A bird sitting on a nest of eggs.

Hiking Near Lake Junaluska, 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
moderate
2.41 mi
+265 ft
Waterrock Knob

Hike Route

Waterrock Knob

Fall Colors
strenuous
1.02 mi
+459 ft
Lickstone Gap Road

Hike Route

Lickstone Gap Road

Birding
moderate
3.7 mi
+502 ft
Mount Pisgah via the Buck Spring Trail

Hike Route

Mount Pisgah via the Buck Spring Trail

Views
easy
2.43 mi
+724 ft
Bearpen Gap Waterfall

Hike Route

Bearpen Gap Waterfall

River/Creek
moderate
3.16 mi
+656 ft
Frying Pan Lookout Tower

Hike Route

Frying Pan Lookout Tower

Views
easy
1.58 mi
+385 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.

Hemphill Bald Loop

Hike Route

Hemphill Bald Loop

Birding
strenuous
13.35 mi
+3,045 ft
Full CM Gamelands Loop

Hike Route

Full CM Gamelands Loop

Birding
moderate
11.38 mi
+3,273 ft
Double Spring Gap Climb

Hike Route

Double Spring Gap Climb

Fall Colors
moderate
10.54 mi
+2,458 ft
Art Loeb - Little East Fork Loop

Hike Route

Art Loeb - Little East Fork Loop

Fall Colors
strenuous
11.9 mi
+3,147 ft
Art Loeb Trail

Hike Route

Art Loeb Trail

Birding
strenuous
29.41 mi
+9,051 ft
Pinnacle Park Tour

Hike Route

Pinnacle Park Tour

Birding
strenuous
11.85 mi
+4,386 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.

Rough Creek Goodness

Hike Route

Rough Creek Goodness

Fall Colors
strenuous
7.12 mi
+1,557 ft
Cold Mountain Out-and-Back

Hike Route

Cold Mountain Out-and-Back

Fall Colors
strenuous
9.86 mi
+3,260 ft
Black Balsam Loop via Art Loeb Trail

Hike Route

Black Balsam Loop via Art Loeb Trail

Views
strenuous
8.94 mi
+1,161 ft
Sam Knob Loop

Hike Route

Sam Knob Loop

River/Creek
moderate
9.46 mi
+1,530 ft
Mount Sterling via Baxter Creek Trail

Hike Route

Mount Sterling via Baxter Creek Trail

Less Crowded
strenuous
6.03 mi
+4,140 ft
Pink Beds Loop

Hike Route

Pink Beds Loop

Wildflowers
moderate
5.04 mi
+342 ft