A bird sitting on a nest of eggs.

Hiking Near Forest Hills, 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
easy
2.41 mi
+277 ft
Waterrock Knob

Hike Route

Waterrock Knob

Fall Colors
easy
1.02 mi
+459 ft
Bearpen Gap Waterfall

Hike Route

Bearpen Gap Waterfall

River/Creek
easy
3.16 mi
+653 ft
Flatlander's Loop

Hike Route

Flatlander's Loop

Birding
easy
3.07 mi
+313 ft
Lickstone Gap Road

Hike Route

Lickstone Gap Road

Birding
easy
3.7 mi
+502 ft
High Hampton Inn to Chimney Top Peak

Hike Route

High Hampton Inn to Chimney Top Peak

Birding
moderate
4.13 mi
+1,299 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
extreme
11.85 mi
+4,439 ft
High Line Loop

Hike Route

High Line Loop

Birding
strenuous
13.14 mi
+2,867 ft
Double Spring Gap Climb

Hike Route

Double Spring Gap Climb

Fall Colors
strenuous
10.54 mi
+2,460 ft
Fork and Green Mountain Extravaganza

Hike Route

Fork and Green Mountain Extravaganza

Fall Colors
extreme
20.51 mi
+4,964 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
+5,643 ft
Full CM Gamelands Loop

Hike Route

Full CM Gamelands Loop

Birding
strenuous
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
strenuous
8.61 mi
+2,045 ft
Panthertown Valley Loop

Hike Route

Panthertown Valley Loop

Swimming
moderate
5.41 mi
+850 ft
Big Green Mountain -- Little Green Mountain Loop

Hike Route

Big Green Mountain -- Little Green Mountain Loop

Fall Colors
moderate
7.96 mi
+1,219 ft
Sam Knob Loop

Hike Route

Sam Knob Loop

River/Creek
strenuous
9.46 mi
+1,548 ft
Black Balsam Loop via Art Loeb Trail

Hike Route

Black Balsam Loop via Art Loeb Trail

Views
moderate
8.94 mi
+1,122 ft
Cold Mountain Out-and-Back

Hike Route

Cold Mountain Out-and-Back

Fall Colors
strenuous
9.86 mi
+3,269 ft