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HIKING TRAILS IN HAYWOOD NC

Endless Peaks to Explore

The farther you go, the less you carry. Hiking in Haywood County opens up wide mountain views, quiet moments, and that feeling of being small within something much greater.

See Trail Guide
  1. Home
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  3. Hiking (Trail Guide)

Expect the unexpected

Download offline maps

There is limited cell service in major parks throughout Haywood County. Download maps you can view offline so you don’t get lost on the trails.

Hiking Guide
Do not feed or approach wildlife

Feeding wildlife like bears or elk may seem innocent, but it trains animals to seek humans for food aggressively, resulting in their euthanasia.

Wildlife Guidelines
Bring the right gear

Mountain temperatures drop quickly at those stunning scenic peaks. Bring extra clothing layers and sturdy hiking boots to stay safe all day.

Hiking Checklist
Prepare for steep windy roads

Mountain roads feature sharp, winding curves and stunning drop-offs. Take your time and pull over safely when you want to sightsee.

Driving Safety

The hikes you came for

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Things to do

Great Smoky Mountains

Follow winding trails through misty ridgelines and quiet forests, where the Great Smoky Mountains National Park opens up to views that stop you in your tracks.

See All Smoky Trails
Bubbling Spring Branch Cascades
7.3mi
Boogerman Hiking Trail
ModerateHikingLoop
Moderate
Big Creek Trail
10.4mi
Big Creek Trail
ModerateHikingWaterfalls
Moderate
Mouse Creek Falls
4mi
Mouse Creek Falls
EasyWaterfallsHiking
Easy
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Blue Ridge Parkway hikes

Follow scenic trails just off the Blue Ridge Parkway, where sweeping overlooks, wildflower meadows, and rolling mountain views unfold at every turn.

See All Blue Ridge Trails
Waterrock Knob
1.2mi
Waterrock Knob
ModerateDogs on LeashHiking
Moderate
Flat Laurel Creek Trail
7.5mi
Flat Laurel Creek Trail
ModerateDogs on LeashWaterfalls
Moderate
Devil's Courthouse
1mi
Devil's Courthouse
ModerateParkingPicnic Area
Moderate
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Pisgah National Forest trails

Step into Pisgah National Forest, where trails wind through towering hardwoods, past waterfalls, and into some of the wildest stretches of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

See All Pisgah Trails
Little Cataloochee Church Hike
8mi
Little Cataloochee Church Hike
WaynesvilleModerateRestrooms
Waynesville
Graveyard Fields Hiking Trail & Waterfalls
2.3mi
Graveyard Fields Hiking Trail & Waterfalls
CantonModerateDogs on Leash
Canton
Black Balsam Knob
0.5mi
Black Balsam Knob
EasyDogs on LeashHiking
Easy
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Cataloochee Valley views

Bask in the beauty of Cataloochee Valley, where rolling hills meet the horizon. Hike through lush trails, spot historic buildings, and witness elk roaming freely in their natural habitat.

See All Great Smokies Trails
Art Loeb Hiking Trail
30.1mi
Art Loeb Hiking Trail
CantonStrenuousDogs on Leash
Canton
Midnight Swimming Hole
3mi
Midnight Swimming Hole
EasyWaterfallsRestrooms
Easy

Outdoor safety in Haywood

A beautiful sunny day can change quickly in the mountains. Bring layers of clothing on every adventure and be prepared for flash floods, wildfires, and wildlife sightings.

See All Safety Resources
Know Before You Go: Summer Hiking Tips
OutdoorsKnow Before You Go: Summer Hiking Tips
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Bear safety from National Park Service
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Elk safety from National Park Service
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Flooding in Haywood
Know before you go: Seven Winter Hiking Tips
Know before you go: Seven Winter Hiking Tips
OutdoorsTrip Planning
Outdoors

Trek all trails in Haywood

Respect the mountains

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Learn the Leave No Trace principles

Help protect the mountains you came to explore. Learn the seven Leave No Trace principles and discover simple ways to preserve Haywood's trails, rivers, and scenic landscapes for future visitors.

How to Leave No Trace
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Explore more sustainable hiking

The Outdoor NC Trail Town Guide showcases destinations committed to outstanding outdoor experiences.

See Sustainable Trails

VISIT HAYWOOD BLOG

Wander where locals go

See All Blog Posts
How to Be a Responsible Traveler
OutdoorsHow to Be a Responsible Traveler
You, Me, & Outdoor NC: Stewarding Sustainability in Haywood County
OutdoorsYou, Me, & Outdoor NC: Stewarding Sustainability in Haywood County
The Best Hiking Trails in Maggie Valley
Trip PlanningThe Best Hiking Trails in Maggie Valley

Freedom waits in these peaks

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National Parks
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Mountain Towns
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Visitors Guide