A bird sitting on a nest of eggs.

Hiking Near Maggie Valley, 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.

Waterrock Knob

Hike Route

Waterrock Knob

Fall Colors
easy
1.02 mi
+459 ft
Grassy Ridge Mine Overlook (MST Section)

Hike Route

Grassy Ridge Mine Overlook (MST Section)

Birding
easy
2.41 mi
+277 ft
Oconaluftee River Trail + Mountain Farm Museum

Hike Route

Oconaluftee River Trail + Mountain Farm Museum

Dogs Allowed
easy
3.16 mi
+41 ft
Lickstone Gap Road

Hike Route

Lickstone Gap Road

Birding
easy
3.7 mi
+502 ft
Big Creek Trail to Mouse Creek Falls

Hike Route

Big Creek Trail to Mouse Creek Falls

Waterfall
easy
2 mi
+550 ft
Kephart Prong Trail

Hike Route

Kephart Prong Trail

Family Friendly
moderate
3.92 mi
+853 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
extreme
13.35 mi
+3,048 ft
Pinnacle Park Tour

Hike Route

Pinnacle Park Tour

Birding
extreme
11.85 mi
+4,439 ft
Balsam Crosby Figure 8

Hike Route

Balsam Crosby Figure 8

Geologically Significant
extreme
38.19 mi
+7,561 ft
Tricorner Knob Loop via Appalachian Trail

Hike Route

Tricorner Knob Loop via Appalachian Trail

Commonly Backpacked
extreme
33.45 mi
+7,303 ft
Mt. Sterling Loop (Big Creek / Baxter Creek)

Hike Route

Mt. Sterling Loop (Big Creek / Baxter Creek)

Birding
extreme
16.73 mi
+4,286 ft
Double Spring Gap Climb

Hike Route

Double Spring Gap Climb

Fall Colors
strenuous
10.54 mi
+2,460 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.

Mount Sterling via Baxter Creek Trail

Hike Route

Mount Sterling via Baxter Creek Trail

Less Crowded
strenuous
6.03 mi
+4,160 ft
Rough Creek Goodness

Hike Route

Rough Creek Goodness

Fall Colors
strenuous
7.12 mi
+1,595 ft
Cold Mountain Out-and-Back

Hike Route

Cold Mountain Out-and-Back

Fall Colors
strenuous
9.86 mi
+3,269 ft
WCU Trail System - Every Trail

Hike Route

WCU Trail System - Every Trail

Fall Colors
strenuous
8.61 mi
+2,045 ft
Black Balsam Loop via Art Loeb Trail

Hike Route

Black Balsam Loop via Art Loeb Trail

Views
moderate
8.94 mi
+1,128 ft
Ramsey Cascades Trail

Hike Route

Ramsey Cascades Trail

Family Friendly
strenuous
7.82 mi
+2,252 ft