Are there any trails in the northern part of the NC moutains? I know most of the ones in the southern part around Asheville and farther south. Are there any good ones north of Mt Mitchell up towards Boone and around there?

Near Boone, on the Blue Ridge Parkway, at Julian Price Memorail Park Campground, starts the Tanawha Trail. It is 13.4 miles, one way, moderate. It is an amazing trail with a lot to offer. It goes throught the Grandfather Mountain district, which is some amazing hiking. I highly suggest it.

Check out the Mountains to Sea trail as it winds past Trout Lake near Blowing Rock(the Rich Mountain horse trail). Follow the white circle blaze south and you'll end up in the Lost Cove/Harpers Creek/Upper Creek area in the Pisgah NF. Fantastic waterfalls, swimholes and camping abounds. Gotta check it out. Boone per say only has the Greenway and whatever bushwacking/stealth camping you're willing to do. I spent years exploring Watauga County on foot and found some great places.

Grandfather Mountain trails (Private land; there is a fee), Linville Gorge Wilderness, Wilson Creek Wilderness, Roan Mtn. highlands, anywhere along to AT in NC, TN and southern VA. Lots of choices- happy hiking!

Are there any trails in the northern part of the NC moutains? I know most of the ones in the southern part around Asheville and farther south. Are there any good ones north of Mt Mitchell up towards Boone and around there?

The MST in between Beacon Heights & NC 181 is one of the best sections. The Roseborough area is filled with trails. Linville Gorge is a great site with Hawkbill and Tablerock in view.

AT-wise, there is Carvers Gap to Bitter End thats closest to Boone.

Snake Mtn just above 421 at the stateline is a good challenge. You have to check in with the property owners before making the climb.

Check in with the ASU Trail Club. They built alot of the trails around campus and town. They even help with my club in building trail on AT.

Go to Mast and get the Wilson Creek and Boone area maps. A few are no longer maintained or just access trails. But they list tons of trails.

Last week I took a day off from hiking/running in Boone. Great town.. liked it much more than Asheville..

uh anyway I didn't do a hike north of Mt Mitchell.
I was looking at this the Shortoff Mountain trail (which shares with the MST) in my stupid Falcon BRP hiking book. It sounded pretty good, 11 mi roundtrip I think, view of Linville Gorge, supposed to be somewhat challenging. You park in the same place you would for Table Rock, but go south

Last week I took a day off from hiking/running in Boone. Great town.. liked it much more than Asheville..

uh anyway I didn't do a hike north of Mt Mitchell.
I was looking at this the Shortoff Mountain trail (which shares with the MST) in my stupid Falcon BRP hiking book. It sounded pretty good, 11 mi roundtrip I think, view of Linville Gorge, supposed to be somewhat challenging. You park in the same place you would for Table Rock, but go south
or you start in the town of Morganton at the river. This gives you the climb. Beautiful flat mt top overlooking the gorge.

ps. lots of hiking trails in them hills. 10 miles round trip hike up Grandfather MT from 105 on the profile trail has been the most challenging one for me in the South. FYI there is a 5 mile foot race up Grandfather MT in June. It's called the Bear Hill Run. Outstanding views which includes the view from Forrest Gump.

Last Thursday, Scarf and I hiked the Grandfather Mountain ridge trail from the Black Rocks parking area to Mt. Calloway and back. We enjoyed superb weather as we scrambled up the rocks via foot, ropes, and ladders. Butt sliding was necessary on some of the wet rocks. Not like any Southern hiking I've done! IMO it's worth the admission price.

Last Thursday, Scarf and I hiked the Grandfather Mountain ridge trail from the Black Rocks parking area to Mt. Calloway and back. We enjoyed superb weather as we scrambled up the rocks via foot, ropes, and ladders. Butt sliding was necessary on some of the wet rocks. Not like any Southern hiking I've done! IMO it's worth the admission price.

Not sure where the Black Rocks parking area is, must be below the zoo as I remember an add'l parking lot down there. But the crest trail from the swinging bridge to Calloway is a 10 on the scale of 1 to 10. 10 being "old my, how am I going to do that!!!"

I've done it a few times now but I'll never get used to that one spot at the top of that 3 ladder climb. Where you have to let go of the ladder with both hands and grab that rock while 30 feet up.

That is the most fun hiking I've ever done. I'm glad that you got to do it.