A bird sitting on a nest of eggs.

Hiking Near Nebo, 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.

Conley Cove

Hike Route

Conley Cove

Cave
easy
1.12 mi
+17 ft
Table Rock near the Linville Gorge Wilderness

Hike Route

Table Rock near the Linville Gorge Wilderness

Views
easy
0.7 mi
+559 ft
Linville Falls Full Tour

Hike Route

Linville Falls Full Tour

Birding
moderate
4.33 mi
+1,036 ft
Linville Falls Hike

Hike Route

Linville Falls Hike

Views
easy
1.97 mi
+354 ft
Chestnut Knob

Hike Route

Chestnut Knob

Birding
moderate
4.71 mi
+1,083 ft
High Shoals Falls Loop Trail

Hike Route

High Shoals Falls Loop Trail

Birding
easy
2.38 mi
+642 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.

Linville Gorge Wilderness Loop

Hike Route

Linville Gorge Wilderness Loop

Birding
extreme
20.79 mi
+5,540 ft
East Rim Trail

Hike Route

East Rim Trail

Less Crowded
extreme
20.52 mi
+6,141 ft
Mount Mitchell Vert Marathon

Hike Route

Mount Mitchell Vert Marathon

Fall Colors
extreme
25.29 mi
+9,540 ft
Mount Mitchell

Hike Route

Mount Mitchell

Commonly Backpacked
extreme
10.86 mi
+3,701 ft
The Raiders of the Pines Fitness Loop

Hike Route

The Raiders of the Pines Fitness Loop

Fall Colors
strenuous
13.14 mi
+2,529 ft
Mount Mitchell Challenge

Hike Route

Mount Mitchell Challenge

Fall Colors
extreme
39.07 mi
+5,059 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.

Fonta Flora Trail Loop

Hike Route

Fonta Flora Trail Loop

Birding
moderate
6.65 mi
+435 ft
Gateway Trails

Hike Route

Gateway Trails

Fall Colors
strenuous
8.67 mi
+1,781 ft
Sinkhole Challenge

Hike Route

Sinkhole Challenge

Birding
moderate
7.26 mi
+1,443 ft
Mount Mitchell via Black Mountain Campground

Hike Route

Mount Mitchell via Black Mountain Campground

Views
strenuous
5.52 mi
+3,728 ft
South Mountains Eastern Loop

Hike Route

South Mountains Eastern Loop

Fall Colors
moderate
7.13 mi
+1,561 ft
Peaks of Grandfather Mountain

Hike Route

Peaks of Grandfather Mountain

Cave
strenuous
9.28 mi
+3,372 ft