8 Must-Do Blue Ridge Hikes

hikingDestinations

May 23

For those that aren’t familiar with the outdoor adventures that the Blue Ridge Mountains hold, you are in for a treat. From the moment we moved to this part of the country, we fell in love with the beauty, charm, and atmosphere of these mountains.

We have spent the last two years exploring the mountains that blanket Western North Carolina and have since compiled a list of our top favorite Blue Ridge Hikes!

These hikes vary from easy to difficult, short and quick to over 10 miles, and family friendly to experienced hikers only.

1. Profile Trail to Grand Father Mountain

Distance - 10.7 mi | Elevation Gain - 2,841 ft | Intensity - Hard 8/10

For the number one spot on our list of top hikes, we picked Profile Trail.

We’ve listed this as our top Blue Ridge hike for many reasons, but most of all, variety! This hike is 10.7 miles of trail ranging from a river stretch, covered trees, open rock, and of course magnificent views. It’s sort of an all-in-one. . . that is, if you’re willing to push yourself through 10 miles of strenuous climbing.

This hike brings such a change in scenery with every mile you climb, it is a must-do if you find yourself in this part of the Western North Carolina mountains. And don’t worry, you can turn around at any point without disappointment because the beauty of this hike starts at the trailhead and continues all the way to the peak.

We love this hike because it can be easily tailored to fit your hiking goals and better yet, there’s many different excursions along the way, meaning if you choose to take on the adventure more than once, you’ll see something new every time. For instance, a quick 1.2 mile extension off the main trail can lead you to Calloway Peak, a beautiful spot that offers magnificent mountain views.

If you complete the entire trail, it is a strenuous climb with just over 2,840 feet of elevation gain and a long descent back down. But before heading back, you will be rewarded with the famous Grandfather Mountain Swinging Bridge (without paying the $10/person entrance fee into the park).

2. English Falls

Distance - 0.3 mi | Elevation Gain - 196 ft | Intensity - Hard 5/10

Of the many hikes we’ve done through the Blue Ridge Mountains, the one that landed the number two spot is English Falls.

This is a quick 0.3 mile hike with a 196-foot drop in elevation. We rated this hike a 5/10 in difficulty; however, with that said, there is a section of the trail that requires careful climbing to continue. Although we didn’t find it difficult, it may be difficult to some depending on skill level. The climbing portion of this hike is short and sweet but it does require rope. Be sure to have somebody assist you or along for the hike to avoid any accident. Even if the section doesn’t seem too difficult, it only takes one wrong step. Dress appropriately and be sure to wear hiking shoes with good grip.

We parked in the designated parking area and walked a short distance on the Blue Ridge Parkway before exiting off the road and dropping onto the trail making the trek through the trees. This quick trail leads you to a beautiful waterfall that makes for stunning pictures and a relaxing spot to sit, catch your breath and enjoy a snack all while listening to the water crashing above and below before you make the trip back up.

Even though this trail is short and sweet, you do gain some elevation in a short distance so don’t let it fool you, once you reach the top you will need plenty of water and a second to catch your breath. If you’re up for the climb, grab a friend, lace up your hiking shoes, and grab a camera - we can assure you this waterfall hike is one for the books!

3. The Chimneys

Distance - 1.5 mi | Elevation Gain - 357 ft | Intensity - Hard 2/10

The Chimneys - beautiful rock features that look like. . . well, chimneys of course. This 1.7 miles trek through the trees and across various rock structures is a well-known hike with magnificent views. The 357 foot elevation gain makes the trail an easier hike and well suited for all levels of hikers. You are sure to get amazing views of the many mountain peaks off in the distance in every direction.

This is a quick 1.5 mile hike that starts in the same parking area as table rock mountain (another must do but not included on this list).

This is a hiking favorite for many reasons.

1.) Variety! You get to experience the gorgeous mountain peak views while climbing up and around grand rock features.

2.) Accessibility! This hike isn’t too hard and the experience starts as soon as you jump on the trail meaning if you didn’t want to make the entire trip and want to turn around, you won’t be disappointed because there’s plenty to see well before you get to the main turnaround point.

3.) More and more and more! If you make it the mile and half in and haven’t gotten your fill of hiking for the day, there are many other trails very accessible to you. You can continue on to Shortoff Mountain or hike to the top of Table Rock.

We recommend packing a lunch and enjoying your day because (as emphasized) the short distance doesn’t mean you can’t make this an all day adventure!

4. Crabtree Falls

Distance - 2.5 mi | Elevation Gain - 550 ft | Intensity - Hard 4/10

Crabtree Falls is a stunning, picturesque, 70-ft waterfall that is quick to get to, involves a moderate to easy hike, and jaw-dropping views making this number four on our list of best hikes in Western North Carolina.

This waterfall is a favorite for locals and tourists making it a popular destination for many parkway travelers. You can generally beat the larger crowds by avoiding the middle of the day or visiting the falls earlier or later in the hiking season.

If you do make this stop in the spring, you will have the opportunity to see the beautiful wildflowers along the trail as you make the ¾ mile trek to the rushing waters. The trail is a bit rocky so although the trip is short and less than strenuous, it is recommended to wear the appropriate hiking shoes that are okay to get a bit muddy and provide the appropriate support.

Once you get to the falls enjoy a snack, snap some pictures, and take in the magnificent views of another must-see North Carolina waterfall.

5. Linville Falls

Distance - 1.0 mi | Elevation Gain - 82 ft | Intensity - Hard 1/10

If you’re looking for a Western North Carolina staple, Linville Falls is the spot to be.

