The Best More Difficult Hikes in Western North Carolina

Hikes by Difficulty: Easy | Moderate | More Difficult | Most Difficult | All

This page includes all More Difficult hikes.

Each hike has its own printable guide page with all the information and links, including (where available):

  • directions to the starting point
  • length
  • difficulty
  • elevation change
  • an interactive topo map
  • photos from along the way
  • a detailed description and trail directions, and
  • a place to leave comments about your experiences

More Difficult Hikes

Chimney Rock Tour Hike

More Difficult Hike
  • The short description of this hike could simply be "Hike all of Chimney Rock's trails!" Though Chimney Rock may resemble a theme park more than it does a wilderness, the trail network provides a way to enjoy the park from a more natural perspective....
  • 4.5mi, Climbs Steeply
  • Tread Condition: Some Obstacles

Green Knob Hike

More Difficult Hike
  • This hike takes you along the Mountains to Sea Trail in a remote section of the Pisgah National Forest. The entire hike is above 5000 ft in elevation, and you'll explore forests of oaks, birches, beeches, spruces and firs. You'll cross the headwaters...
  • 9mi, Hilly
  • Tread Condition: Some Obstacles

John Rock Loop Hike

More Difficult Hike
  • This hike takes you past a small but attractive waterfall, up to the top of John Rock, which is the large mountain you see looming behind the Fish Hatchery parking area in Pisgah National Forest. Views of the valley below, up to the Pisgah Ridge, and...
  • 5mi, Climbs Steeply
  • Tread Condition: Moderately Rough

Looking Glass Rock Hike

More Difficult Hike
  • This hike takes you to the top of a Pisgah National Forest icon: the huge granitic pluton known as Looking Glass Rock. Visible from many locations along the Blue Ridge Parkway and found on postcards in every gift shop in the region, the summit of the...
  • 6.4mi, Climbs Steeply
  • Tread Condition: Moderately Rough

Old Mitchell Hike

More Difficult Hike
  • Don't be like the rest of the tourists and drive to the top: take a real hike to the summit of Mount Mitchell! This moderate trail climbs from the park's restaurant roughly 2 miles to the summit along a beautiful trail that is both historic and yet...
  • 4mi, Hilly
  • Tread Condition: Moderately Rough

Panthertown Valley Tour Hike

More Difficult Hike
  • This is a large loop with a wide variety of main attractions. The trails will take you past lazy, meandering streams with clean white sandbars, yet you'll discover 5 major waterfalls as well. You'll explore the unusual, flat-bottomed, high-elevation...
  • 8.8 - 10.0mi, Hilly
  • Tread Condition: Moderately Rough

Shortoff Mountain Hike

More Difficult Hike
  • Climbing one of the most prominent peaks on the rim of the Linville Gorge, this hike takes you to the plateau-summit of Shortoff Mountain. A fire scalded environment lines the trail as it ascends the rocky slopes, with an open forest of young trees...
  • 5.1mi, Climbs Moderately
  • Tread Condition: Moderately Rough

Stone Mountain Loop Hike

More Difficult Hike
  • Passing three of the most sought-out points in the park - the summit of Stone Mountain, the Hutchinson Homestead, and Stone Mountain Falls - this hike is as varied as the park itself. A moderate climb through open, pleasant woods gives way to more...
  • 4.5mi, Hilly
  • Tread Condition: Moderately Rough