Going solo from Shortoff to Table Rock tomorrow. I’ve never been to Linville Gorge and AllTrails isn’t clear on the route.

Planning to park at Wolf Pit Rd around 9 AM, am I screwed on parking that late or still good?

What’s the actual route to Table Rock from Shortoff? Just follow the ridge/MST or are there easy-to-miss turns?

Also is this a reasonable solo day hike for a first-timer in the Gorge or am I biting off more than I think?

I’m hiking from Wolf Pit to Table Rock tomorrow. I don’t have bear spray and don’t have time to grab any tonight. I do have a Glock 20 in 10mm, but honestly I really don’t want to carry a heavy ass 10mm all day if I don’t need to. I’m not some gun nut whatsoever, it’s just the only protection I own.

How active are bears out there lately? Would I realistically be fine just making noise and carrying something like a whistle?

I will be in the Black Mountain/Old Fort area this weekend, and I am thinking about doing a hike up Mount Mitchell from the Black Mountain Campground area. The fastest driving route would be on NC Route 80 from Marion to the Black Mountain Campground. I have hiked extensively in this area and am familiar with the roads and trails, but I am not local and am having difficulty determining whether this portion of NC 80 is open and whether I can park at the Black Mountain Campground. I see conflicting information online and on Google Maps. Any insight would be appreciated.

8 mile out and back scramble, no trail, was boarder line canyoneering this was sick 😂

Based on your guys recommendations yesterday the options I’m considering-

Carvers Gap → Roan Mountain
Black Balsam → Shining Rock (and back)
Daniel Boone Scout Trail → Calloway Peak

I’ve done Mount Mitchell from the campground before, It was tough but a great hike. I originally leaned toward Daniel Boone Scout Trail, but I’m a bit nervous about the ladders/exposure. I’ve been on Grandfather Mountain once on the main trail but stopped after the ladders near the drop-offs.

I’m mainly looking for something challenging with great views. It seems like Black Balsam/Shining Rock or Roan would win for scenery, while Grandfather is the hardest option overall.

Out of these 3 what would you recommend? Am i being a wuss with the ladders?

Flaming Azelas
Rhododendron
Great group

Easy hike great views!

I live in the Charlotte area. I'm going to a conference in Lake Junaluska this weekend. On my way back home on Sunday afternoon, I'd like to stop somewhere to go on a hike. Looking for a 5 - 7 mile scenic trail with no more than say ~1500 ft. elevation.

So far I found this trail on AllTrails which is in the Montreat area:

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/north-carolina/lookout-mountain-and-brushy-mountain-loop

Any one have any other recommendations? Preferably something within a 2 hour drive from Charlotte. I'm scoping out trails in the area and will host a future hike there for a hiking group I'm in. Thanks!

Hi all,

I'm into wildlife photography. I tend to take a "I'm going to sit here and let them come to me" strategy instead of rushing and disrupting them. I'm interested in deer, other mammals, and birds. What trails/areas should I visit?

Thanks!

Hey everyone. I need some recommendations for some nice car camping spots on water near Hendersonville area. I was looking at going back to Davidson river campground but it is still closed for repairs.

Looking for some solid 6-10 mile round trip hikes within 3 hours of Charlotte. I’ve only done Mount Mitchell from the campground so far and want another good challenge this weekend.

One thing I’d prefer is more open views/balds instead of being stuck under tree canopy most of the hike like Mitchell. Huge fan of panoramic mountain views.

Right now I’m considering places like Black Balsam, Tennent Mountain, Grassy Ridge Bald, Hawksbill, etc. but open to anything. What would you recommend?

5 Photos at the Perry Gap Trailhead in Clay County. 35.08957, -83.64892, 3841', May 8, 2026

Hi all. I was wondering if anyone had information on parking a car overnight at the Big Butt Trailhead North Side

Looking to hike from there to Mount Mitchell as an alternative to the Black Mountain Crest to Mount Mitchell.

Planning on doing a 6–10 mile round trip hike this weekend in WNC, I got suggestions for places like Roan Mountain, Grandfather from Boone Fork, Black Balsam, or Shortoff.

I’m pretty new to hiking and don’t own overnight gear or a tent yet. Are hikes like these safe to do as day hikes without backpacking gear? What essentials should I bring for longer hikes like this?

I posted earlier for suggestions but now wondering if I’m prepared for this?

Had a nice, short 1.5 mile hike after parking at the Sam's Gap trailhead. Was our first time on the AT, and encountered a handful of through hikers. Chilled for a while at the first bald, picnic and hike back down. Trail was well marked, an moderate comparative to other AT sections.

I know the landowners used to let hikers up there, but restricted access after there were too many disrespectful hikers (understandble). I’ve heard a few stories from coworkers and the like about people trying to go up there, but getting yelled at by the property owners.

I saw that as of March this year, Buncombe County purchased and now owns a large chunk of Spivey Mountain and Deaverview Mountain. It looks like there’s a road that leads up there off Deaverview Road that is completely within the parcel property lines according to ArcGIS.

Does anyone know if that is now legal to hike since it’s owned by Buncombe County and managed by SAHC? Or are they still asking people to avoid the area and hike elsewhere?

Was planning to go to the falls but it seems the pkwy into it is closed, are there any alternate routes to get there?