A bird sitting on a nest of eggs.

Hiking Near Swannanoa, 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.

Rattlesnake Lodge Loop

Hike Route

Rattlesnake Lodge Loop

Fall Colors
moderate
3.81 mi
+928 ft
Lookout Mountain

Hike Route

Lookout Mountain

Less Crowded
easy
0.69 mi
+797 ft
Craggy Gardens

Hike Route

Craggy Gardens

Views
easy
0.7 mi
+457 ft
Graybeard/Harry Bryan/Julia Woodward Loop

Hike Route

Graybeard/Harry Bryan/Julia Woodward Loop

Fall Colors
moderate
1.19 mi
+277 ft
Pinnacle Hike at Craggy Gardens

Hike Route

Pinnacle Hike at Craggy Gardens

Views
easy
0.77 mi
+232 ft
Catawba Falls

Hike Route

Catawba Falls

Less Crowded
easy
1.07 mi
+351 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.

Mount Mitchell Challenge

Hike Route

Mount Mitchell Challenge

Fall Colors
strenuous
39.07 mi
+5,059 ft
Mount Mitchell Vert Marathon

Hike Route

Mount Mitchell Vert Marathon

Fall Colors
strenuous
25.29 mi
+9,745 ft
Mount Mitchell

Hike Route

Mount Mitchell

Commonly Backpacked
strenuous
10.86 mi
+3,679 ft
Mount Mitchell - Black Mountain Crest Trail #179

Hike Route

Mount Mitchell - Black Mountain Crest Trail #179

Views
strenuous
22.88 mi
+7,830 ft
Saluda Mountains Passage

Hike Route

Saluda Mountains Passage

Fall Colors
moderate
11.14 mi
+2,456 ft
Art Loeb Trail

Hike Route

Art Loeb Trail

Birding
strenuous
29.41 mi
+9,051 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.

Trombatore Trail

Hike Route

Trombatore Trail

moderate
5.1 mi
+1,351 ft
Gateway Trails

Hike Route

Gateway Trails

Fall Colors
moderate
8.67 mi
+1,661 ft
Mount Mitchell via Black Mountain Campground

Hike Route

Mount Mitchell via Black Mountain Campground

Views
strenuous
5.52 mi
+3,712 ft
MST/Powhatan Loop

Hike Route

MST/Powhatan Loop

Fall Colors
moderate
9.69 mi
+1,588 ft
Bailey Mountain Preserve Loop (Mars Hill, NC)

Hike Route

Bailey Mountain Preserve Loop (Mars Hill, NC)

Birding
moderate
5.03 mi
+1,519 ft
Green River Game Lands Loop #1

Hike Route

Green River Game Lands Loop #1

Birding
strenuous
5.53 mi
+1,236 ft