A bird sitting on a nest of eggs.

Hiking Near Glenwood, 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.

Catawba Falls

Hike Route

Catawba Falls

Less Crowded
easy
1.07 mi
+351 ft
Buffalo Creek Park

Hike Route

Buffalo Creek Park

Fall Colors
moderate
3.73 mi
+663 ft
Lookout Mountain

Hike Route

Lookout Mountain

Less Crowded
easy
0.69 mi
+797 ft
Graybeard/Harry Bryan/Julia Woodward Loop

Hike Route

Graybeard/Harry Bryan/Julia Woodward Loop

Fall Colors
moderate
1.19 mi
+277 ft
High Shoals Falls Loop Trail

Hike Route

High Shoals Falls Loop Trail

Birding
strenuous
2.38 mi
+611 ft
Chestnut Knob

Hike Route

Chestnut Knob

Birding
strenuous
4.71 mi
+1,054 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.

Mount Mitchell Vert Marathon

Hike Route

Mount Mitchell Vert Marathon

Fall Colors
strenuous
25.29 mi
+9,745 ft
Linville Gorge Wilderness Loop

Hike Route

Linville Gorge Wilderness Loop

Birding
strenuous
20.79 mi
+5,704 ft
East Rim Trail

Hike Route

East Rim Trail

Less Crowded
extreme
20.52 mi
+6,183 ft
Mount Mitchell

Hike Route

Mount Mitchell

Commonly Backpacked
strenuous
10.86 mi
+3,679 ft
Mount Mitchell Challenge

Hike Route

Mount Mitchell Challenge

Fall Colors
strenuous
39.07 mi
+5,059 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

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.

Gateway Trails

Hike Route

Gateway Trails

Fall Colors
moderate
8.67 mi
+1,661 ft
Fonta Flora Trail Loop

Hike Route

Fonta Flora Trail Loop

Birding
moderate
6.65 mi
+453 ft
Mount Mitchell via Black Mountain Campground

Hike Route

Mount Mitchell via Black Mountain Campground

Views
strenuous
5.52 mi
+3,712 ft
South Mountains Eastern Loop

Hike Route

South Mountains Eastern Loop

Fall Colors
strenuous
7.13 mi
+1,561 ft
Sinkhole Challenge

Hike Route

Sinkhole Challenge

Birding
moderate
7.26 mi
+1,469 ft
Trombatore Trail

Hike Route

Trombatore Trail

moderate
5.1 mi
+1,351 ft