North Carolina has top-rated hiking trails that showcase the state’s impeccable beauty, from majestic mountains and visually stunning national forests to striking natural landscapes. Some hiking trails are less demanding, while the hardest hikes in North Carolina are grueling, so they require special equipment, lots of preparation, patience, and bravery.

Unlike beachside hiking trails that range from easy to moderate, the hardest hikes in North Carolina are defined by steep elevation, unending obstacles like slides, and unmarked trails. They are adrenaline-pumping and gut-wrenching, even for the fittest. But they pay those up for the challenge with magnificent scenes that words alone don’t do any justice.

UPDATE: 2023/04/22 15:45 EST BY AARON SPRAY

More Of The Hardest Hikes In North Carolina

The hardest hikes in North Carolina are stunning as they are rewarding. While not everyone can complete the most difficult hikes in North Carolina, those who can greatly enjoy the experience. North Carolina is a stunning destination for the Appalachian landscapes and autumn foliage. This list was updated and expanded with more of the hardest hikes in North Carolina.

14 Alum Cave Trail

Wilderness Overlook In North Carolina
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Wilderness Overlook In North Carolina

Hikers get bragging rights after gaining an elevation of more than 2700 feet and tackling over 11 miles on Alum Cave Trail - one of the hardest hikes in North Carolina. The trail slopes gently for the first few miles, making it easy for adventurers to warm up in preparation for the changing elevation.

Halfway through the trek, the Alum Cave Bluff offers protection from the sun or rainstorms. The hike gets slippery from here, but spikes and waterproof boots make it manageable. Hiking to Mount Le Conte peak takes about 7-10 hours, depending on how often stops are to admire the lush vegetation and mountain views.

Related: 10 North Carolina Hiking Trails That Show Off The State's Beauty

13 Babel Tower Trail

A backpacker hiking on the trails in the forests
Photo by Nicholas Rean on Unsplash
A backpacker hiking on the trails in the forests 

The Babel Tower Trail is a short but challenging 2.4-mile trail that leads to a babbling river and then to the Babel Tower. Although wildflowers line the path in spring, hikers should watch out for rocks and roots. The breathtaking view of the canyon and river from the Tower of Babel makes the roughly two-hour arduous hike worthwhile.

However, a 4x4 is the best vehicle to access and exit the trailhead road since it gets muddy when it is rainy.

12 Mountain-To-Sea Trail

Beach hiking
Via: Deyan Sight on Unsplash
A sign guiding the way on a beach hike 

The Mountain-to-Sea Trail runs from the Great Smoky Mountains, one of the most beautiful places to hike in the United States, to the Outer Banks. This 1175 miles trail incorporates other notable hiking routes, including the Art Loeb Trail, Appalachian Trail, Sauratown Trail, and many others. Although the Mountain-to-Sea Trail takes about 3-4 months to complete, adventurers get the rewarding experience of visiting different landscapes and cities along the same path.

However, hikers with less time to traverse the whole trail at once can also hike bit by bit through the diverse routes it passes through.

Related: 10 Of The Best Parks To Hike In North Carolina

11 Profile Trail

Couple hiking in North Carolina
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Couple hiking in North Carolina

The Profile Trail is an 8.5-mile trail that leads to Calloway Peak in about five hours. The awe-inspiring views make the trail fun, but the changing terrain and weather conditions make the hike challenging.

Profile Trail winds through a hardwood forest following the Watauga River. From here, the track moves from switchbacks to the forested valley and then to the outlook, where adventurers see the famed Grandfather face outline. The last stretch has wooden ladders that hikers scramble through to Calloway Peak.

10 Birkhead Mountain Trail

Man hiking in the forests
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Man hiking in the forests

Birkhead Mountain Trail is ideal for adrenaline junkies looking for seclusion and alone time in nature. The terrain keeps changing along the way, with stiff climbs, mud if it is rainy, and sharp pointed rocks. But the trail’s various creek crossings and lush woods are a treat to the eyes.

Hikers who want to extend their stay have spaces to set up their primitive camps along the route. However, they must set their camps at least 200 feet from all creeks, streams, wildlife, and roads.

9 Shining Rock Loop Trail

a family on a hiking trip while on vacation

Shining Rock Trail is a challenging 17.8-mile loop famous for backpacking, birdwatching, and camping. In addition to having overgrown and muddy tracks, Shining Rock Trail has arduous sections, especially the Narrows section, with cliffs and unstable footing. Despite the challenges, the shimmering rivers and cascading waterfalls are quite a view as travelers hike.

Since Shining Rock is a wilderness with very few signs, hikers depend on GPS to check their progress as they are trekking. But a contour map comes in handy when technology malfunctions.

