A record-setting hiker and North Carolina native reflects on what makes our state such an iconic part of the most famous hiking trail in the world.
Appalachian Trail
A Year-Round Guide to Franklin and Nantahala
Celebrate the season in this mountain town — no matter what time of year you visit.
A Guide to Downtown Franklin
This small town is a destination for gem enthusiasts, history buffs, and Appalachian Trail thru-hikers, which gives residents plenty of chances to share their beloved mountain home.
Our State Knows Best: Hiking
Find out what three hiking experts have to say about hitting the trail, the gear they’d never leave behind, and North Carolina’s must-do mountain treks with stunning views.
Plan a Family Adventure in the Heart of Nantahala National Forest
Surrounded by gorges, waterfalls, and hiking trails, the Franklin area is the perfect place for a spring escape.
The Town that Backpacks Built
Muddy boots are a welcome sight in this postcard-perfect spot in the Smokies. Whether you hike in on the Appalachian Trail or drive in for a weekend visit, Hot Springs offers every traveler a special kind of trail magic.
Ramblin’ Man: The Sheltered Life
After a long day in the wilderness, even the most rugged outdoor enthusiasts can’t resist the comfort and good company found in a trail shelter.
Big Memories in a Tiny Shack
In the shadow of Whiteside Mountain in Jackson County sits the Grimshawes Post Office, an eensy-weensy wooden building that old-timers fondly remember and newcomers visit on hiking excursions around Cashiers and Highlands.
Have Jerky, Will Travel
No longer mere trail fuel, craft jerky is having a moment. In the hands of North Carolina makers, this survival snack with ancient origins is upping its game.
