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. NOTE: All distances are one-way unless noted otherwise.
Update 7/30/2025
County | Area | Trail Name | Length | Elev Change | Difficulty |
Yancey | Black Mountains | Big Butt Trail from Cane River Gap to Little Butt (only) #161 | 3.5 | 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 | 2500 | Very Strenuous |
Madison | Shelton Laurel | Fork Ridge | 2.0 | 2000 | Very Strenuous |
Madison | Shelton Laurel | Green Ridge | 3.6 | 2000 | Very Strenuous |
Madison | Shelton Laurel | Hickey Fork, can extend to the Appalachian Trail | 3.3 | 2200 | Strenuous |
Madison | Shelton Laurel | Whiteoak, can loop with Hickey Fork and FS Road 465 for 7.5 mile loop | 2.3 | 1600 | Strenuous |
Unicoi TN | Rocky Fork | Various Traills at Lamar Alexander Rock Fork SP |
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Yancey | Black Mountains | Black Mountain Crest Trail Bolens Creek to Deep Gap #179 | 7.3 open | 3100 | Strenuous |
Yancey | Black Mountains | Colbert Ridge #178 | 3.8 | 3000 | Strenuous |
Yancey | Black Mountains | Woody Ridge #177 | 2.2 | 3000 | Strenuous |
Yancey | South Toe | Roaring Fork Falls #195 | 0.7 | Flat | Easy |
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