Hiking & Backpacking
North Carolina is one of the premier destinations for hiking and backpacking in North America. Witness the unparalleled scenery of the Appalachian Mountains throughout the Pisgah Ranger District and beyond across half a million acres of public land. Backpacking in NC begins in the west with the Appalachian Trail, running nearly 300 miles and connecting with thousands of miles of hiking trails within Pisgah National Forest, Nantahala National Forest, and Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Hiking and backpacking are among the most popular and accessible outdoor pursuits available in the region. Pisgah offers exceptional opportunities to explore the region’s natural assets on foot across half a million acres of land. Beyond Pisgah, visitors can head to Gorges State Park for unparalleled scenery and waterfall access. Head north to Mount Mitchell to experience the largest peak east of the Mississippi River.
Check out more online guides and planning resources at Hiking Project.
Guide Services
Hiking Tours
Whitewater offers hiking experiences within Pisgah National Forest for beginners and seasoned hikers alike. Whether you are looking for a half-day excursion or full-day hike through Pisgah National Forest, there are tailored pursuits available throughout the area with experienced guides.
Map
Select trails on the map for access information
Points of Interest
Mountains-to-Sea Trail: Section #2
Distance: 69.6 miles (Point to Point)
Elevation: 6,597′ High, 2,032′ Low
Black Mountain Crest Trail
Distance: 12.1 miles (Point to Point)
Elevation: 6,680′ High, 3,083′ Low
