A bird sitting on a nest of eggs.

Hiking Near Cullowhee, North Carolina

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.

Grassy Ridge Mine Overlook (MST Section)

Hike Route

Grassy Ridge Mine Overlook (MST Section)

Birding
moderate
2.41 mi
+265 ft
Waterrock Knob

Hike Route

Waterrock Knob

Fall Colors
strenuous
1.02 mi
+459 ft
Bearpen Gap Waterfall

Hike Route

Bearpen Gap Waterfall

River/Creek
moderate
3.16 mi
+656 ft
Lickstone Gap Road

Hike Route

Lickstone Gap Road

Birding
moderate
3.7 mi
+502 ft
Oconaluftee River Trail + Mountain Farm Museum

Hike Route

Oconaluftee River Trail + Mountain Farm Museum

Dogs Allowed
easy
3.16 mi
+42 ft
Flatlander's Loop

Hike Route

Flatlander's Loop

Birding
easy
3.07 mi
+263 ft
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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.

Pinnacle Park Tour

Hike Route

Pinnacle Park Tour

Birding
strenuous
11.85 mi
+4,386 ft
High Line Loop

Hike Route

High Line Loop

Birding
strenuous
13.14 mi
+2,911 ft
Double Spring Gap Climb

Hike Route

Double Spring Gap Climb

Fall Colors
moderate
10.54 mi
+2,458 ft
Fork and Green Mountain Extravaganza

Hike Route

Fork and Green Mountain Extravaganza

Fall Colors
strenuous
20.51 mi
+5,024 ft
Black Balsam Knob via the Fork Mountain Loop

Hike Route

Black Balsam Knob via the Fork Mountain Loop

Less Crowded
extreme
21.35 mi
+5,750 ft
Full CM Gamelands Loop

Hike Route

Full CM Gamelands Loop

Birding
moderate
11.38 mi
+3,273 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.

WCU Trail System - Every Trail

Hike Route

WCU Trail System - Every Trail

Fall Colors
moderate
8.61 mi
+2,020 ft
Panthertown Valley Loop

Hike Route

Panthertown Valley Loop

Swimming
moderate
5.41 mi
+856 ft
Big Green Mountain -- Little Green Mountain Loop

Hike Route

Big Green Mountain -- Little Green Mountain Loop

Fall Colors
moderate
7.96 mi
+1,242 ft
Sam Knob Loop

Hike Route

Sam Knob Loop

River/Creek
moderate
9.46 mi
+1,530 ft
Black Balsam Loop via Art Loeb Trail

Hike Route

Black Balsam Loop via Art Loeb Trail

Views
strenuous
8.94 mi
+1,161 ft
Cold Mountain Out-and-Back

Hike Route

Cold Mountain Out-and-Back

Fall Colors
strenuous
9.86 mi
+3,260 ft