5 Challenging, But Rewarding, Hikes in the High Country
The high country is loaded with amazing hiking trails! Many of them are easily accessible and offer some great views. However, there are some legendary views out there if you're up for the challenge. If it’s a 10-minute hike that you are looking for then the classic Rough Ridge trail and Beacon Heights are the winners. But, if you are looking for a challenging, but rewarding hike in the high country, check out these 5 hikes:
#5 Profile Trail
This 7.2 mile out-and-back hike starts at Grandfather Mountain State Park parking area, goes up to Callaway Peak, and then all the way back down. A classic high country hike with 1775 feet of elevation climb, this trail isn’t for the faint at heart. But, you will be rewarded with a view at the top of the mountain (Callaway Peak). This trail has recently been overhauled and is much more trail friendly with rock steps and water bars to help with erosion control. There is some amazing rock structure on this trail and the trail weaves through the rocks in a way that really helps you to see the beauty of the mountain. The trailhead is the best trailhead in the HC with a great parking lot and even new bathrooms!
#4 STACK ROCK TO ROUGH RIDGE VIA THE VIADUCT
This is a 3 for one hike. 5.5 miles of out-and-back trail, you get to walk through the Stack Rock boulder area, see the bottom of the Linn Cove Viaduct and then finish with the amazing view from the top of Rough Ridge. The trail is rather technical with bigger rocks and root clusters so it makes for a slower pace. But a slower pace means more outdoors. There is also a rock cave that you get to walk through and even a small waterfall. This hike runs 100% on the Tanawha Trail, so markings are easy to follow. Midway through the hike, you will walk through the Linn Cove Visitor Center which is currently closed. As a bonus, there is a port-a-john there, if you are feeling brave.
#3 Yellow Mountain Gap to Hump Mountain
Yes, the trailhead parking area for this hike isn’t ideal, but you will be rewarded with some amazing views once you get up top. This trail is 8.4 miles with 1,400 feet of ascent. These bald mountains (Little Hump and Hump Mountain) are iconic spots on the Appalachian Trail. Their grassy summits with 360-degree views are rare to find this far south. The hike starts with a ½ mile hike up an old jeep road that comes out to a grass field. Weather can be a little crazy up on the balds, so make sure to check the weather before going. Once you get to the top of Hump Mountain, you will be rewarded with a 360-degree view of NC, TN, and VA!
#2 CHIMNEYS TO AMPHITHEATER
The best way to access the Chimneys hike is to park at the Table Rock parking lot. Once you are at the Table Rock parking lot, you will then head south on the MST trail. On your left are Morganton and Lenior and on your right Linville Gorge. If it’s a super clear day you can even see Downtown Charlotte! If you feel brave, explore all the rock croppings along the trail!
If you are following the Avenza map, you will see a side trail that goes off to the right of the main MST trail. The side trial is 1.2 miles from the parking area and leads down to the Amphitheater and Mummy. Take this side trail and work your way to the 2 ends of the horseshoe trail to get amazing views and enjoy hanging out in rock structures. To get back to your car, just return the same way that you came.
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#1 Babel Tower
This is a 3.6-mile out and back hike that gives you views and an amazing water element. Once you leave the trailhead, you will gently head downhill on the Babel Tower trail. Remember that you will have to go back up everything that you are going down. The Linville gorge has more rescues each year than any other area in the High Country. So, make sure to not get in over your neck with this hike as the climb out of the gorge is no joke. Because the Linville Gorge is a true wilderness area, there are little to no trail signs. That is why we strongly suggest that before you go to the gorge that you download the free App, Avenza Maps.
Hike with Speckled Trout Outfitters
We offer custom trips to meet your needs and accommodate your group size, with hikes ranging from 2 hours to a full day. Let us handle all the food and gear so that you and your group are able to fully embrace the experience. Traverse the less traveled trails and get the authentic wilderness experience you seek. If it’s waterfalls or peaks that you want, let us build the perfect experience for you. We hike at your speed, and all trips are private. Based out of Blowing Rock, we have access to the best trails in the area!
All of our hiking guides are trained in CPR and first aid, hike with a first aid kit and bear spray and bring a host of knowledge and experience of the local trails and area.