We have hiked to this 90-ft waterfall countless times and the view never gets old. This hike is very family friendly, short and sweet, and ideal for all hikers.

The falls can be viewed from five different viewpoints accessed among two different trails. If you’re bound and determined to see all five viewpoints, you can complete the entire trip in about four miles.

The trail that we hike most often, and one of the more popular routes, is just around 1 mile, round-trip. Keep in mind that unless you go in the dead of winter, you’ll be sharing the trail with many others who have set out on the same agenda: to take in the breathtaking views.

6. Pinchin Trail

Distance - 2.5 mi | Elevation Gain - 1,750 ft | Intensity - Hard 10/10

Although we’ve pushed this trail towards the bottom of our list, this is probably one we remember the most and ironically, it’s one of the first hikes we did together.

To give you an idea of how traumatizing this adventure was (okay, traumatizing is a bit much but it was hard) we remember exactly what we had for breakfast that day, what we packed as snacks on the trail, and the exact spot where we ran out of water and felt defeated before we pulled it together and made the final push.

We’ve learned a thing or two about preparing for a hiking trip and let’s just say we do better packing the essentials.

So anyways, here’s how it went. We filled our packs, grabbed a couple water bottles (and by a couple we literally mean two), bagged the hammocks, and threw some snacks in the bag. We laced up our hiking boots and called it good.

When we arrived at the trailhead we decided we didn’t need the extra weight of another water so we left one in the truck to have after the hike and grabbed the other that we planned to share. In hindsight, we should have never shaved off weight by leaving water, the most important item, and we also shouldn’t have thought sharing a single water bottle was sufficient. But, that day we did and our journey into the gorge began.

If you didn’t notice by the stats, this hike is 2.5 miles round-trip (not too long) but 1,750 feet in elevation change. Have you ever climbed stairs for over a mile… in the heat... with heavy packs… and about 20 ounces of water, if that. Yikes. But, we made it and when we got to the top we vowed we would never do it again. To this day, we have yet to hike this trail for a second time.

You’re probably wondering why we would put this on our list of top hikes at this point, but here’s why.

Although in the moment we were physically exhausted and the trail leading out of the gorge felt never-ending, we remember every detail of that day. That hike caused us to push ourselves to our limits and we were not only rewarded by the beautiful view of the river that we set out to find, but also the feeling of accomplishing it.

To date, it’s our hardest hike we’ve done and hopefully it gives us the courage to take on harder ones in the future. If you do decide to try out this hike, know that it’s hard, bring plenty of water, eat a true breakfast, pack a lunch, and prepare to physically challenge yourself because it is a CLIMB.

Oh, and lastly, don’t decide to carry 30lbs of camera gear unless you REALLY need all of it.

7. High Shoals Falls

Distance - 1.8 mi | Elevation Gain - 265 ft | Intensity - Hard 2/10

This is a well-known 60-ft waterfall that brings in many visitors each year. Viewing this waterfall is a particularly grand experience if you visit after a good rain (like any waterfall really).

If you choose to take on this hike, expect a 1.8 mile trek from the trailhead to the falls along the Jacob Fork River. There is just a small 265 foot elevation change making this an easy trail suitable for all skill levels.

For many, there is an additional viewpoint that adds about a mile to your trip. The climb is worth the hike as the view of the water crashing over the rocks from this section is not one to miss. Be prepared to climb a few flights of stairs, adding some extra distance for those who would like to see it.

We took on this hike just after receiving a few good storms and luckily, we dressed appropriately - strapping on hiking boots for muddy trails and grabbing a rain jacket to stay somewhat dry as the designated path leads closely to the crashing water.

8. Wilson Creek

Distance - 0.5+ mi | Elevation Gain - 350 ft | Intensity - Hard 1/10

Last but not least, number 8 - Wilson Creek.

This is less of a hike in comparison to the other 7 we have listed here; however, we do feel that Wilson Creek has rightfully earned its place on the list of best hikes. Reason being that we wanted this to be an all inclusive, for all ages and fitness levels list.

Wilson Creek is a place to go for almost any activity you’d be looking for when it comes to outdoor adventure. This is a popular destination for bikers, kayakers, campers, hikers, hunters, and those that only want a leisurely scenic drive. This scenic river is 23.3 miles in length and has endless opportunity for beginners all the way to the most experienced outdoor adventurer.

Our favorite thing to do in this area is drive along the creek stopping at the many pull-offs along the way and making the short walk down to the water.

There is endless picture opportunity, great picnic locations, and of course, beautiful scenery to take in. Another favorite about this location is that you can go back many times and almost always experience something new. We definitely recommend checking out this spot and if you do, be sure to go early in the day or again, early in the hiking season as the creek will begin to overflow with locals and tourists looking for an adventure of their own!

That’s all for now.

We hope you enjoyed learning about our favorite places to visit here in our own backyard. We enjoy exploring the Western North Carolina mountains and are fortunate to call a place this beautiful home. Although we have done many hikes in the area, we aren’t nearly close to saying we have done them all. If you have other hikes you feel you enjoy more than the ones listed above, let us know! Or, if you call any of these your favorite hikes as well tell us why in the comments! We look forward to exploring more and sharing others as time goes on!

Catch you next time!

Taylor and Seth

Hi, we’re Seth and Taylor and we love sharing all things related to outdoor adventure!

We love anything that gets us outside — hiking, biking, backpack, road tripping, and so much more! We love sharing our adventures and hope it helps YOU get out to see more.

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