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Highlands, North Carolina

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

Top Backpacking Spots in and near Highlands

  • Blairsville, Georgia

    Appalachian Trail from Blood Mountain to Cowrock Mountain

    4.0
    14 mi / 2907 ft gain
    North Georgia is packed with awesome mountain trails, but few boast the beauty and magnitude of the Appalachian Trail. The hike from Blood Mountain to Cowrock Mountain is one of the more scenic sections of the AT in Georgia, in terms of mountain views.  Do this hike as a full day hike, or spread ...
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  • Sevier County, Tennessee

    Little River Trail to Backcountry Campsite #30

    5.0
    12.34 mi / 412 ft gain
    The trailhead parking area is large but if no spaces are available additional parking can be had at the Jake's Creek trailhead at the top of the hill and to the right of the Little River trail parking lot. After parking, the trailhead itself will be to the left of the parking area. Parking Lot Co...
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  • Robbinsville, North Carolina

    Gregory Bald via Twentymile

    4.0
    15.42 mi / 3694 ft gain
    Gregory Bald via Twentymile is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Robbinsville, North Carolina.
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  • Lake Santeetlah, North Carolina

    Huckleberry Knob

    4.8
    1.77 mi / 295 ft gain
    Huckleberry Knob is the highest point in the Cheoah Ranger District at 5,560 feet, and it offers expansive views of the surrounding Cherokee and Natahala National Forest. The hike is 2.4 miles roundtrip and begins at the parking lot between mile 8 and 9 up an old dirt road. You will go up the di...
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  • Newport, North Carolina

    Hike to Mt. Sterling's Fire Tower

    4.0
    12 mi / 4200 ft gain
    On your way in, stop at the ranger station parking lot to use the outhouses and grab a map for $1. Once at the Baxter Creek trailhead you have two options: 1. The Out and Back (12.2 miles) 2. The Loop (17 miles)Out and Back: Start on the Baxter Creek Trail and continue up for 6.1 miles until you...
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  • Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness, North Carolina

    Backpack Slickrock Creek Trail #42

    30 mi / 3700 ft gain
    8:30 a.m. and we’re winding our way down Highway 129 near Robbinsville, NC. The fog is still thick over the Little Tennessee River as we slow down crossing the bridge into Graham County. “I think we missed it,” I say as we continue onward. Within minutes the Tapoco Lodge comes into view. My pre-h...
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