Adventure, Hiking

13 of the Best Hikes in the Southeast US

As someone who lives in North Carolina and is an avid hiker, I’ve gotten to check some of the best hikes in the Southeast US off my list. This is truly an underrated destination for hikers as it’s typically overlooked for places out west.

We have stunning mountain vistas, gorgeous waterfalls, and weather that allows us to hike year-round. What more could you want? This list is full of options that range from short and easy to incredibly strenuous.

1. Great Channels of Virginia, Virginia

  • Length: 6.6 miles round trip
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Type of Hike: Out & Back
  • Trailhead Address: Channels Natural Area Preserve, 4250 Hayters Gap Road, Saltville, VA 24370

In Southwest Virginia, the 6.6-mile round-trip hike to the Great Channels of Virginia at Channels Natural Area Preserve is worthy of a place on any hiker’s bucket list.

This wondrous hike guides visitors along the Brumley Mountain Trail to a breathtaking 20-acre maze of sandstone slot canyons.

Take it slow on your way to the unusual slot canyons or you may miss one of the most spectacular vistas in Virginia. At the 3.0-mile mark, a hidden overlook lies tucked away just behind rocks and brush.

Step out onto gigantic rocks to revel in wide-open views of Mount Rogers and Whitetop Mountain, Virginia’s two tallest peaks.

Continue on, walking under a massive fire tower, to reach the quizzical slot canyons. Get ready to crawl, squeeze, duck and climb with child-like curiosity as you explore this sand-floored labyrinth atop rugged Clinch Mountain.

This other-worldly sandstone maze was allegedly formed by ice wedging and permafrost 10,000 years ago, much to the delight of present-day visitors. It reminds me of some formations I’ve seen on Midwest hikes.

A word to the wise. Leave a water bottle or backpack at the entrance to the slot canyons as a marker to help you find your way out when you’re ready to return to your car.

It’s remarkably easy to get turned around inside these fascinating and mysterious slot canyons. Also, plan to arrive early for this hike. There are just 10 parking spaces and they get snatched up quickly.

Contributed by Erin of Go Hike Virginia

2. Old Rag, Virginia

As the most iconic hike in Shenandoah National Park and possibly all of Virginia, Old Rag had to make the list. It’s just under 10 miles and has over 2,500ft of elevation gain so this one isn’t for everyone.

Day-use tickets are required for each person from March 1st through November 30th and the cost is $2.00. This is in addition to the cost to enter the park.

Most people love hiking Old Rag for the summit views and the rock scrambles. The rock scramble area can get very backed up on nice days and especially on weekends. Not only is this one of the best southern hikes, but I would argue it’s one of the best hikes on the East Coast.

3. Dolly Sods Wilderness Area, West Virginia

  • Length: 0.6 miles (Bear Rocks Preserve)
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Trail Type: Out-and-back
  • Trailhead Address: Forest Road 75, Davis, WV

Dolly Sods is one of the most popular areas for backpacking, but there is a short hike that leads to stunning views called Bear Rocks Preserve. Don’t get this confused with Bear Rocks Trail – I did that one time.

This is a great sunrise or sunset spot as the hike is only 0.3 miles out to multiple viewpoints. It’s popular though so get there in plenty of time especially if visiting on a weekend.

While the trail is short, it’s pretty narrow and was a tiny bit grown over when I visited so I would recommend long pants.

4. Sandstone Falls, West Virginia

Sandstone-Falls-1024x683
Sandstone-Falls-1024×683
  • Length: 1 mile round trip
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Trail Type: Out-and-back
  • Address: Sandstone Falls Boardwalk, New River Road, Shady Spring, WV 25918

While Sandstone Falls in New River Gorge National Park may not be the most impressive waterfall in existence, it’s very much worth the drive and short hike to see.

Sandstone Falls is the largest waterfall on the New River, spanning 1,500 feet across the river while only dropping 10-25 feet.  The falls are dotted with islands and water rushing around them.

The longest part of this hike will be the drive to the trailhead, which is way out of the way of everything but very worth it.  It’s one of the most scenic drives in the park right along the river.

On the way, be sure to stop at the Sandstone Falls Overlook, hundreds of feet above the falls that you can hear rushing below.  The hike to the falls is a short 0.5-mile boardwalk but if you’re comfortable walking on wet, uneven rock, continue past the boardwalk to the edge of the falls.

Do be careful if you do this though, especially at the edge because people do drown here.  The view is totally worth the extra walk so you can enjoy the falls up close and in solitude. 

Along the boardwalk and off-trail section (there is a sort-of path leading to the end of the falls) you’ll be able to see a couple of smaller falls. New River Gorge is one of the best East Coast National Parks with many great hikes to choose from like Endless Wall or Long Point!

