Burnsville, North Carolina

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

Top Hiking Spots in and near Burnsville

  • Flat Rock, North Carolina

    Watch the Green Race

    5.0
    1.8 mi / 500 ft gain
    On the first Saturday of November the best creek boaters in the world gather at the Green River in North Carolina to see who can storm the Narrows and claim the top title (at least for the next year!). For paddlers, creek boating is a pursuit along tight and narrow steeps that most of us have ne...
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  • Bristol, Tennessee

    Osceola Island Loop

    5.0
    1.52 mi / 95 ft gain
    The Osceola Island Loop is a 1.50 mile gravel loop on an island in the South Holston River. There are multiple benches along the loop to stop and observe the wildlife. Fishing is a common activity along the edge of the trail. There is a large parking area and bathrooms at the start of the trail.
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  • Bristol, Tennessee

    Tailwater Trail

    5.0
    0.95 mi / 30 ft gain
    The TVA Tailwater Trail is a 0.5 mile trail along the east side of South Fork Holston River. The trail is dirt and ends in an incline. Along the edge of the river, there are views of the distant Holston Mountain. This trail provides access to the river for fishing. It is located near the Emmett T...
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  • Connelly Springs, North Carolina

    Sawtooth Campground via Chestnut Knob Trail

    5.0
    6.18 mi / 1299 ft gain
    This 6.2-mile total trip will take you through the highlights of South Mountains State Park with an overnight stay in one of the drier campsites.  OPTIONAL: You can get a warm-up in by starting with a 2.5-mile loop to High Shoal Falls that you can do without packs before picking up with a 3-mile...
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  • Connelly Springs, North Carolina

    High Shoals Waterfall and H.Q. Loop Trail

    4.83 mi / 1043 ft gain
    High Shoals Waterfall and H.Q. Loop Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Connelly Springs, North Carolina.
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  • Connelly Springs, North Carolina

    High Shoals Falls

    4.6
    2.47 mi / 617 ft gain
    From the Jacob Fork parking area in South Mountains State Park, it is a short 1 mile walk over the Jacob River to the High Shoals Waterfall (80'). If you choose to continue past the observation deck, High Shoals Falls Trail (blue circle) climbs up above the waterfall, crossing the river. Keep rig...
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  • Canton, North Carolina

    Camp at Mt. Pisgah

    5.0
    The Mt. Pisgah campground is nestled right off of the Blue Ridge Parkway near Canton, NC.  Since it is at an elevation of 4,980 feet the campground is a perfect destination to beat the heat and humidity that the region can be known for in the summer months.  Reservations and information can be fo...
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  • Connelly Springs, North Carolina

    Chestnut Knob via River Trail

    4.0
    5.9 mi / 1115 ft gain
    The journey begins at the Cicero Branch Parking Area along South Mountain Road, following Jacob Fork River Trail. The trail runs along the Fork before ascending Chestnut Knob. After completing the trail, you will find yourself on the highest peak of the South Mountain chain, where there are breat...
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  • Kingsport, Tennessee

    Bays Mountain Trail Loop

    5.0
    6.01 mi / 728 ft gain
    Bays Mountain Trail Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Kingsport, Tennessee.
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  • Kingsport, Tennessee

    Bays Mountain Reservoir Trail

    5.0
    2.8 mi / 469 ft gain
    Bays Mountain Reservoir Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Kingsport, Tennessee.
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  • Kingsport, Tennessee

    Bay's Mountain Firetower

    4.8
    3.67 mi / 768 ft gain
    Bay's Mountain Firetower overlooks the city of Kingsport, the South Fork Holston River, and the surrounding Tennessee mountains. Part of Bay's Mountain State Park, this is the most popular hike of the 25 miles of trails. The hike to the fire tower passes the Kingsport Reservoir which is essential...
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  • Kingsport, Tennessee

    Bays Mountain Fire Tower Loop

    5.0
    4.79 mi / 879 ft gain
    Bays Mountain Fire Tower Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Kingsport, Tennessee.
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  • Todd, North Carolina

    Hike the Elk Knob Summit Trail

    5.0
    3.8 mi / 1000 ft gain
    There are no bathrooms at the trailhead, so if needed, drive a little past it to the park bathrooms on the left. Park at the summit trailhead and start your hike on the new gravel path. The trail gains 1000 ft in elevation in just under 2 miles so take your time if need be - and bring plenty of w...
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  • Canton, North Carolina

    Climb Fryingpan Mountain Lookout Tower

    4.5
    1.5 mi
    This is an extremely easy trail with a minimal incline. The tower, built in 1941, standing 70 feet above the summit, can be nerve wracking, even for those who aren't scared of heights.  However, most feel it's worth the view. Expect to see fellow hikers. On pretty days there can be a few people w...
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  • Bristol, Tennessee

    Lake Ridge Trail and Lakeside Trail

    5.0
    4.56 mi / 669 ft gain
    Lake Ridge Trail and Lakeside Trail is a loop trail that takes you through a nice forest located near Bristol, Tennessee.
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  • Bristol, Tennessee

    Lake Ridge Trail to Cross Ridge Trail Loop

    5.0
    4.68 mi / 1368 ft gain
    Lake Ridge Trail to Cross Ridge Trail Loop is a loop trail that takes you through a nice forest located near Bristol, Tennessee.
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