A bird sitting on a nest of eggs.

Hiking Near Emma, 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.

Richmond Hill Park Trails

Hike Route

Richmond Hill Park Trails

Fall Colors
moderate
3.85 mi
+454 ft
Hominy Creek Greenway

Hike Route

Hominy Creek Greenway

Waterfall
easy
0.67 mi
+5 ft
Rattlesnake Lodge Loop

Hike Route

Rattlesnake Lodge Loop

Fall Colors
moderate
3.81 mi
+928 ft
Mills River Loop

Hike Route

Mills River Loop

Fall Colors
moderate
3.77 mi
+331 ft
Craggy Gardens

Hike Route

Craggy Gardens

Views
easy
0.7 mi
+457 ft
Pinnacle Hike at Craggy Gardens

Hike Route

Pinnacle Hike at Craggy Gardens

Views
easy
0.77 mi
+232 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.

Mount Mitchell Challenge

Hike Route

Mount Mitchell Challenge

Fall Colors
strenuous
39.07 mi
+5,059 ft
Art Loeb - Little East Fork Loop

Hike Route

Art Loeb - Little East Fork Loop

Fall Colors
strenuous
11.9 mi
+3,147 ft
Art Loeb Trail

Hike Route

Art Loeb Trail

Birding
strenuous
29.41 mi
+9,051 ft
Hap Nin Half-ish Marathon (Shining Rock Loop)

Hike Route

Hap Nin Half-ish Marathon (Shining Rock Loop)

Views
strenuous
12.74 mi
+3,502 ft
Shining Rock via Big East Fork

Hike Route

Shining Rock via Big East Fork

Views
extreme
12.33 mi
+3,235 ft
Mount Mitchell Vert Marathon

Hike Route

Mount Mitchell Vert Marathon

Fall Colors
strenuous
25.29 mi
+9,745 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.

MST/Powhatan Loop

Hike Route

MST/Powhatan Loop

Fall Colors
moderate
9.69 mi
+1,588 ft
Rough Creek Goodness

Hike Route

Rough Creek Goodness

Fall Colors
strenuous
7.12 mi
+1,557 ft
Trombatore Trail

Hike Route

Trombatore Trail

moderate
5.1 mi
+1,351 ft
Bailey Mountain Preserve Loop (Mars Hill, NC)

Hike Route

Bailey Mountain Preserve Loop (Mars Hill, NC)

Birding
moderate
5.03 mi
+1,519 ft
Pink Beds Loop

Hike Route

Pink Beds Loop

Wildflowers
moderate
5.04 mi
+342 ft
Cold Mountain Out-and-Back

Hike Route

Cold Mountain Out-and-Back

Fall Colors
strenuous
9.86 mi
+3,260 ft