A bird sitting on a nest of eggs.

Hiking Near Mills River, 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.

Mills River Loop

Hike Route

Mills River Loop

Fall Colors
moderate
3.77 mi
+331 ft
Mount Pisgah via the Buck Spring Trail

Hike Route

Mount Pisgah via the Buck Spring Trail

Views
easy
2.43 mi
+724 ft
Twin Falls Out-and-Back

Hike Route

Twin Falls Out-and-Back

Waterfall
moderate
1.92 mi
+254 ft
Frying Pan Lookout Tower

Hike Route

Frying Pan Lookout Tower

Views
easy
1.58 mi
+385 ft
Coontree Loop

Hike Route

Coontree Loop

Fall Colors
strenuous
3.48 mi
+1,029 ft
Glassy Mountain

Hike Route

Glassy Mountain

Fall Colors
moderate
3.24 mi
+670 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.

Art Loeb Trail

Hike Route

Art Loeb Trail

Birding
strenuous
29.41 mi
+9,051 ft
DuPont Waterfall Bonanza

Hike Route

DuPont Waterfall Bonanza

Lake
moderate
13.67 mi
+1,764 ft
Hap Nin Half-ish Marathon (Shining Rock Loop)

Hike Route

Hap Nin Half-ish Marathon (Shining Rock Loop)

Views
strenuous
12.74 mi
+3,502 ft
Shining Rock via Big East Fork

Hike Route

Shining Rock via Big East Fork

Views
extreme
12.33 mi
+3,235 ft
Art Loeb - Little East Fork Loop

Hike Route

Art Loeb - Little East Fork Loop

Fall Colors
strenuous
11.9 mi
+3,147 ft
Saluda Mountains Passage

Hike Route

Saluda Mountains Passage

Fall Colors
moderate
11.14 mi
+2,456 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.

MST/Powhatan Loop

Hike Route

MST/Powhatan Loop

Fall Colors
moderate
9.69 mi
+1,588 ft
Pink Beds Loop

Hike Route

Pink Beds Loop

Wildflowers
moderate
5.04 mi
+342 ft
Art Loeb & North Slope Loop

Hike Route

Art Loeb & North Slope Loop

River/Creek
moderate
7.06 mi
+1,515 ft
John Rock Loop

Hike Route

John Rock Loop

Fall Colors
moderate
5.42 mi
+1,112 ft
Trombatore Trail

Hike Route

Trombatore Trail

moderate
5.1 mi
+1,351 ft
Cold Mountain Out-and-Back

Hike Route

Cold Mountain Out-and-Back

Fall Colors
strenuous
9.86 mi
+3,260 ft