The Blue Ridge Mountains, stretching across North and South Carolina, are a hiker’s dream—rugged peaks, cascading falls, and views that’ll stop you in your tracks. Whether you’re chasing a sweaty summit or a gentle stroll, these trails showcase the Carolinas’ wild heart. Lace up your boots and hit these prime paths for an adventure you won’t forget.
1. Grandfather Mountain – Linville, NC
Grandfather Mountain isn’t messing around. The Profile Trail (3.6 miles one-way) climbs 1,900 feet through hardwood forests to Calloway Peak, topping out at 5,946 feet. You’ll scramble over rocks and cross swinging ladders for panoramic payoffs—on clear days, you can spot Charlotte 90 miles away. It’s tough but doable, with a moderate-to-strenuous rating. The mountain’s biodiversity (think rare spruce-fir forests) earned it UNESCO status in 2023. Best for: a challenging summit with bragging rights.
2. Table Rock State Park – Pickens, SC
Table Rock Trail (3.6 miles one-way) delivers South Carolina’s best bang-for-buck hike. Starting at the nature center, it ascends 2,000 feet to Table Rock’s 3,124-foot granite face. The view? Sweeping vistas of the Upstate’s rolling foothills. It’s steep—expect switchbacks and a solid workout—but the midway benches and summit picnic spot make it worth it. Spring rhododendrons and fall colors pop here, drawing 300,000 visitors yearly. Best for: a scenic sweat with a rewarding plateau.
3. Mount Mitchell – Burnsville, NC
Mount Mitchell claims the East Coast’s highest peak at 6,684 feet, and the summit trail (5.6 miles round-trip from Black Mountain Campground) gets you there. It’s a steady climb through fragrant balsam forests, with cool, misty air thanks to the altitude. The observation tower at the top serves 360-degree views—Pisgah National Forest sprawls below like a green sea. It’s moderate but chilly, even in summer, so pack a jacket. Fun fact: it’s named for Elisha Mitchell, who died measuring it in 1857. Best for: high-altitude glory.
4. Looking Glass Rock – Pisgah National Forest, NC
This 6.5-mile round-trip trek scales a massive granite dome to 3,969 feet. Starting near Brevard, the trail winds through switchbacks and oak groves before hitting the rock’s bald face—perfect for soaking in views of the Shining Rock Wilderness. It’s moderate with a steady 1,700-foot gain, but the slick rock can get dicey when wet (hence the name—it glints like glass). Spring wildflowers and fall hawks make it a seasonal stunner. Best for: a geology geek’s paradise.
Why These Trails Rule
Grandfather’s rugged ladders test your grit, while Table Rock’s granite perch feels like a victory lap. Mount Mitchell’s altitude crowns you king of the East, and Looking Glass Rock’s slick dome dares you to conquer it. All sit in the Blue Ridge, a 550-mile range that’s older than the Rockies, carved by time into a hiker’s playground. They’re close enough for a Carolina road trip but varied enough to keep every outing fresh.
Hit the Trails
Start at Grandfather Mountain (off the Blue Ridge Parkway near Linville, NC). Head south to Table Rock in SC’s Upstate (40 miles from Greenville). Swing north to Mount Mitchell (an hour from Asheville), then finish at Looking Glass Rock (30 minutes from Mitchell). Spring and fall are prime—summer’s lush but hot, winter’s crisp but icy. Pack water, sturdy shoes, and a camera—these views demand it. Note: Grandfather and Table Rock charge small fees ($20 and $6 per car), but the others are free.
The Blue Ridge has trails for days, but these four are gold. Got a favorite hike we missed? Tell us below!
