Banner Elk, North Carolina
Looking for the best hiking in Banner Elk? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Banner Elk. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.
Top Hiking Spots in and near Banner Elk
-
Unicoi, Tennessee
Camp at Unaka Mountain Overlook
4.00.1 miUnaka Mountain Overlook is one of the highest locations in the Cherokee National Forest. Easily accessibly by vehicle, the overlook towers over the surrounding mountains, including Beauty Spot Gap, and is an ideal spot to camp overnight. Take Rock Creek Road until you meet the border of North Car...Read more -
Elizabethton, Tennessee
Flint Mill Trail
5.02.44 mi / 1302 ft gainFlint Mill Trail is an approximately 2.4 mile out-and-back trail in the Cherokee National Forrest. The trailhead is located on Flatwoods Road in Elizabethton, TN. The trail has a rather steep incline and is considered challenging. There is a 1,264 foot altitude change from the base to the top . T...Read more -
Spruce Pine, North Carolina
Grassy Creek Falls
1.5 mi / 312 ft gainGrassy Creek Falls is a beautiful waterfall that lies on private property just north of Little Switzerland's downtown area. The trailhead is easy to find. From Little Switzerland simply go under the Blue Ridge Parkway and the driveway is immediately on the right. You will park at the top of the...Read more -
Unicoi, Tennessee
Appalachian Trail: Beauty Spot to Unaka Mountain
5.06.35 mi / 1654 ft gainAppalachian Trail: Beauty Spot to Unaka Mountain is an out-and-back trail that provides a good opportunity to view wildlife located near Green Mountain, North Carolina.Read more -
Bristol, Tennessee
Spillway Trail
5.03.54 mi / 869 ft gainSpillway Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Bristol, Tennessee.Read more -
Green Mountain, North Carolina
Hike to Beauty Spot Gap
5.02.13 mi / 1277 ft gainBeauty Spot Gap is located on the Appalachian Trail on the border of North Carolina and Tennessee. The bald offers a panoramic view of Cherokee National Forest and the city of Erwin. This is a popular destination for hikers of the AT to set up camp and watch the sunset. From the Tennessee side, t...Read more -
Green Mountain, North Carolina
Appalachian Trail: Indian Grave Gap to Chestoa
4.08.05 mi / 1165 ft gainAppalachian Trail: Indian Grave Gap to Chestoa is a point-to-point trail that takes you by a river located near Unicoi, Tennessee.Read more -
Bristol, Tennessee
Bouton Loop Trail
5.01.45 mi / 157 ft gainThe Bouton Trail Loop is an approximately 1.5 mile round trip on TVA land. There is a gravel parking lot with an information sign and trail map. Sections of the trail are gravel and sections are dirt. There are multiple places along the trail that cut off and lead down to the river for prime fish...Read more -
Johnson City, Tennessee
White Rock Loop
5.04.94 mi / 1457 ft gainWhite Rock Loop is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Johnson City, Tennessee.Read more -
Johnson City, Tennessee
Hike to Tip Top on Buffalo Mountain
4.05.4 mi / 1388 ft gainTip Top rests on one of the highest points of Buffalo Mountain. The overlook features tree coverage perfect for hammocking and benches while providing views of Downtown Johnson City as well as the other side of the mountain range. The hike from the trailhead to Tip Top is moderately steep. The tr...Read more -
Johnson City, Tennessee
White Rock Overlook
5.02.85 mi / 876 ft gainThe White Rock trailhead is less than a 10 minute drive from downtown Johnson City. When pulling up Highbridge Road, take a left at the fork. You will shortly encounter a vehicle gate where you will park to the side of the road (do not block the yellow vehicle gate). You have the option to walk ...Read more -
Johnson City, Tennessee
Fork Knob, White Rock and The Noggin Loop
5.03.12 mi / 1220 ft gainThe Fork Knob and White Rock Loop in Johnson City, Tennessee, is a moderately challenging hiking trail that spans approximately 3.12 miles. The trail is marked by a variety of natural features, including a prominent rock formation known as White Rock, which offers panoramic views of the surroundi...Read more -
Johnson City, Tennessee
Sunset Point
5.00.65 mi / 223 ft gainSunset Point is an overlook located in Buffalo Mountain State Park. The trail is a short hike up along the White Rock loop trail then a short walk off the trail to get to the overlook. There is a clearing with a few benches that has wide open views to the west. The short hike up to the point shou...Read more -
Unicoi, Tennessee
Pinnacle Mountain Fire Tower via Fire Tower Road
5.03.47 mi / 663 ft gainPinnacle Mountain hosts one of the nicest fire towers on the East Coast of the United States. The fire tower is relatively new, sturdy, and has a large 360 degree viewing area at the top. The tower overlooks the Downtown Johnson City area, Elizabethton, Erwin, and the rest of the Buffalo Mountain...Read more -
Nebo, North Carolina
Explore Lake James State Park
The park has about 15 miles of trails with different levels of difficulties . Hiked the Lake Channel Trail along the lake with good views of the lake and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Hiked the Mill's creek trail which is nicely shaded and offers good views of the lake and the Linville Gorge area. ...Read more -
Bristol, Tennessee
Emmett Trail
5.02.16 mi / 194 ft gainThe Emmett Trail is one of the TVA South Holston Tailwater Trails. This trail began as a footpath created by anglers. The trail now has gravel, which makes for easier access for families and pets. The trailhead begins on Piney Hill Road where it the traverses down to the waters edge and leads to ...Read more