Hiking Trails Currently Open in Our Area

Tropical Storm Helene damaged virtually all the trails in our area.  The US Forest Servcie, Carolina Mountain Club and NC High Peaks have been working hard to reopen them as quickly as possible.  Here is the latest information on hiking trails that are OPEN.

Update 3/15/2025

County

Area

Trail Name

Length

Elev Change

Difficulty

Yancey

Black Mountains

Big Butt Trail from Cane River Gap to Little Butt (only)

 3.5 one way

1300

Strenuous 

Yancey

Madison

Mitchell

Appalachian

Trail

I-40 to Indian Grave Gap

Hughes Gap to Carvers Gap 

Doll Flats

Varies

Varies

Moderate to Strenuous

Madison

 Shelton Laurel

Jerry Miller

4.5 one way

2500

Very Strenuous

Madison

Shelton Laurel

Fork Ridge

2.0 one way

2000

Very Strenuous

Madison

Shelton Laurel

Green Ridge

3.6 one way

2000

Very Strenuous

Madison

Shelton Laurel

Hickey Fork, can extend to the Appalachian Trail

3.3 one way

1100

Strenuous

Madison

Shelton Laurel

Whiteoak, can loop with Hickey Fork and FS Road 465 for 7.5 mile loop

2.3 one way

1600

Strenuous

Unicoi TN

Rocky Fork

Various Traills at Lamar Alexander Rock Fork SP