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  • Connelly Springs, North Carolina

    Connelly Springs, North Carolina is a popular destination for activities and attractions. From scenic trails and breathtaking views to must-visit attractions, the area has plenty to offer. Popular trails include the Catawba River Trail, the South Mountains State Park, and the Fonta Flora State Trail. For outdoor adventures, visitors can enjoy fishing, kayaking, and whitewater rafting. Other attractions include the Hickory Nut Gorge, Chimney Rock State Park, and the Linville Gorge Wilderness Area. All of these attractions provide a great way to explore the area and offer a unique experience for everyone.

    Top Spots in and near Connelly Springs

    • Old Fort, North Carolina

      Catawba Falls

      4.8
      2.19 mi / 394 ft gain
      Please note, Catawba Falls is temporarily closed. You can learn more about updates at www.fs.usda.gov. This quick and relatively easy hike is located close to Asheville, NC. If you're looking to have the trail to yourself, it can be a little tough. It's best to get there as early as possible or ...
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    • Bakersville, North Carolina

      Appalachian Trail: Carvers Gap to Roan Mountain

      5.0
      6.98 mi / 1204 ft gain
      Appalachian Trail: Carvers Gap to Roan Mountain is an out-and-back trail near Bakersville, North Carolina. This trail is not too crowded, so don't be surprised if you're the only one taking in the view. Keep in mind the 1200+ foot climb along this trail if you're accustomed to hiking a longer dis...
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    • Bakersville, North Carolina

      Grassy Ridge Bald in the Roan Highlands

      5.0
      4.84 mi / 932 ft gain
      Once you've parked at Carver's Gap (5500'), the trailhead is pretty easy to find. Simply cross the highway and jump onto the Appalachian Trail, right on the border of North Carolina and Tennessee. Head north on the AT as you head through the Roan Mountain Balds. In the very beginning of the hike,...
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    • Bakersville, North Carolina

      Round Bald via Carver's Gap

      4.3
      1.72 mi / 338 ft gain
      This super easy hike to the campsites near Round Bald is the perfect intro to backpacking for kids or newbies, but serves just as well for the more experienced backpackers who can't squeeze a longer trip in over the weekend. This short (.5 mile) hike in leads to a grassy opening with amazing vie...
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    • Bakersville, North Carolina

      Backpack to Overmountain Shelter in the Roan Highlands

      5.0
      5.5 mi / 900 ft gain
      Starting from the Carver Gap Parking area (do not leave belongings visible in your vehicle) head North on the Appalachian Trail (cross the road and head up the hill past the kiosk). Stay on the Appalachian Trail for 5.5 miles climbing across open balds and treking through forests and wildflower p...
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    • Bakersville, North Carolina

      Appalachian Trail: Carvers Gap to Yellow Mountain Barn

      12.28 mi / 2720 ft gain
      Appalachian Trail: Carvers Gap to Yellow Mountain Barn is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Bakersville, North Carolina.
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    • Roan Mountain, Tennessee

      Roan Highlands: Carvers Gap to US 19E via Appalachian Trail

      5.0
      15.47 mi / 2598 ft gain
      The Roan highlands, possibly one of the best sections of the Appalachian Trail, is a section of grassy balds that range from 5000-6000 feet following the A.T. Start at Carvers Gap ( Highway 261 NC / Highway 143 TN) on the TN/NC border. You can either leave a car at Highway 19E or arrange for a s...
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    • Roan Mountain, Tennessee

      Jane Bald via Appalachian Trail

      4.8
      2.64 mi / 581 ft gain
      This journey begins at Carvers Gap, on the border of North Carolina and Tennessee. At a beginning elevation of 5512 ft. you will cross the road from the parking area to the trailhead, on the Appalachian Trail, northbound. The trail climbs gently through grasslands and rhododendron before enter...
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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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    • Burnsville, North Carolina

      Deep Gap Trail at Mt. Mitchell State Park

      5.0
      8.24 mi / 2310 ft gain
      I personally find this trail to be more difficult and have more rewarding views than the Mt. Mitchell summit trail. The Deep Gap Trail starts near the Mount Mitchell summit and heads into a forest of spruce and balsam fir trees. The trail then climbs along the ridgeline to neighboring summits. E...
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    • Bakersville, North Carolina

      Hiking from Carver's Gap to Hwy. 19 on the AT

      5.0
      20.7 mi
      The AT from Carver's Gap to HWY 19 is about 14.5 miles, but with side adventures, it could be roughly 20 miles. The trail crosses the road and continues up about a 400 ft. elevation gain to the first of the balds. This section of the AT is beautiful at near 6000 ft. above sea level and you will g...
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    • Bakersville, North Carolina

      Cloudland Trail

      5.0
      2.46 mi / 276 ft gain
      Cloudland Trail is an out-and-back trail offering up expansive views of the surrounding area especially from Roan Bluff. This trail is located near Bakersville, North Carolina. With minimal ups and downs, this makes for a decent family-friendly option. The trail is also dog friendly on-leash.  
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    • Burnsville, North Carolina

      Mount Mitchell via the Old Mitchell Trail

      5.0
      3.74 mi / 1194 ft gain
      After arriving in the park off of the beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway, park at the first parking lot you encounter on the righthand side of the road. There is a visitor's center there where you can inquire about the park and pick up a park map. Once you do that walk outside and look to the left of t...
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    • Burnsville, North Carolina

      Camp at Snaggy Mountain

      Snaggy Mountain is privately owned land that offers a beautiful camping spot located just outside of the Pigsah National Forest. It's completely secluded by an Apple Orchard and is a great home base for several hiking adventures in the area. The location on the map will get you to the parking spo...
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    • Lake Lure, North Carolina

      Hike to Party Rock

      4.5
      2.4 mi / 1549 ft gain
      This hike is a strenuous 2.4 miles that takes about 1.5 hours to complete. The trail is not maintained--it is an old logging road--so there are lots of loose rocks and you frequently have to hop over the washout/creek. However, the difficulty on the way up is extremely rewarding at the top!The tr...
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    • Burnsville, North Carolina

      Backpack the Black Mountain Crest Trail

      12 mi / 5390 ft gain
      The Black Mountain Crest Trail is legendary among hikers in the southeast. It is the highest trail east of the Mississippi, as it traverses the summit of several peaks over 6,000 feet. It is also widely acknowledged as one of the premier hikes on the east coast. To whit, the trail immediately asc...
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