12 Must-Do Backpacking Adventures in North Carolina
Spend a night or two above the clouds.
Home of the famous Great Smoky Mountains, North Carolina is an incredible place to put your backpacking to the test. With so many options to link up multi-day backpacking trips, you'll never run out of trails to explore. Hit up a section of the Appalachian Trail, camp out deep in one of the national forests, or take in a sunset view of the never-ending rolling hills. Doesn't sound too bad, right? Pack your gear, make your plan, and hit the trail!
1. Camp on Hawksbill Mountain
Photo: John Stephens
2. Backpack the Art Loeb Trail
Photo: Steve Yocom
3. Backpack the Forney Creek Loop
Photo: Haresh Soorma
4. Hike from Max Patch to Hot Springs
Photo: Steve Yocom
5. Hike to Grassy Ridge Bald in the Roan Highlands
Photo: Steve Yocom
6. Backpack the Southern Smokies: Fontana Lake to Clingman’s Dome
Photo: Andrew Todd
7. Backpack through Nantahala National Forest via the Appalachian Trail
Photo: Bradley Burgess
8. Catch a Sunset on Green Knob
Photo: Steve Yocom
9. Hike and Camp the Sam Knob Loop
Photo: Steve Yocom
10. Backpack Graveyard Fields Black Balsam Knob Circuit
Photo: Clare Healy
11. Backpack the Roan Highlands Appalachian Trail
Photo: Steve Yocom
12. Backpack the Dutchman’s Creek Trail, Uwharrie NF
Photo: Conrad McGill
Cover photo: Steve Yocom
We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
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