Related: How To Hike North Carolina's Largest Waterfall (With Tips)

8 Slick Rock Creek Trail

Appalachian Mountains Forest
Picture by CBunn from Pixabay 
Aerial view of gorgeous forest in the Appalachian mountains 

Known as one of the most challenging trails in the United States and North Carolina, Slick Rock Creek Trail is a 12.1-mile point-to-point trail. The trail meanders through native mature forests along the East Coast. Although completing the track takes around six hours, travelers have plenty of water-filtering spots.

Advanced hikers see the majestic Stratton Bald sprinkled on the Smoky Mountains (another hiking destination) after finalizing the exhausting five miles to the summit. Hikers should wear pants while trekking, as the brush gets too thick.

7 Yellow Mountain Trail

Appalachian Mountain Kittatinny Ridge Road Trip

Photo by Clay Banks on Unsplash


 
The Appalachian Mountains looking like a fall flavored cauliflower, Kittatiny Ridge Road Trip 

Yellow Mountain Trail, known as one of the most strenuous trails in Western North Carolina, is an ideal option for avid hikers looking for a challenging workout along the ascents and descents of the track. The switchbacks begin from the Cole Gap trail to the summit of Yellow Mountain, with an elevation of 4300 feet, and continue to Cole Mountain’s backbone at 4600 feet. After a series of more switchbacks, adventurers climb to the 5150 feet elevation of Yellow Mountain.

The best time to conquer this trail is wintertime after the leaves fall. During this time, there are better mountain views, and the paths are clear of vegetation.

Related: How To Hike To Lost Cove: North Carolina's Lawless Ghost Town

6 Art Loeb Trail

Hiker on Appalachian Trail

Art Loeb Trail is 31.6 miles and takes hikers approximately 17 hours to hike from point to point. It serves as a memorial to Art Loeb, who deeply loved the mountains. Hikers who want to trek with their four-legged friends are welcome, and it is even possible for them to walk off the leash in some sections.

The trail mainly skirts along the peaks and ridges while offering gorgeous views of the Pisgah scenery. However, travelers should check the weather, as the track gets muddy and washed out when it rains.

5 Mount Mitchell Trail

Mount Mitchell State Park North Carolina Road Trip
Photo by Wes Hicks on Unsplash
Mount Mitchell State Park North Carolina Ridge Scenigh Highway 

Mount Mitchell Trail, which is one the highest peak of the Appalachian Mountains, is a legendary out-and-back 12-mile-long trail and a favorite of advanced backpackers, hikers, and campers. At 3600 feet above sea level, this trail has one of the highest vertical drops of any single-named track, with a good proportion of rocky and rough sections. The steep elevation makes it even more strenuous, but the exquisite views from the summit are worth the aching muscles.

Since ascending and descending takes about seven and a half hours, hikers should arm themselves with lots of water, snacks, a trekking pole, and comfortable boots with ankle support.

4 Appalachian Trail - North Carolina Section

Smoky Mountains at Clingman's Dome
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Smoky Mountains at Clingman's Dome

Just the North Carolina segment of the massive Appalachian Trail is one of the most difficult hikes in North Carolina. The North Carolina section of the Appalachian Trail crosses over a number of summits in the state - including the 6,643-foot Clingmans Dome (the highest mountain on the long Appalachian Trail). The segment of the trail includes 96.4 miles within the state and 217.8 miles on the North Carolina and Tennessee border. Some sections, such as those in the Great Smoke Mountains National Park, may require an advance permit.

3 Black Crest Trail

Great Smoky Mountains
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Great Smoky Mountains

The Black Crest Trail is also one of the most difficult hikes in North Carolina. It is generally considered to be a challenging route and is a popular area for backpacking, camping, and hiking. The trail is open all through the year and is a hard way to ascend Mt. Mitchell. The Black Crest Trail crosses over five peaks that rise up over 6,000 feet (including the 2nd tallest mountain on the East Coast). The trail extends for around 25 miles if one returns back to the starting point.

2 Sam Knob Trail

Hiker and the Smoky Mountains near Asheville
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A hiker staring at the Smoky Mountains from the Blue Ridge Parkway

The Sam Knob Trail is one of the more difficult hikes in North Carolina a short trail. The Sam Knob Trail is only 2.5 miles or 4 kilometers long and is considered a moderately challenging route. It takes around an hour and a quarter to complete and is popular for hiking, running, and camping. Enjoy the views at the end of the hike on Sam Knob - a towering mountain near the Blue Ridge Parkway. The best time to hike it is from March to November.

1 Woody Ridge Trail

Hikers climbing up mountain cliff
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Hikers climbing up mountain cliff

The Woody Ridge Trail is a short but difficult out-and-back trail. It is a very steep trail with an elevation gain of nearly 3,000 feet over just 2 miles. The Woody Ridge Trail is, for short, one of the most difficult short hikes in North Carolina. Climb up the mountain and meet up with the famous Black Mountain Crest Trail. This is a great option to get the heart pumping and the blood flowing in a very short period of time.