A bird sitting on a nest of eggs.

Hiking Near Erwin, Tennessee

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.

Carvers Gap to Grassy Ridge Bald

Hike Route

Carvers Gap to Grassy Ridge Bald

Family Friendly
moderate
4.85 mi
+1,188 ft
Margarette Falls

Hike Route

Margarette Falls

Dogs Allowed
easy
2.46 mi
+663 ft
Coon Den Falls and Appalachian Trail Loop

Hike Route

Coon Den Falls and Appalachian Trail Loop

Family Friendly
strenuous
3.43 mi
+1,177 ft
Laurel Falls Out and Back from Dennis Cove

Hike Route

Laurel Falls Out and Back from Dennis Cove

Waterfall
moderate
2.42 mi
+616 ft
Elk River Falls

Hike Route

Elk River Falls

Waterfall
easy
0.15 mi
+1 ft
Sinking Waters Trail

Hike Route

Sinking Waters Trail

Birding
moderate
2.14 mi
+485 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.

Carmen AT Loop

Hike Route

Carmen AT Loop

Fall Colors
strenuous
15.46 mi
+4,080 ft
AT: Carver's Gap to US19E

Hike Route

AT: Carver's Gap to US19E

Commonly Backpacked
strenuous
14.24 mi
+2,575 ft
Mount Mitchell - Black Mountain Crest Trail #179

Hike Route

Mount Mitchell - Black Mountain Crest Trail #179

Views
strenuous
22.88 mi
+7,830 ft
Holston Mountain 20 Mile

Hike Route

Holston Mountain 20 Mile

Fall Colors
strenuous
19.93 mi
+5,926 ft
Mount Mitchell Challenge

Hike Route

Mount Mitchell Challenge

Fall Colors
strenuous
39.07 mi
+5,059 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.

Bald Mountain Creek Preserve Outer Loop

Hike Route

Bald Mountain Creek Preserve Outer Loop

Fall Colors
moderate
6.55 mi
+1,864 ft
Roan High Bluff

Hike Route

Roan High Bluff

Views
moderate
6.52 mi
+1,298 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
Bays Mountain Cherry Knob Fire Tower

Hike Route

Bays Mountain Cherry Knob Fire Tower

Birding
strenuous
7.12 mi
+1,451 ft
Mount Mitchell via Black Mountain Campground

Hike Route

Mount Mitchell via Black Mountain Campground

Views
strenuous
5.52 mi
+3,712 ft
Steele Creek 8+ mile Moderate Loop

Hike Route

Steele Creek 8+ mile Moderate Loop

Lake
strenuous
7.16 mi
+1,708 ft