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NatureTalk
03-14-2009, 17:00
Hi all,

We're day hikers, not serious hikers like so many of you here.

We hike in Florida a lot, but would like to mix it up with some trips to North Carolina. We've been in the Smokie National Park, and on the Blue Ridge Hwy, but really don't know too many good places to day hike in North Carolina.

Will welcome any advice you may be able to offer.

Puppy
03-14-2009, 17:29
Pisgah Forest has a lot of fun day hikes. The main entrance is at Brevard NC.

dmax
03-14-2009, 17:40
The Brevard area is good. Also check out MT. Mitchell. Or are you asking about the AT only?

johnnybgood
03-14-2009, 18:13
I recommend the MT. Mitchell Trail hike starting from Black Mountain Campground in Burnsville.

It's a steep climb but take your time and enjoy the journey. I believe the summit is considered the highest elevation east of the Mississippi.

NatureTalk
03-14-2009, 18:37
Hey, thanks guys, that was quick. Ok, Mt. Mitchell, I can remember that. Not focused on the AT, anything in western North Carolina, Asheville etc.. Appreciate it.

Tennessee Viking
03-14-2009, 22:48
Mountains to Sea Trail is a great trail after you leave the parkway after Mt Mitchell. You hit the old Overmountain Victory route, then up the ridgeline above Linville Gorge, and Wilson/Harpers Creek area. Then the trail rejoins the parkway at Beacon Heights and goes into Blowing Rock.

little bear
03-14-2009, 22:50
Roan Highlands is nice....balds and exsposed ridge lines......great hike

sbennett
03-15-2009, 00:13
My favs are the Pisgah National Forest (especially the Graveyard Fields/Black Balsam area), the AT in the Natahala National Forest (around Standing Indian all the way down to the NOC), and basically anything in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

NatureTalk
03-15-2009, 07:10
If anybody cares to share photos, maps, trip journals etc, toss'em in there. Your tour guide services are appreciated. How about places to stay in western NC, any faves?

Marta
03-15-2009, 07:30
Camping? Motels? Hostels?

Second the idea of the Pisgah. Get the National Geographic Trails Illustrated #780 for that area.

Another I'll recommend would be staying at the NOC in Wesser, NC, and doing some hiking from there. They outfitter there will have the maps of the area. It's steep but there are some excellent views, nice water, etc. You can stay in the motel, a cabin, or the bunkhouse.

NatureTalk
03-15-2009, 07:39
Camping? Motels? Hostels?

Ah, yes, that would help wouldn't it. Motels, hotels, B & Bs. Not camping or hostels.


Another I'll recommend would be staying at the NOC in Wesser, NC, and doing some hiking from there.

Sorry, the NOC?

Frick Frack
03-15-2009, 10:27
Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC), Wesser, NC

theinfamousj
03-15-2009, 10:51
How about places to stay in western NC, any faves?

I love the area between Boone and Banner Elk. Here are my suggestions for non-trailside stays:

(The amenities are stated because my best friend is not quite up to non-flush toilets.)

- Julian Price Park ... Has a doable dayhike loop trail and gravel tent pad camping, with running water and flush toilets.
- Moses Cohn State Park ... Right next to Watauga Lake. Has gravel tent pad camping, with running water and flush toilets.

For other camp sites, I highly highly recommend this book (http://www.amazon.com/dp/0897325478/ref=asc_df_0897325478739703/?tag=msnshop-books-mp-20&creative=380333&creativeASIN=0897325478&linkCode=asn).

- Banner Elk Bed&Breakfasts/Inns (http://www.bedandbreakfast.com/banner-elk-north-carolina.html)

If you do decide to visit Banner Elk, drop by the Bayou Smokehouse (http://www.bayousmokehouse.com/). The food is phenomenal and decently priced.

Bear Bag
03-15-2009, 16:53
Welcome to North Carolina!

As previously mentioned, The Mountains to Sea Trail has many possibilities. The web site for the Friends of the Mountains to Sea Trail is here (http://www.ncmst.org/).

North Carolina also has a good state park system. Check out a park (http://www.ncparks.gov/Visit/main.php) near you.

Hooch
03-15-2009, 17:04
Lots of hiking up around Brevard with plenty of places to stay from B&B's to campgrounds to motels. Plenty to do outside of hiking as well. There's also a ton of hiking up around the Hot springs area, which is a personal favorite of mine. Also plenty of places to stay there ranging from campgrounds to motels to cabins and chalets. Wherever you go, hope you have a great time and welcome to North Carolina!

modiyooch
03-15-2009, 23:47
I have lived in NC for 28 years and there are still alot of places that I have yet to hike.

bloodmountainman
03-16-2009, 09:16
Slickrock and Citico Creek wilderness areas. Also Joyce Kilmer area, near Robbinsville NC.

Gray Blazer
03-16-2009, 09:34
We need to have a Gainesville get together.

One of the closest NC locations to G'ville is the AT near Franklin (8 hours from G'ville) or anywhere's in NGA (close enough to NC to be almost the same kind of hiking). At Franklin you can access the AT in a number of places, Standing Indian (lots of great day-hiking and overnite loops), The Nantahalas (a lot of good hiking at 5000ft) and the Smokies are nearby.

Also within 8 hours, a little north of Asheville, you can access the AT at Sam's Gap and do some great hiking in the Balds.

Pm me if you would like to get together and go over some of the relevant info. My hobby is hiking the AT in NGA, NC, TN and VA and taking pictures. I make homemade barnwood frames (for the pics) and try to sell them at shows. I will be attending and vending at the Franklin Ron Haven's Bash on the first weekend in April.

Ramble~On
03-16-2009, 09:51
:sun Everywhere ! Beautiful state.
Allan de Hart has several excellent books. Hiking Trails of North Carolina would be a great resource for you.
Tim Homan has an excellent book covering Joyce Kilmer /Slickrock Creek.

http://www.northcarolinaoutdoors.com/pastimes/hiking/hiking.html

http://uncpress.unc.edu/browse/book_detail?title_id=899

http://www.flipkart.com/north-carolina-hiking-trails-4th/1929173474-j2x3fxkwqf

http://www.amazon.com/Hiking-Trails-Kilmer-Slickrock-Citico-Wildernesses/dp/156145415X

This book is wonderful and covers some great hikes in NC : http://www.amazon.com/Trekking-Southern-Appalachians-Carolinas-Backpacker/dp/0898869668