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Local’s Choice: Top 5 Best Hiking Trails in the Blue Ridge Mountains
The Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina's High Country is a premier hiking and outdoor exploration destination. The region caters to adventurers of all skill levels, offering diverse trails, from serene walks along the Blue Ridge Parkway to challenging hikes up rugged mountains. The area is renowned for its stunning vistas, rich biodiversity, and unique geological features. Whether you're an avid hiker, a nature photographer, or simply looking to be immersed in the great outdoors, the Blue Ridge Mountains offer unforgettable adventures.
Here's a quick glimpse of our local's choice hiking trails in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
- Linville Falls Trail
- Grandfather Mountain Profile Trail
- Elk Knob Summit Trail
- Flat Top Mountain Trail
- Stone Mountain Loop
Keep reading for our curated list of tips and tricks from locals who like to explore in the High Country.
Linville Falls Trail
Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
The Linville Falls Trail is a must-visit for waterfall enthusiasts, offering spectacular views of the falls from multiple overlooks.
- Duration: 1.6 miles round trip to the Lower Falls; various viewpoints along shorter loops
- Trailhead Location: Linville Falls Visitor Center, Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 316.4
- Sights: Majestic waterfalls, deep gorges, and the surrounding lush forest.
Grandfather Mountain Profile Trail
Difficulty: Strenuous
The Grandfather Mountain Profile Trail is a challenging trek that rewards hikers with panoramic views and diverse ecological wonders.
- Duration: 7 miles round trip
- Trailhead Location: NC Highway 105, 12 miles north of Linville
- Sights: Dense forest canopies, incredible vistas, and rugged rocky outcroppings.
Elk Knob Summit Trail
Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
The Elk Knob Summit Trail is a perfect for those seeking solitude and stunning scenic vistas.
- Duration: 4 miles round trip
- Trailhead Location: Elk Knob State Park, near Todd, NC
- Sights: Lush forest, panoramic views, one of the highest summits in North Carolina's High Country.
Flat Top Mountain Trail
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
The Flat Top Mountain Trail is one of many at Moses H. Cone Memorial Park and is ideal for families and casual hikers, with a gently sloping path and scenic stops.
- Duration: 5 miles round trip
- Trailhead Location: Moses H. Cone Memorial Park, Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 294
- Sights: Historic manor, picturesque meadows, and a fire tower at the summit offering expansive views.
Stone Mountain Loop
Difficulty: Moderate
The Stone Mountain Loop is one of several at Stone Mountain State Park offering a well-rounded adventure with historical sites, a cascading waterfall, and massive granite dome views.
- Duration: 4.5 miles loop
- Trailhead Location: Stone Mountain State Park, Roaring Gap, NC
- Sights: A 200-foot waterfall, a massive granite dome, and remnants of a 19th-century homestead.
These are just a handful of the extensive trails that wind through the Blue Ridge Mountains. No matter where you hike, consider stopping at High Gravity Adventures to elevate your mountain experience on a zip line tour, aerial park adventure, or free fall on the giant swing. Let the Blue Ridge Mountains be the backdrop to an unforgettable adventure both on the trails and in the air, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Find more information on the Blue Ridge Parkway and planning a trip to Boone on our blog.
