Hiking TrailsUnited States of AmericaMars Hill, North Carolina

Hiking Trails
Near Mars Hill, North Carolina

Regional Classics Icon

Regional Classics

Discover the must-do hikes in the area, handpicked and curated by local experts who know the trails best. These routes are beloved for good reason, offering standout scenery, rewarding terrain, and detailed descriptions with tips that tell you exactly what to expect. Whether you are visiting for the first time or are a local doing them on repeat, they offer a reliable and memorable hiking experience.

Mount Mitchell

Classic Hike Route

Mount Mitchell

Commonly Backpacked
strenuous
11.03 mi
+3,759 ft
Shorter Routes icon

Shorter Routes

These hikes keep it under 5 miles and climb less than 1,500 feet, making them ideal for quicker outings or lower-key days. Perfect for a morning stretch, a casual afternoon, or getting outside without committing to a big push. Don’t let the stats fool you — many still pack in great views and rewarding moments.

Rattlesnake Lodge Loop

Hike Route

Rattlesnake Lodge Loop

Fall Colors
moderate
1.71 mi
+904 ft
Craggy Gardens

Hike Route

Craggy Gardens

Views
easy
0.7 mi
+449 ft
Pinnacle Hike at Craggy Gardens

Hike Route

Pinnacle Hike at Craggy Gardens

Views
easy
0.77 mi
+227 ft
Blackstock Knob

Hike Route

Blackstock Knob

Less Crowded
easy
1.33 mi
+1,019 ft
Richmond Hill Park Trails

Hike Route

Richmond Hill Park Trails

Fall Colors
moderate
3.93 mi
+544 ft
Old Mitchell Trail

Hike Route

Old Mitchell Trail

Birding
strenuous
3.87 mi
+1,156 ft
Logo

Adventurous Routes

These routes go beyond 10 miles and are built for days when you want to cover more ground and push a little deeper. Expect longer distances, more effort, and bigger payoffs — whether that’s remote terrain, summit views, or a full-day challenge. Ideal for hikers looking to go farther and stay out longer.

Carmen AT Loop

Hike Route

Carmen AT Loop

Fall Colors
strenuous
15.46 mi
+3,878 ft
Mount Mitchell Ridge Traverse

Hike Route

Mount Mitchell Ridge Traverse

Dogs Allowed
extreme
23.19 mi
+7,704 ft
Mount Mitchell

Classic Hike Route

Mount Mitchell

Commonly Backpacked
strenuous
11.03 mi
+3,759 ft
Mount Mitchell Challenge

Hike Route

Mount Mitchell Challenge

Fall Colors
strenuous
39.07 mi
+5,059 ft
Lemon Gap to Max Patch

Hike Route

Lemon Gap to Max Patch

Birding
moderate
10.37 mi
+1,412 ft
Mount Mitchell Vert Marathon

Hike Route

Mount Mitchell Vert Marathon

Fall Colors
strenuous
25.46 mi
+9,607 ft

Other Nearby Routes

Not finding what you're looking for? These additional nearby hikes offer more ways to get outside and explore the area. With a mix of lengths, difficulty levels, and terrain, you're likely to find something that fits your plans for the day. And remember, you can always use the onX Route Builder to create your own adventure from scratch.

Bailey Mountain Preserve Loop (Mars Hill, NC)

Hike Route

Bailey Mountain Preserve Loop (Mars Hill, NC)

Birding
moderate
5.03 mi
+1,498 ft
Bald Mountain Creek Preserve Outer Loop

Hike Route

Bald Mountain Creek Preserve Outer Loop

Fall Colors
moderate
6.55 mi
+1,886 ft
Rough Creek Goodness

Hike Route

Rough Creek Goodness

Fall Colors
strenuous
7.12 mi
+1,595 ft
MST/Powhatan Loop

Hike Route

MST/Powhatan Loop

Fall Colors
moderate
9.7 mi
+1,574 ft
Gateway Trails

Hike Route

Gateway Trails

Fall Colors
moderate
8.69 mi
+1,781 ft
Trombatore Trail

Hike Route

Trombatore Trail

Birding
strenuous
5.13 mi
+1,353 ft