Top 3 Appalachian Trail Hikes in North Carolina

• Length: 5.0 miles
• Elevation gain: 1,079 feet
• Route type: Out & Back
• Difficulty: Moderate

A grassy bald is an open, empty meadow where, ecologically speaking, there should be trees. This phenomenon is unique to the southern portion of the Appalachian Mountains. Grassy Ridge is the longest stretch of grassy balds in the Appalachian Mountains.

The Grassy Ridge Bald via Appalachian Trail will take you to three of these balds, each one offering its own vantages and vistas of the surrounding area. The hike to Grassy Ridge begins with a series of wooden stairs on the Appalachian Trail that leads to the summit of Round Bald. The short summit and incredible views are instantly gratifying – a rare treat when it comes to hiking.

The summit of Round Bald can be crowded at times, but don't worry, as you continue along the trail, the crowds thin out and the best is yet to come. Just 0.7 miles from Round Bald is Jane Bald. Smaller and less magnificent than Round Bald, Jane Bald is surrounded by rhododendron trees that make you feel completely enveloped by the forest. It's easy to find quiet moments of absolute stillness here.

After a moment of quiet at Jane Bald, continue down the trail a short ways before the final climb to the summit of Grassy Ridge Bald. The climb to the summit is steep, but it's relatively short – just over half a mile. At the top, you'll be rewarded with one of the best views the Appalachian Mountains have to offer. On a clear day, you can see Grandfather, Beech, and Sugar Mountains to the east with Mount Mitchell and the Black Mountains to the south.

• Length: 3.1 miles
• Elevation gain: 774
• Route type: Out & Back
• Difficulty: Moderate

The final hike on our list of the top 3 Appalachian Trail hikes in North Carolina is different from the other two. Starting from Carver's Gap, head west on the Appalachian Trail for a short and sweet hike up to Roan High Knob. What sets this hike apart is its relative lack of scenic views.

We know what you're thinking: "Why would I hike a mountain without any views?" We get it, but trust us. This is a trail that values the journey before destination. The Roan High Knob Trail keeps you below the treeline amidst towering firs and evergreens for the entire hike, fully submerging you in Pisgah National Forest. Often described as a "green tunnel," this kid-friendly trail is peaceful, still, beautiful and smells like Christmas trees. With mountain mist a common occurrence, this hike often feels ethereal and otherworldly.

About 1.4 miles into the hike, the trail splits from the Appalachian Trail, climbing to the top of Roan High Knob where you'll find a small log shelter often used by thru-hikers. The shelter and surrounding area makes a great place to stop and enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of the forest. We recommend bringing a hammock and a good book on this hike, then spending some quality time enveloped in Pisgah National Forest's calming embrace.

Once you've had your fill of the forest and you're still craving panoramic views, extend this to give you the best of both worlds. Simply head back down to the Appalachian Trail and continue west for a few miles. Eventually you'll reach Cloudland Mountain where you'll get glorious views of the Appalachians as they work their way towards Great Smoky Mountain National Park.