Looking for recommendations

[airinpie]

I'm looking for a short weekend backpack trip in the Tennessee/NC area. I've only got 3 days (2 nights) to spend, and I'd like to see some great panoramic views. Last year I hiked from Carver's Gap to 19E, and it was amazing. I've considered doing that piece again, but I'd like to do something different (but equally as beautiful). If you were me, where would you go? :D

[Lone Wolf]

grayson highlands

[Hikes in Rain]

Allen Gap to Sam's Gap. 28.8 miles along an exposed ridge line, with a fire tower at Camp Creek Bald, the Shelton Graves and a waterfall. Hemlock Hollow (http://www.hemlockhollowinn.com/) has cabins, campground, a bathhouse, a great restaurant and you can park your car there and they'll shuttle you to Sam's Gap so you can walk back to it.

Parking at Hot Springs will stretch it out to 43.5, adding another fire tower at Rich Mountain and a killer view of the town from Lover's Leap. Plus the best hiker town on the trail.

[HooKooDooKu]

I personally love Gregory's Bald in the Smokies: http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?87262-Route-suggestions-for-3day-2nights-in-Smokies

[Chaco Taco]

Carvers to 19E- there are other places to go. Camp on top of Grassy ridge or go to Little Hump. There is also camping in between the Humps, just water up at Overmountain. You can hold up after you hang out on the Humps and walk Houston Ridge at Doll Flats. There is also a couple of nice side trails to play on at Overmountain. So many fun options on this section. Did it 4-5 times.

Another fun stretch is the Bartram Section and Stecoah. Franklin to NOC is always a top choice. The Hot Springs suggestion from Sams Gap is pretty sweet. I did it NOBO and SOBO multiple times and liked it SOBO the best. The ridgewalk is pretty spectacular. There is something special about walking into Hot Springs from the north and dropping off the ridge.

[Chaco Taco]

Allen Gap to Sam's Gap. 28.8 miles along an exposed ridge line, with a fire tower at Camp Creek Bald, the Shelton Graves and a waterfall. Hemlock Hollow (http://www.hemlockhollowinn.com/) has cabins, campground, a bathhouse, a great restaurant and you can park your car there and they'll shuttle you to Sam's Gap so you can walk back to it.

Parking at Hot Springs will stretch it out to 43.5, adding another fire tower at Rich Mountain and a killer view of the town from Lover's Leap. Plus the best hiker town on the trail.

This section was like my second home. Lived 25 minutes away

[Tacky Hiker]

Standing Indian Loop in NC is very nice. It was about 22-23 miles.