North Carolina peaks
North Carolina climbs
First Ascent Awards
437 of 2,705 peaks 16%
Top climbing months
April 13%
May 13%
June 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 climbs

"Delightfully brisk and windy day to link up 6 highpoints in Hanging Rock State Park. It was sunny, with great visibility. Not a ton of people until I reached the Hanging Rock Trail. Lots of birds. About 11.5 miles rt from the campground." — beaucheminjess • Dec 12, 2024

"Delightfully brisk and windy day to link up 6 highpoints in Hanging Rock State Park. It was sunny, with great visibility. Not a ton of people until I reached the Hanging Rock Trail. Lots of birds. About 11.5 miles rt from the campground." — beaucheminjess • Dec 12, 2024

"Delightfully brisk and windy day to link up 6 highpoints in Hanging Rock State Park. It was sunny, with great visibility. Not a ton of people until I reached the Hanging Rock Trail. Lots of birds. About 11.5 miles rt from the campground." — beaucheminjess • Dec 12, 2024

"Delightfully brisk and windy day to link up 6 highpoints in Hanging Rock State Park. It was sunny, with great visibility. Not a ton of people until I reached the Hanging Rock Trail. Lots of birds. About 11.5 miles rt from the campground." — beaucheminjess • Dec 12, 2024

"Delightfully brisk and windy day to link up 6 highpoints in Hanging Rock State Park. It was sunny, with great visibility. Not a ton of people until I reached the Hanging Rock Trail. Lots of birds. About 11.5 miles rt from the campground." — beaucheminjess • Dec 12, 2024