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
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Bristol, Tennessee
Osceola Island Loop
5.01.52 mi / 95 ft gainThe Osceola Island Loop is a 1.50 mile gravel loop on an island in the South Holston River. There are multiple benches along the loop to stop and observe the wildlife. Fishing is a common activity along the edge of the trail. There is a large parking area and bathrooms at the start of the trail.Read more -
Johnson City, Tennessee
Lone Oak to Tip Top Trail
3.25 mi / 1253 ft gainLone Oak to Tip Top Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Johnson City, Tennessee.Read more -
Bristol, Tennessee
Tailwater Trail
5.00.95 mi / 30 ft gainThe TVA Tailwater Trail is a 0.5 mile trail along the east side of South Fork Holston River. The trail is dirt and ends in an incline. Along the edge of the river, there are views of the distant Holston Mountain. This trail provides access to the river for fishing. It is located near the Emmett T...Read more -
Bluff City, Tennessee
Spelunk Worley's Cave
5.03.5 mi / 100 ft gainWorley’s Cave, also known as Morrill Cave, lies just outside of Boone across the Tennessee border. It is the second longest cave in the state of Tennessee at a whopping 4.4 miles in total length. It is a non-lit cavern that’s path is lit only by those who venture in its depths (i.e. headlamps, la...Read more -
Purlear, North Carolina
The Lump Trail
4.00.27 mi / 82 ft gainThe Lump Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Purlear, North Carolina.Read more -
Micaville, North Carolina
Crabtree Falls
4.92.83 mi / 525 ft gainStarting from the old store parking area at MP 339.5 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, follow the trail through a meadow past the campground amphitheater. After crossing the paved road to the campground, the trail will come to a T-intersection. Take the trail to the right for the shortest way to the fal...Read more -
Marion, North Carolina
Tom's Creek Falls
5.00.7 mi / 148 ft gainThe hike to Tom's Creek Falls is a short but enjoyable hike right off the side of the road. The hike is on a wide and mostly flat gravel road that goes right up to the waterfall and a viewing platform that makes for a perfect place for pictures. This hike is a great hike for families and young ki...Read more -
Erwin, Tennessee
Martin's Creek Falls
3.02.06 mi / 522 ft gainMartin's Creek Falls is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Erwin, Tennessee.Read more -
Burnsville, North Carolina
Backpack the Black Mountain Crest Trail
12 mi / 5390 ft gainThe Black Mountain Crest Trail is legendary among hikers in the southeast. It is the highest trail east of the Mississippi, as it traverses the summit of several peaks over 6,000 feet. It is also widely acknowledged as one of the premier hikes on the east coast. To whit, the trail immediately asc...Read more -
Burnsville, North Carolina
Roaring Fork Falls
1.31 mi / 249 ft gainPark at the work center but don't block the gate. Hike around the gate and head up the grassy and gravel road. Once you get to the creek a narrow path leads upstream to the base of the falls. gps: n35 46.101/ w82 11.713Read more -
Burnsville, North Carolina
Roaring Fork Falls
1.52 mi / 302 ft gainRoaring Fork Falls is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Burnsville, North Carolina.Read more -
Bristol, Tennessee
Lake Ridge Trail and Lakeside Trail
5.04.56 mi / 669 ft gainLake Ridge Trail and Lakeside Trail is a loop trail that takes you through a nice forest located near Bristol, Tennessee.Read more -
Bristol, Tennessee
Lake Ridge Trail to Cross Ridge Trail Loop
5.04.68 mi / 1368 ft gainLake Ridge Trail to Cross Ridge Trail Loop is a loop trail that takes you through a nice forest located near Bristol, Tennessee.Read more -
Bristol, Tennessee
Powerline Trail and Lakeside Trail Loop
4.03.77 mi / 797 ft gainPowerline Trail and Lakeside Trail Loop is a loop trail that takes you through a nice forest located near Bristol, Tennessee.Read more -
Burnsville, North Carolina
Deep Gap Trail at Mt. Mitchell State Park
5.08.24 mi / 2310 ft gainI personally find this trail to be more difficult and have more rewarding views than the Mt. Mitchell summit trail. The Deep Gap Trail starts near the Mount Mitchell summit and heads into a forest of spruce and balsam fir trees. The trail then climbs along the ridgeline to neighboring summits. E...Read more -
Old Fort, North Carolina
Green Knob Lookout Tower
4.80.76 mi / 292 ft gainGreen Knob Lookout Tower is an abandoned fire tower near Mt. Mitchell and located directly off the Blue Ridge Parkway. The tower boasts a full 360-degree, unobstructed view of Mt. Mitchell, Craggy Mountains, Table Rock, Grandfather Mountain, and the Parkway. Unlike most fire towers, this tower is...Read more