-
What mountain ranges are in North Carolina?
- North Carolina is home to the Great Smoky Mountains, the Blue Ridge Mountains, and part of the Appalachian Mountain Range.
-
Do the mountains in North Carolina vary in difficulty?
- Yes, the mountains in these ranges vary in height and difficulty, offering visitors opportunities to explore different parks, cities, and communities within the state.
-
What is a popular scenic drive in North Carolina?
- A drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway will wow visitors with its breathtaking views and natural beauty.
-
What outdoor activities are available in the mountains?
- Visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor adventures, from rock climbing on the sheer cliff faces above Linville Gorge to hiking, scenic drives, and wildlife observation.
-
Why should visitors explore North Carolina’s mountains?
- North Carolina is home to truly spectacular sights and activities that are not to be missed by nature lovers and adventure seekers.
This post may include affiliate links. Click here for Affiliate Disclosure.
1. Blue Ridge Pinnacle
Blue Ridge Pinnacle towers above the town of Graphite below with an impressive 4,000-foot prominence for a summit height of 5,665 feet, making it quite a challenging climb. There are several trailheads that can be used to summit Blue Ridge Pinnacle, including the Pinnacle Trail, the Swannanoa Rim Trail, and the historic Old Mitchell Toll Road, which was once used for logging and was home to a tourist railway. These trails vary in length from an afternoon jaunt to a full-day excursion, with an option to hike from bottom to top from the town of Graphite, using old logging roads and the Old Mitchell Toll Road.
2. Allison Ridge
Allison Ridge hugs the edge of a large gorge, and on its slopes hikers will find picturesque forests, rugged landscapes, and some spectacular waterfalls. The gorge beneath the ridge is home to several watersheds and tributaries that eventually feed the Catawba River, and as this water makes its way down from the peaks, it creates many gorgeous cascades, including Catawba Falls, which drops approximately 200 feet. The Upper Catawba Falls are also very beautiful, and accessible via a steep hike that includes some scrambling. There is no camping or overnight parking allowed at Allison Ridge, but there is a nearby campground called Catawba Falls Campground.
3. Big Cataloochee Mountain
Inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park lies a group of very high peaks, and in that cluster liesBig Cataloochee Mountain. At 6,155 feet in elevation at the summit, this tall mountain is one of the most isolated in the region, and the hike to the top is a long one, with a round trip of about 16 miles. Hiking to the summit of Big Cataloochee is usually a 2-day affair, and hikers should check ahead to make sure certain trails and campsites are not closed due to bears, which are very prominent in this secluded part of the park.
4. Scaly Mountain
Scaly Mountain is the big brother of nearby Little Scaly Mountain, and is sometimes referred to as Big Scaly to avoid confusion between the two. Located near Highlands, North Carolina, Big Scaly is a pluton mountain, with a rocky, granite face and sheer cliff faces. A combination of the Hurrah Ridge Trail, West Fork Trail, and Bartram Trail will lead hikers to the top on a 7-mile loop from the Hurrah Ridge Trailhead. Camping is allowed in the National Forest near the mountain, but backpackers should be aware that much of the property on Scaly Mountain is privately owned, and they should take note of any signs posted.
5. Snake Mountain
Snake Mountain is entirely privately owned, but is accessible via Rich Mountain Gap, which is a popular with hunters. The high, peaked ridge of Snake Mountain sets it apart from nearby Elk Knob and Rich Mountain Bald, which are all part of the Amphibolite mountain range. The trails from Rich Mountain Gap to the top of Snake Mountain are not marked, but are frequently used and easy to follow, though the hike can be quite steep. The windward side of Snake Mountain can be home to some high winds and extreme weather conditions, so hikers should take care to plan ahead for the weather.
6. Silers Bald
Silers Bald is located on the Appalachian Trail, about 4 miles from Clingmans Dome, and is part of both the states of North Carolina and Tennessee, as it lies squarely on the border between the two. Balds are named for the grassy or rocky patches, usually at the summit, that are unique to the typical wooded slopes of most mountains in the region. The views from Silers Bald are pretty, but the main attraction in the hike lies in the wildlife seen along the trail to the top. The trail to Silers Bald also affords the opportunity to bag three peaks in one hike, on a 10-mile round trip that starts at Clingmans Dome and leads over Mount Buckley and Jenkins Knob on the way.
7. Sylva Pinnacle
The Sylva Pinnacle is one of dozens of peaks in the region referred to as The Pinnacle, and lies close to Blackrock Mountain in the Plott Balsams. From its summit of 5,008 feet, visitors will see some of the major peaks in the southern Appalachians and the town of Sylva far below. Depending on the approach, a hike to the summit may include a rocky scramble, and hikers should note that the two campsites near the top are not actually the summit, as some believe. The 3.5-mile Pinnacle Trail continues into a beautiful hardwood forest and up to the actual peak, which is rocky and treeless with views in all directions.
8. Brushy Knob
The trailhead for Brushy Knob is located in the community of Montreat, on the Big Piney Ridge Trail. Montreat is a private community, which opens the hiking trails on its property to public use. The trail to the summit of Brushy Knob leads through brushy forests and over picturesque streams, forming a loop back down to the trailhead. The area receives a lot of snow during certain parts of the year, which can make hiking difficult, and amateur hikers may find it difficult to navigate. The trails are foot paths only, and no camping is permitted on the property.
9. Hanging Rock
Hanging Rock is located in Hanging Rock State Park, in the Sauratown Mountain Range near Danbury. It is quite large and isolated from other peaks, which makes it an impressive sight from a distance and affords it some fantastic views from the summit. Hanging Rock State Park is home to a number of hiking trails as well as some cliffs and opportunities for rock climbing and bouldering. Several clear streams run through the Sauratown Mountains and form some beautiful cascades and waterfalls along the trails. Camping is permitted in designated areas inside Hanging Rock State Park.
Best Time to Visit
Places to Stay
Top Activities
Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures and blooming wildflowers.
The Omni Grove Park Inn (Asheville) – A luxurious resort with stunning mountain views.
Hike in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park – Experience waterfalls, wildflowers, and scenic trails.
Summer (June-August) – Warm and great for outdoor adventures.
Blowing Rock Inn (Blowing Rock) – A cozy mountain retreat near hiking trails.
Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway – Enjoy breathtaking vistas and stop at overlooks.
Fall (September-November) – Crisp air and stunning fall foliage.
The Swag (Waynesville) – A secluded, upscale lodge perfect for leaf-peeping.
Visit Grandfather Mountain – Walk across the Mile High Swinging Bridge and enjoy panoramic views.
Winter (December-February) – Snowy and great for winter sports.
Beech Mountain Resort Lodging – A top spot for skiing and snowboarding.
Go skiing or snowboarding at Sugar Mountain – One of the best winter resorts in the Southeast.
Plan Your Trip
Table of Contents:
- 1. Blue Ridge Pinnacle
- 2. Allison Ridge
- 3. Big Cataloochee Mountain
- 4. Scaly Mountain
- 5. Snake Mountain
- 6. Silers Bald
- 7. Sylva Pinnacle
- 8. Brushy Knob
- 9. Hanging Rock