Contributed by Megan of Red Around the World

5. Clingman’s Dome, North Carolina

  • Length: 1.2 miles round trip
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Type of Hike: Out and Back
  • Trailhead Adress: Clingmans Dome Rd, Bryson City, NC 28713

Hiking to the top of Clingman’s Dome is one of the best things to do in Smoky Mountain National Park. It is one of the most popular points along the Appalachian Trail. The trail boasts beautiful views of the Smokies from the top of the lookout tower.

The shortest way to the top of the lookout tower is via US-441 to Clingmans Dome Road. You can park at the Forney Ridge Parking area and there is a short walk to the top. It is a paved trail, but it is really steep.

Clingmans Dome is the tallest stop in Great Smoky Mountain National Park. On a clear day, you can see up to 100 miles. This road is open from April through November.

If you are looking for a longer hike, you can access Clingmans Dome via the Noland Creek/Forney Ridge Trail. This makes the hike about 12 miles.

The hike starts at the Noland Creek Trailhead. The lower trail is wide but as you get onto the Forney Ridge trail, the hike does get more difficult. The highlight along this trail is Andrews Bald, the highest grassy meadow in the Smokies.

Contributed by Candice of CS Ginger

6. Craggy Pinnacle, North Carolina

  • Length: 1.7 miles round trip
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Type of Trail: Out and Back
  • Address: 3641 Blue Ridge Pkwy, Barnardsville, NC 28709

A popular hike along the Blue Ridge Parkway, hiking to Craggy Pinnacle is a short but sweet southeast USA hike that has a big payoff!

In just 0.7 miles each way (1.4 miles round trip), the Craggy Pinnacle trail will deliver you to 360-degree views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. You’ll be treated to a beautiful view of a slice of the Blue Ridge Parkway as well.

The trail is mostly shaded, and heads upward along an easy-to-follow trail lined with rhododendrons (if you happen to be visiting when they bloom in the spring, consider it a major bonus).

As you approach the peak, there are a few very short spin-off trails that you can add to your hike to enjoy quieter views without the crowds–but when it comes to the view itself, nothing compares to the view at the top of Craggy Pinnacle.

Finding the trail and parking is fairly simple: when driving north along the Blue Ridge Parkway, you’ll drive through a small tunnel just after the Craggy Gardens Visitor Center. Right after the tunnel, the paved parking lot will be on your left.

The Craggy Pinnacle trail is just 40 minutes north of Asheville along the Blue Ridge Parkway, making it an excellent addition to a weekend getaway in Asheville!

Contributed by Kate of Our Escape Clause

7. Mount Mitchell, North Carolina

mt mitchell black-mountain, nc

As the tallest peak east of the Mississippi, Mount Mitchell is an epic one to hike. I considered whether I should put Mount Mitchell or Grandfather Mountain on here but Mount Mitchell won out.

This one is a butt-burner as it gains almost 3,700ft in about 5.6 miles. There are water features on this hike and since it’s a state park, the hike is very well-maintained and marked.

Be sure to wear good hiking shoes and socks (a great stocking stuffer idea for hikers) and trekking poles are a nice plus. If you want to check out other off-the-beaten path hikes in the area, consider taking a hiking tour in Asheville.

8. Babel Tower, North Carolina

babbel_tower
babbel_tower
  • Length: 2.4 miles round trip (can be more if you follow the Linville Gorge Trail)
  • Difficulty: Strenuous
  • Trail Type: Out & Back
  • Address: Old NC Hwy 105, Newland, NC 28657

The Babel Tower trail in the Linville Gorge is a challenging hike but so worth the reward. The Linville Gorge Wilderness is most well known for Linville Falls but there are so many other hikes that make this area great.

Babel Tower begins on NC 105 and takes you down the canyon to the Linville Gorge Trail which follows the river. Going down isn’t so bad, but be prepared to take lots of breaks when coming back up.

This trail is narrow in places and lined with more rhododendrons than you can imagine. Watch out for snakes in the summer – I saw four when we took this trail. Babel Tower ends at a tall tower of rocks, but you can go right or left on the Linville Gorge Trail.

Pack a picnic lunch and your hammock (a great gift for outdoorsy women) so you can set up by the river for a little while to rest before you head back up the steep mountainside.

It’s such a different perspective when you get to see the river up close instead of from the top of the canyon. It gets super chilly in the winter so make sure you have the right winter hiking outfit!

9. Alum Cave to Mount LeConte, Tennessee

The Mount Leconte Trail is one of the most popular hikes in Great Smoky Mountain National Park and for a good reason, it’s spectacular. You’ll have to make it up 2,800 feet and up 5 miles, but from the top you’ll get stunning panoramic views of the Smokies. 

