New to NC and looking for a weekend trip for Spring

[Christopher Gilmore]

I recently moved from the California Bay Area to the Eureka North Carolina area. I am looking for a good weekend or long weekend backpacking trip in the general area. I prefer the mountains and don’t mind a little drive to get there. It will likely be a solo trip and a location that I can take my dog would be preferred but not required.

[Ben C]

Grayson Highlands is a prime southeastern trip.  I would also recommend Roan Highlands, Linville Gorge, Pisgah, or any AT section through NC/TN and Va.

[Ryan Smith]

Looks like you’re about 3 hours away from the Appalachians. Appa-latch-ians by the way. That’s important. :)

Tons of hiking near Grandfather Mtn, Pisgah, etc.

[Christopher Gilmore]

Thanks, gents ill take a look at your recommendations. If any others come up please don’t hesitate to post.

[Christopher Gilmore]

Anyone else have anything to add?

[KRS]

Grayson Highlands / Mount Rogers area for sure!

[Russ W]

Well I’m certainly not going to argue about the Linville Gorge or the stretch of AT north of Roan Mountain. Max Patch to Hot Springs on AT is nice. Standing Indian and Albert Mountain on AT is nice. From where you are, hit I-40 and head to the Great Smokies…900 miles of trails. PM me if you need logistical help around the Linville Gorge.

[Brian Hall]

Shining Rock area in Pisgah, Bartram/ Chattooga River/ Foothills Trails, Appalachian Trail has some options for weekend loops in NC.

[Ryan Tucker]

I love the Pisgah National Forest. Honestly, in Western NC you really can’t go wrong.

[Christopher Gilmore]

Really appreciate the feedback folks. I will certainly have to give more than one of these a try. Do any of you take a weekend trip where you wouldn’t mind a tag along?

[Christopher Gilmore]

I had called to my attention tonight as my wife read this thread that I missed calling out that I backpack with my dog when I solo. Will any of these trails present a problem with me hiking with her? She is very well behaved and despite here extremely high prey drive just whines and dances and doesn’t chase unless released. She is a 55 lb Belgian Malinios. She is trained as a service dog so very well trained and behaves better than I do.

[Ben C]

I think the Smokies are out with a dog

[Christopher Gilmore]

Ben because they won’t allow her on the trails or because of snakes and such it just not a good idea?

[Brett A]

Not allowed due to park regs, though I’ve seen service dogs on trails in the park.  I’ve only done about 1/3 of the park’s 900 miles but can tell you that, if you’re creative, there are numerous weekend short loops, out and backs or short shuttle trips to choose from in the park:

Big Creek campground to site 37…up to Mt Sterling site 38…back to Big Creek campground (loop)

Cades Cove to Gregory bald…site 13 and back

AT Southbound from Clingsmans Dome to Spence Field to Cades Cove (requires shuttle but fantastic section).

All of the AT heading North from Newfound Gap to Davenport Gap (includes Charlies Bunion and Mt Cammerer…would require a shuttle but again, a fantastic section).

Outside of the park, a second for Standing Indian and Albert Mountain.  Max Patch is a definite.  I’ll be doing the AT section from Erwin to Damascus this spring and have heard that the Roan Highlands are supposed to be incredible.

[Ben C]

Yep, I have seen a few “service” dogs in the Smokies too.  From your direction, the Big Creek trailhead makes the most sense if you want to go in the Smokies; it’s also my favorite.  Slickrock is similar to the Smokies but has no prohibitions on dogs or composites.

[Brett A]

Big Creek is a fav as well.  Mouse Creek Falls and Midnight Hole are beautiful.  And easy to loop off of to either Mt Sterling, Balsam Mtn via Gunter Fork, or Mt Cammerer via AT.

Note:  Gunter Fork is often closed off in the Spring due to water levels so that may be out.

[Christopher Gilmore]

Thank you for the advise folks!

[Donna C]

Head south a bit and do the Foothills Trail.

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