North Carolina mountains

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.

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Latest climbs

"Our plan for hiking the loop over Richland Balsam was changed to an out-and-back when it began raining on ascent. Marnie turned back for elevation sickness, recovered, and continued to summit. Gina turned back when it got steep near the summit with wet, slippery trail. After summiting, I was going up and down between the ladies. I whacked overgrown briars in the middle section of the trail. " — davidensley • Jun 21, 2025

"Andrew and I hiked to the top of Waterrock Knob and to the top of Browning Knob. I rested there while he went down to the plane crash site where little wreckage remained after main parts were airlifted out a couple years ago. I rested a long time at the key col of Browning Knob with a beautiful view before climbing back to the top of Waterrock Knob. It was my first hike this year at this elevation, and I was struggling even before reaching 6000 feet, but no elevation sickness. Gina made it about halfway up Waterrock Knob above 6000 feet and turned back before the long stretch with no shade." — davidensley • Jun 11, 2025

"Bartram Trail maintenance on the side of Wayah Bald with the Blue Ridge Bartram Trail Conservancy. We drove a gated private road to a cabin, then hiked a side trail to the Bartram Trail. Jim and I hiked to the Appalachian Trail and back, while other teams hiked the opposite way on the Bartram Trail. We cleared many blowdowns from Helene and lopped overgrowth. We saw lots of trilliums, bear corn, and beautiful vistas." — davidensley • May 10, 2025

"A great day along the Rich Mountain Carriage Road with Sara and Jakers. We hiked and jogged over four "small" peaks, each reaching over 4,000 feet. The trail is manicured and quite easy to run. Nowhere Mountain is the nickname for the summit, which has a trail that circles like a cinnamon roll until it reaches the stunning top. The meadows and surrounding peaks (including Grandfather Mountain) dominate the vista." — runshigleyrun • Mar 8, 2025