A bird sitting on a nest of eggs.

Hiking Near Franklin, 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.

William's Pulpit Out-and-Back

Hike Route

William's Pulpit Out-and-Back

Birding
moderate
4 mi
+1,104 ft
Scaly Mountain via Bartram Trail

Hike Route

Scaly Mountain via Bartram Trail

Fall Colors
moderate
3.68 mi
+1,103 ft
Craggy Pinnacle

Hike Route

Craggy Pinnacle

Views
easy
0.79 mi
+369 ft
Denton Creek Falls

Hike Route

Denton Creek Falls

Waterfall
easy
1.97 mi
+642 ft
Denton Creek Falls Trail

Hike Route

Denton Creek Falls Trail

Waterfall
easy
1.97 mi
+634 ft
Flatlander's Loop

Hike Route

Flatlander's Loop

Birding
easy
3.07 mi
+313 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.

Standing Indian (Nantahala Headwaters) Loop

Hike Route

Standing Indian (Nantahala Headwaters) Loop

Commonly Backpacked
extreme
21.07 mi
+4,311 ft
AT: Winding Stair Gap to Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC)

Hike Route

AT: Winding Stair Gap to Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC)

Fall Colors
extreme
27.08 mi
+5,801 ft
Appalachian Trail: Burningtown Gap to Winding Stair Gap

Hike Route

Appalachian Trail: Burningtown Gap to Winding Stair Gap

Views
extreme
14.99 mi
+3,079 ft
Rabun Georgia Half Marathon Hike

Hike Route

Rabun Georgia Half Marathon Hike

Commonly Backpacked
strenuous
10.71 mi
+3,003 ft
Deep Creek to Kuwohi (fka Clingmans Dome)

Hike Route

Deep Creek to Kuwohi (fka Clingmans Dome)

Birding
extreme
46.43 mi
+10,361 ft
Deep Creek - Kuwohi (fka Clingmans Dome) Loop

Hike Route

Deep Creek - Kuwohi (fka Clingmans Dome) Loop

Birding
extreme
35.21 mi
+7,783 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
Beech Creek Trail to Big Scaly Mountain

Hike Route

Beech Creek Trail to Big Scaly Mountain

Commonly Backpacked
strenuous
9.13 mi
+2,695 ft
Thompson Loop

Hike Route

Thompson Loop

Lake
moderate
7.12 mi
+857 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
7.97 mi
+1,219 ft
Upper Whitewater Falls from Lower Trailhead

Hike Route

Upper Whitewater Falls from Lower Trailhead

Fall Colors
moderate
5.75 mi
+1,155 ft