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.
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.
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.
Photo Essay: Outside Asheville
Beyond the lovable quirkiness of downtown, a different kind of magic is waiting for you.
On the Appalachian Trail with Hiker Jennifer Pharr Davis
Her first hike on the Appalachian Trail took five months; years later, she did it in 46 days. A record-setting hiker reflects on what it means when a trail becomes a path for life.
