A bird sitting on a nest of eggs.

Hiking Near Forest City, 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.

Buffalo Creek Park

Hike Route

Buffalo Creek Park

Fall Colors
moderate
3.73 mi
+679 ft
High Shoals Falls Loop Trail

Hike Route

High Shoals Falls Loop Trail

Birding
strenuous
2.38 mi
+642 ft
Chestnut Knob

Hike Route

Chestnut Knob

Birding
strenuous
4.7 mi
+1,072 ft
Milliken & Company Arboretum Main Trail

Hike Route

Milliken & Company Arboretum Main Trail

Fall Colors
moderate
3.02 mi
+110 ft
Catawba Falls

Hike Route

Catawba Falls

Less Crowded
easy
1.07 mi
+321 ft
Bearwallow Mountain

Hike Route

Bearwallow Mountain

Views
easy
2.24 mi
+599 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.

King Mountain National Recreation Trail Loop

Hike Route

King Mountain National Recreation Trail Loop

Fall Colors
moderate
15.32 mi
+1,657 ft
Saluda Mountains Passage

Hike Route

Saluda Mountains Passage

Fall Colors
moderate
11.16 mi
+2,138 ft
Mount Mitchell Vert Marathon

Hike Route

Mount Mitchell Vert Marathon

Fall Colors
strenuous
25.29 mi
+9,540 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.

South Mountains Eastern Loop

Hike Route

South Mountains Eastern Loop

Fall Colors
strenuous
7.13 mi
+1,561 ft
Green River Game Lands Loop #2

Hike Route

Green River Game Lands Loop #2

Birding
strenuous
8.53 mi
+1,815 ft
Green River Game Lands Loop #1

Hike Route

Green River Game Lands Loop #1

Birding
strenuous
5.53 mi
+1,142 ft
Gateway Trails

Hike Route

Gateway Trails

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

Hike Route

Trombatore Trail

Birding
strenuous
5.13 mi
+1,353 ft
Fonta Flora Trail Loop

Hike Route

Fonta Flora Trail Loop

Birding
moderate
6.65 mi
+403 ft