North Carolina peaks
North Carolina summits
First Ascent Awards
426 of 2,695 peaks 15%
Top climbing months
April 13%
May 13%
September 10%
North Carolina mountains highlights
- Mount Mitchell (6,684 ft), the highest mountain in North Carolina, is home to a unique subarctic environment that harbors rare and endemic plant species such as the Gray's lily and mountain golden heather. A paved road leads almost to the top (booo!) and the summit has an observation deck.
- The Black Mountains range in the western part of the state includes Mount Mitchell as well as other prominent peaks such as Mount Craig (6,647 ft) and Balsam Cone (6,611 ft). Mount Craig is known for its rocky outcrops and high winds, while Balsam Cone features rugged terrain with steep inclines and switchbacks.
- The Great Balsam Mountains, part of the larger Blue Ridge Mountains, are home to Cold Mountain (6,030 ft) and Tennent Mountain (6,056 ft), which offer challenging hikes with rewarding summit vistas. Cold Mountain is named after its frigid temperatures and has been popularized by the book and movie of the same name.
- The Grandfather Mountain range in the northwest includes the iconic Grandfather Mountain (5,946 ft) and Calloway Peak (5,964 ft). Grandfather Mountain is known for its iconic mile-high swinging bridge and rugged terrain, while Calloway Peak offers a challenging climb with unique rock formations.
- The Shining Rock Wilderness area in the Pisgah National Forest features the eponymous Shining Rock (6,040 ft) which features a unique quartzite rock formation that gives off a shimmering effect in sunlight.
Latest summits
"Spent most of the morning trying to find a pancake place in Pigeon Forge that didn’t have a half hour wait (daddy promises were made and I had to pay up). Then took the Blue Ridge Parkway out for a long haul to the highest mountain east of the Mississippi.
Mount Mitchell was the highest mountain of the United States until 1845 when Texas joined the Union and Guadalupe Peak became the highest mountain of the USA.
We cheated and drove to the top, then walked the 300 yards to the observation tower." — wiweasel • Nov 25, 2023
"“Rest day” today. 🤣 Drove out to Clingman’s Dome road in SMNP. Hiked the icy paved trail up to the observation tower with hundreds of folks. Picked up the AT to head down via Mount Buckley and snagged Andrew’s Bald before hitting the Clingman’s visitor center and motoring up to Pigeon Forge to catch Dolly Parton’s Stampede." — wiweasel • Nov 23, 2023
"“Rest day” today. 🤣 Drove out to Clingman’s Dome road in SMNP. Hiked the icy paved trail up to the observation tower with hundreds of folks. Picked up the AT to head down via Mount Buckley and snagged Andrew’s Bald before hitting the Clingman’s visitor center and motoring up to Pigeon Forge to catch Dolly Parton’s Stampede." — wiweasel • Nov 23, 2023
"Hiked gated service road from gravel parking on the Blue Ridge Parkway to the peak of Fryingpan Mountain, then climbed the tower next to the peak to the second highest landing (highest landing is closed). Nice breeze and views from the tower. Not much fall color here yet, but a good bit near the high point of the parkway. See my peak photo of Rough Butt Bald." — davidensley • Oct 3, 2023
"My Air BNB was only 15 minutes from this great little trail system. The Baker Mountain loop is rolling and steep at times. There is a beautiful view of the lush piedmont when you get to the lookout near the peak. Unfortunately, the park has made the road to the peak prohibited, so you have to make your own decision to follow those guidelines. The trail leads to towers as so many seem to nowadays. " — runshigleyrun • Aug 26, 2023