 6,327-feet high Roan Mountain for more than two centuries to study its diversity of plant life. The Roan Mountain – Rhododendron National Recreation Trail features an easy, one-mile hike through the popular rhododendron gardens, which explode in color between mid-June and early July each year, drawing visitors from around the world. To time your visit with the bloom, visit roanmountain.com for updates.

The trail is divided into three loops, each suitable for hikers of all ages. The first loop is a paved, handicap-accessible interpretive trail with 16 stations keyed to information in a free brochure explaining the exotic and rare plants found on the mountain.

Joyce Kilmer National Recreation Trail   More than just a hike, this easy two-mile trek is a journey back to a time when vast forests were untouched by human hands. Located in the largest tract of virgin hardwoods east of the Mississippi, it inspired soldier-poet Joyce Kilmer to pen “Trees.”

The trail features two loops - the 1.25-mile lower loop and the .75-mile upper loop, which showcases the largest trees in the forest. Both loops converge at the Joyce Kilmer Memorial.

Brushy Ridge Trail in the Linville Gorge Wilderness Area    This moderate four-mile trek is perfect for hikers who long to get a little farther off the beaten path. Trails in this part of the wilderness are unmarked, so use a detailed map and a compass to avoid getting lost.

The first mile of the trail takes you down an old forest road with inspiring views of Hawksbill, Table Rock and Babel Tower. Forests of oak and maple highlighted with rhododendron and orchids provide rich habitat for birds and animals. Higher up, you’ll hike across lichen covered rock outcrops.

Whiteside Mountain National Recreation Trail   This gravel and soil trail features one of the more dramatic settings in the North Carolina mountains. But its steepness makes it better for experienced hikers.

Sheer white cliffs rise 400 to 750 feet along the sides of 4,930-feet tall Whiteside Mountain, providing a clear landmark for miles around. A two-mile moderate loop trail to the summit features inspiring views from the ridge tops.

Stone Mountain   Stone Mountain State Park features more than 16 miles of hiking trails that wind through forests of oak, hickory and pine before going over and around a massive granite dome that rises 600 feet above the valley floor.

Besides hiking, you can climb certain cliffs. Specific rules apply so check with the ranger station before climbing. If you’re less adventurous, spend time at the historical exhibits, which include a log cabin and blacksmith shop, complete with original furnishings and tools. Bring your fishing rod, too. Twenty miles of Wild Trout Waters are at the park, offering you a shot at a fish of a lifetime.

Graveyard Fields   Graveyard Fields is one of the Mountains’ most popular hiking spots. The three-mile loop will have you hiking down paved portions of trail, across bridges and up wooden stairs.

One major reason for the popularity is the succession of three spectacular waterfalls that plummet through the area: Upper Falls, Second Falls and Yellowstone Falls. All three of the falls are fed by the Yellowstone Prong. Another reason is the rich variety of flora and fauna that have re-carpeted and repopulated the once desolate landscape. Yellow birches, mountain ashes, Fraser firs, flowering dogwoods and red spruces have replaced the once-abundant American chestnuts while wildflowers grace the valley floor.

National Forest trails are for hikers only, unless signed and designated for bikes, horses, or ORV's. You should assume that unsigned trails are hiking-only trails.

Over 1700 miles of national forest trails are open to discovery in North Carolina. Some trails are easy and fun for families with small children; other paths make great half-day hikes. Longer trails can lead to backpacking adventures for a night or much longer. No permits are required for using national forest trails (except for overnight stays in the Linville Gorge Wilderness), though some areas have access fees. Wilderness trails are the most primitive and should be used only by those with orienteering skills. Check in with the District Ranger Station for the latest information, maps and current regulations.

Every national forest in North Carolina has a designated wilderness. Nature's forces shape these places, where people are visitors who do not remain. To protect the primeval character and solitude of wilderness, trails are maintained to the most primitive standard. Be prepared to orient yourself with your own maps and compass - do not depend on blazed trails and signage for direction. Mechanical forms of transport, such as bicycles, wagons, and game carts are not allowed. Group size is limited to a maximum of 10 people.