A bird sitting on a nest of eggs.

Hiking Near Mountain City, Tennessee

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.

Flint Mill Trail

Hike Route

Flint Mill Trail

Birding
strenuous
2.49 mi
+1,449 ft
Elk River Falls

Hike Route

Elk River Falls

Swimming
easy
0.29 mi
+85 ft
Coon Den Falls and Appalachian Trail Loop

Hike Route

Coon Den Falls and Appalachian Trail Loop

Family Friendly
strenuous
3.43 mi
+973 ft
Laurel Falls Out and Back from Dennis Cove

Hike Route

Laurel Falls Out and Back from Dennis Cove

Waterfall
moderate
2.42 mi
+594 ft
Green Knob Trail

Hike Route

Green Knob Trail

Fall Colors
moderate
2.07 mi
+574 ft
Price Lake Loop

Hike Route

Price Lake Loop

Fall Colors
easy
2.24 mi
+56 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.

Virginia Creeper National Recreation Trail

Hike Route

Virginia Creeper National Recreation Trail

Fall Colors
moderate
33.23 mi
+704 ft
Holston Mountain 20 Mile

Hike Route

Holston Mountain 20 Mile

Fall Colors
strenuous
19.93 mi
+5,504 ft
Grayson Highlands: A.T. - Pine Mtn Loop

Hike Route

Grayson Highlands: A.T. - Pine Mtn Loop

Birding
moderate
11.81 mi
+2,017 ft
Grayson Highlands Backpacking Loop

Hike Route

Grayson Highlands Backpacking Loop

Views
extreme
22.52 mi
+4,046 ft
Tanawha Trail

Hike Route

Tanawha Trail

Birding
strenuous
12.97 mi
+1,734 ft
AT: Carver's Gap to US19E

Hike Route

AT: Carver's Gap to US19E

Commonly Backpacked
strenuous
14.24 mi
+2,268 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.

Massie Gap to Mt Rogers Summit Out and Back

Hike Route

Massie Gap to Mt Rogers Summit Out and Back

Birding
strenuous
8.52 mi
+1,603 ft
Mt. Rogers Out-and-Back

Hike Route

Mt. Rogers Out-and-Back

Birding
moderate
9.5 mi
+1,301 ft
Wilburn Ridge Loop via Pine Mountain + the Appalachian Trail

Hike Route

Wilburn Ridge Loop via Pine Mountain + the Appalachian Trail

Views
strenuous
9.87 mi
+1,729 ft
China Creek / Thunderhole Loop

Hike Route

China Creek / Thunderhole Loop

River/Creek
strenuous
6.6 mi
+1,998 ft
Peaks of Grandfather Mountain

Hike Route

Peaks of Grandfather Mountain

Cave
strenuous
9.28 mi
+3,372 ft
Steele Creek 8+ mile Moderate Loop

Hike Route

Steele Creek 8+ mile Moderate Loop

Lake
strenuous
7.16 mi
+1,445 ft