Welcome to

North Carolina

The North Carolina section of the A.T. rises to spectacular summits — including the 6,643-foot Kuwohi, formerly called Clingmans Dome, the highest mountain on the A.T. — and drops into the dark and steep walls of the Nantahala River Gorge.

96.5 MILES
A.T. Miles in State
217.8 MILES
A.T. Miles NC/TN Border
RATING:
1-7
Easy to Challenging
1725′-5498′
Elevation Range in Feet
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Cool to know

There are approximately 96 miles of the A.T. in North Carolina, but the Trail runs along the Tennessee/North Carolina border for approximately 220 additional miles. As the A.T. ascends to the High Country of the state line, hikers traverse the highest mountains along the Trail, including several above 6,000 feet.

snowbirdmountainnc-by-annebaker
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Need to know

You’ll need an advance permit for Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and depending on the length of your hike, shelter reservations as well. All backpackers are required to stay at designated sites.

North Carolina Image Gallery

1/5

silerbaldnc-by-lauriepotteiger
maxpatchnc
richmountainfiretowernc-by-appalachianswede
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snowbirdmountainnc-by-annebaker

Get Involved

CMCCarolina Mountain Club(CMC)

The Carolina Mountain Club (CMC), the oldest Hiking and Trail Maintaining Club in Western N.C., fosters the enjoyment of the mountains of Western North Carolina and adjoining regions. CMC maintains 92.6 miles of the Appalachian Trail from Davenport Gap to Spivey Gap.

A.T. DiamondHot Springs Mountain Club

The Hot Springs Mountain Club was formed to build and maintain trails near Hot Springs, North Carolina. Learn more and become a member today by clicking here.

NHCNantahala Hiking Club (NHC)

The Nantahala Hiking Club (NHC) is one of 31 volunteer Appalachian Trail (AT) maintaining clubs of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC). The NHC maintains 58.6 miles of the AT from Bly Gap at the Georgia/North Carolina border to the Nantahala Outdoor Center on the Nantahala River at Wesser, NC. The club also maintains several trails that connect to the AT.

A.T. DiamondSmoky Mountain Hiking Club

The Smoky Mountains Hiking Club, founded in 1924, is one of the oldest and largest hiking clubs in the southeastern United States. The SMHC has a long tradition of hiking, fellowship, volunteerism, and conservation, following in the footsteps of our famed and influential early leaders Harvey Broome, Carlos Campbell, Jim Thompson, Dutch Roth, and many others. Learn more and become a member today by clicking here.

Appalachian Trail Conservancy

ATC Volunteer Program

The Appalachian Trail Conservancy is always looking for dedicated volunteers to help maintain the A.T. and assist in our visitor center and headquarters. Opportunities range from greeting visitors and providing information about local hikes to joining a Trail crew for week-long maintenance trips, gaining first-hand experience in what it takes to keep the A.T. open and enjoyable for millions each year. Learn more at appalachiantrail.org/volunteer.