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NC Smoky Mountains Hiking



Hiking the Smoky Mountains North Carolina  trails offers some of the most gorgeous scenery in the Southeastern United States.  Get out on foot and enjoy the many miles of well maintained North Carolina Mountains trails.  Enjoy the scenic mountain views, the numerous waterfalls and the natural beauty of the Smoky Mountains forests and wildflowers.  From short easy trails to challenging long distance trails, there are trails for all types of experience and desires.  Hike to lofty views and heights, through forest paths among ancient trees and wildlflowers that cover the forest floor, along babbling brooks and casading mountain streams,waterfalls, explore remains of old homesteads, the remnants of early Smoky Mountain settlers.

Toms Branch Falls                                              Indian Creek Falls

The above waterfall pictures were taken on the Deep Creek Trail, Bryson City, in the southern part of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  Deep Creek Trail is an easy trail suitable for walkers of all ages.  Cool off in the water while hiking.

Above and Beyond cabin Looking Glass Falls Pisgah National Forest North Carolina
Looking Glass Falls Pisgah National Forest


The North Carolina Mountains are a year round destination for Smoky Mountain natural attractions, sports and activities. Spring, summer and fall bring out people who love the beauty and nature in the NC Mountains.  It's only natural that people who love the Smoky Mountain beauty love to get out for long or short hikes, easy or difficult, with mountain views or along mountain streams.

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Grotto Falls Hike Great Smoky Mountains Natonal Park

There are numerous hiking and nature trails scattered all over the North Carolina Mountains. Many of them are located along the Blue Ridge Parkway and in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.   Waterfall hiking is very rewarding because the waterfall is a hidden jewel in the middle of the Smoky Mountain forest and a reward of beauty for reaching your hiking destination.  Eat your lunch in the cooling mist of the waterfall.
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View the elk during rutting season in September and October in the Cataloochee Valley of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  The elk herd can be viewed any season but an elk bugle can only be heard during the rut season.  

Links to Hiking and North Carolina Mountain Trails


The Appalachian Trail consists of a 2,174 mile trail which leads along the mountain ridges and across the major valleys of the Appalachian Mountains from Springer Mountain in northern Georgia to Mt. Katahdin in Maine. The trailcrosses through Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine.

























The Hiking Companion - Everything You'll Ever Need To Know About Hiking  All In One Place!








Little Tennessee River Greenway preserves scenic, natural, historic, cultural and recreational resources and promotes increased public access to the Little Tennessee River through riverside parks and trails.


HIKING TRAILS OUT OF FRANKLIN, NC
Rufus Morgan Trail
 1 mile loop - From Franklin, drive four miles west on US 64 and turn right at Wayah Bald direction sign. Take first left onto Wayah Road (state road 1310), go about 6.5 miles. Turn left onto gravel FS road 388 (often closed in Winter months), go about 2 miles to sign and parking area for Rufus Morgan Trail. Trail entrance is in parking area. This trail is blue blazed, and is easy to follow. About half-way, a side trail to right leads to the base of a nice waterfall. Spring wildflowers, and mature hardwood forest make this a pleasant short hike.
Shot Pouch Trail
 1.5 mi. total Follow directions for Rufus Morgan Trail out of Franklin. Stay on state road 1310 past FS388, up winding road to top of hill (Wayah Gap). Turn right at sign for Wayah Bald onto gravel road FS 69. Go 0.9 miles to parking area and sign for Shot Pouch trail. This unblazed trail crosses the Appalachian Trail, goes across a grassed wildlife clearing, and continues as a logging road past small waterfall to end at nice view of Franklin valley and Cowee and Fishhawk mountains.



Wayah Bald Lookout Tower
 0.3 mi. Follow above directions to Wayah Gap, turn right on gravel road (FS 69) to Wayah Bald. Go- about 4.5 mi. to parking area near end of road just around 180 degree turn. Walk back to the turn, take paved path past latrines up to stone tower (path is suitable for handicapped). This national historic landmark offers panoramic views of many mountain ranges and two valleys. From the tower, one can see the main ridge of the Smoky Mountains to the North, the Balsams and the Cowees to the East, and the Tusquittee and Slickrock ranges to the West.

Wasilik Poplar Trail
1.4 mi round trip. This trail starts at Rock Gap on the road to Standing Indian Campground. From Franklin, follow US 64 West past Winding Stair Gap (big rock cut in mountain) and about a mile further, turn left at sign for Standing Indian Campground and Appalachian Trail. About 2 miles up this road is sign for campground - turn right (FS 67) and go 1/2 mile to Rock Gap. The Wasilik trail crosses the Appalachian Trail (which crosses next to the parking area) and then descends for 0.7 miles to the second largest poplar tree known in the US. The return trip can be strenuous for those not accustomed to long climbs, but this enormous tree is worth the trip.

“May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome,
dangerous, leading to the most amazing view."
-Edward Abbey










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