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Asheville, North Carolina

Looking for the best backpacking in Asheville? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Asheville. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Backpacking Spots in and near Asheville

  • Morganton, North Carolina

    Hawksbill Mountain Trail

    4.9
    1.87 mi / 633 ft gain
    Hidden far above the beautiful Linville Gorge stands Hawksbill Mountain, among many other fantastic hikes. The roughly 1.7 mile hike from the dusty gravel parking lot is steep but worth every step. It took me about an hour to conquer with a few water bottle-guzzling stops. At the top, you are al...
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  • Newland, North Carolina

    Hike to Bradley Gap along the Appalachian Trail

    4.6 mi / 1339 ft gain
    Bradley Gap rests along the Appalachian Trail overlooking North Carolina and Tennessee mountains. Part of the Roan Highlands, Bradley Gap can be accessed via Yellow Mountain Gap Trailhead. Follow the Roaring Fork Trail from the trailhead until you intersect the Appalachian Trail (White Blaze) app...
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  • Johnson City, Tennessee

    Fork Knob, White Rock and The Noggin Loop

    5.0
    3.12 mi / 1220 ft gain
    The Fork Knob and White Rock Loop in Johnson City, Tennessee, is a moderately challenging hiking trail that spans approximately 3.12 miles. The trail is marked by a variety of natural features, including a prominent rock formation known as White Rock, which offers panoramic views of the surroundi...
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  • Gatlinburg, Tennessee

    Hike to Clingman’s Dome via Newfound Gap

    4.5
    16.6 mi / 1600 ft gain
    This route to Clingmans Dome is available throughout the year. But during the winter months from December 1 through March 31, the 7-mile Clingman’s Dome Road that branches off Highway 441 at Newfound Gap, stays closed. This means the usual drive to the parking area located just a half mile below ...
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  • Gatlinburg, Tennessee

    Mount LeConte Lodge via the Boulevard Trail

    15.95 mi / 3000 ft gain
    Begin your adventure by arriving at the Newfound Gap parking lot - before first light. Why? Because you won't want to miss the incredible sunrise from the parking lot - even before you step foot on the trail! It is said that a hiker will never get overly warm hiking the Boulevard to Leconte due ...
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  • 35.610235,-83.426410

    Myrtle Point via Alum Cave

    5.0
    15.43 mi / 3100 ft gain
    This hike can be started at the Alum Cave trailhead or the Boulevard Trailhead. For this particular adventure, the starting point is Alum Cave. If you're lucky enough to stay the night at the backcountry shelter on top of Mt. LeConte, (add 0.2 miles if coming from the Lodge), head east on the Bou...
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