The Best Most Difficult Hikes in Western North Carolina
Hikes by Difficulty: Easy | Moderate | More Difficult | Most Difficult | All
This page includes all Most 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
Most Difficult Hikes
Grandfather's Profile Hike
- Ascending Grandfather Mountain's Profile Trail, this hike takes you past some of the features that inspired its name. You'll ascend from the middle elevation creeks and streams, past a variety of features including views and rock outcroppings, and...
- 7.6mi, Climbs Steeply
- Tread Condition: Moderately Rough
Graybeard Mountain Hike
- A fantastic, classic summit hike starts in the shadows of a deep valley and culminates atop one of Western North Carolina's preeminent 5000-footers. The hike features widely varied scenery in an area managed as wilderness, yet the trails are well...
- 8.8 - 9.1mi, Climbs Steeply
- Tread Condition: Moderately Rough
Harper Creek Falls Hike
- A wilderness experience awaits along Harper Creek. This is not your typical, easy hike to Harper Creek Falls. However, this is a relatively gentle encounter with wilderness due to its short length, moderate grade, and sparse (but useful) trail...
- 8.5mi, Hilly
- Tread Condition: Very Rough
Mount Mitchell Hike
- Starting at the Black Mountain Campground on the Toe River, this hike gains 3600 ft in elevation over 5 1/2 miles to reach the summit of the East's highest peak, making it one of the toughest continuous climbs in the region, near the limit of what...
- 11.4mi, Climbs Steeply
- Tread Condition: Moderately Rough