tags:
East Coast, USA |
hiking |hiketheeastcoast |dogs & diapers |camping |backpacking |appalachianmountains
If you enjoy bagging peaks like your mom bags groceries then you definitely have to climb these gems of the East! Prepare to lose cell service, drive down some curvy back roads, observe some Eastern Wildlife, and ask locals for tips on where to park. These trails aren't talked about nearly as much as they should be, but we kinda like it that way.
#1 Mt. leconte, tn 6,594'
Soaring through the Great Smoky Mountains sits Mt. Leconte with beautiful views of the Smokies from up above. Get an early start and take the Alum Cave Trail 5.5 miles each way for a full day hike. For an extra special visit, you can reserve a bed in the cozy bunks of the Leconte Lodge and hike up with the llamas transporting fresh food up to the cabins.
#2 black balsam knob, nc 6,214'
Hidden in the wonders of the Pisgah National Forest, you will find this beautiful bald mountaintop. Take the Art Loeb Trail 1.5 miles to the summit and catch a beautiful sunset overlooking the Blue Ridge Parkway. If you decide to camp, fall asleep to the wild yapping of nearby coyotes.
#3 Mt. rogers, va 5,728'
Photo By: Collin Wheeler
Take a hike through the Grayson Highlands State Park to the peak of Mt. Rogers, the highest natural point of Virginia! You will hike 9 miles round trip along with the wild ponies that roam freely on these beautiful grounds. Black bears coexist in these natural hills, too! There are amazing sights the whole way up from climbing rocky hills to exploring misty valleys.
#4 Roan mountain, tn 6,165'
Photo By: Claire O'Brien
Explore the Roan Highlands that hang deep in prime territory of The Appalachian Mountains. At about 5.3 miles round-trip, you will catch 360 views up Grassy Ridge Bald. Take in views of all the surrounding peaks and scout out your next climb. You're likely to pass thru-hikers on the AT on the hike up, so zest up your trail courtesy and pass along a friendly "Hello" and maybe a Snickers if you have a spare.
#5 hawksbill, nc 4,009'
Don't let the seemingly low elevation full you. This 1.5 mile hike is straight up to beautiful panoramic views of The Linville Gorge. And while there are tons of gorge-ous hikes here, you can't beat the view from Hawksbill Mountain peak.
Roam with us along our journey at Dogs & Diapers!