There are two ways to the top, but the best one will take you by Alum Cave. This cave has large cavernous walls and is a great place to sit and take in some views. Many people just hike to the cave and back, but getting to the top is worth it.

If you plan in advance, you can stay at the LeConte Lodge that sits on top of the mountain. The only way to get there is to hike up the mountain. However, it’s also a great place to buy snacks and drinks for tired hikers. 

Summer and fall are the most popular times of year to visit the Smokies, so you’ll see more crowds then. Try to get there early to get a spot in the parking lot or you’ll have to park along the roadside.

Don’t forget to lookout for wildlife like black bears as you hike up this incredible mountain. I hope you choose to do this trail, because it’s truly unforgettable and one of the best hikes on the East Coast!

Contributed by Lita of Lita of the Pack

10. Little River Falls, Alabama

  • Length: 1.5 miles (if you add on the side trail to the river)
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Trail Type: Out and back
  • Address: AL-35, Gaylesville, AL

Here’s an absolutley gorgeous waterfall that you have to see if you’re in North Alabama. It’s located in a National Preserve and also close to DeSoto State Park.

The hike itself is very easy and you have the option of going down a set of stairs or taking a ramp meant for people who have trouble with stairs. There is a large overlook where you can view the falls.

Try to go after recent rainfall becauce the waterfall is very much rain-dependent. This is a great hike for kids, but there are other kid-friendly hikes near Huntsville if that’s your final destination.

Contributed by Erin of Flying Off The Bookshelf

11. White Blaze Canyon Loop Trail at Providence Canyon, Georgia

  • Length: 2.6 miles
  • Difficulty: Easy 
  • Trail Type: Loop
  • Address: 8930 Canyon Road, Lumpkin, GA 31815

With over 10 miles of hiking trails at Georgia’s Providence Canyon State Park near Lumpkin, Georgia, the 2.5 mile White Blaze Canyon Loop Trail will cover viewing nine of the most impressive canyons within the park in a weaving loop.

This easy to moderate trail, depending on soil conditions, is popular among all groups but especially for taking the kids. Winding through the trail to view each of the canyons is the best way to get up close to the colorful magic of the layers of Georgia’s little grand canyon but the top rim portion of the trail provides unique views as well. 

While the trail can be completed in under 90 minutes, visitors taking their time to explore each canyon could spend half a day on the trail followed by a picnic lunch at the designated area near the parking lot and visitor center.

To support your enjoyment, ensure you wear proper footwear, the base of the canyon can be very muddy and a proper waterproof hiking shoe is essential. The trail also often becomes quite crowded and hot in the afternoon so a morning visit when temperatures are cooler or visiting in the winter months is highly advised.

Do be sure to keep your feet on the muddy earth, the canyon walls are extremely delicate and visitors are not permitted to climb the walls or along the very ridge of the canyon. 

Contributed by Brittany of FivePax

12. East Palisades, Georgia

  • Length: 5.57 miles (including all segments of the trail)
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Trail Type: The trail has many different intersections and directions to choose. 
  • Addresses: The Indian Trail entrance is at 1425 Indian Trail NW, Sandy Springs. You can find the Whitewater Creek entrance at 4058 Whitewater Creek Rd NW, Atlanta. Parking is available at both but can fill up quickly. 

When looking for places to hike near Atlanta, Georgia, check out the Chattahoochee River Trails. They are run by the National Park Service and include about 66 miles of trails along the river and through forested areas. 

One of the best Chattahoochee River Trails, located just north of Atlanta, is East Palisades. Not only is it quick and easy to reach from the city, but it also is a scenic hike. Like all of the Chattahoochee Trails, East Palisades is well marked. While it is one trail, there are many trail junctions and different directions to choose. At each numbered trail junction a posted map will help orientate yourself.

The route along the river is the busiest, but it offers the best views and also a scenic overlook. The inner paths through the woods are not as heavily trafficked. They also have some steeper sections.  

What really draws hikers to the trail is the bamboo forest. You won’t believe you are still in Atlanta when you step into the small forest with 30 foot bamboo stalks. To reach the bamboo forest head towards EP 26 on the map. 

Contributed by Elizabeth of The Fearless Foreigner

13. Corkscrew Sanctuary Swamp, Florida

  • Length: 2.25 mile boardwalk
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Trail Type: Loop
  • Address: 375 Sanctuary Rd W, Naples, FL 34120

The Audubon Corkscrew Sanctuary Swamp in the western part of Florida’s Everglades is one of the best hikes in the Southeast US. Other than heat and humidity during the wet season, the hike along 2.25 miles of elevated boardwalk is fairly easy. The Sanctuary is just a 30-minute drive from Naples, Florida.

Hiking is one of the best things to do in the Everglades so make sure you don’t miss this! Another hike in the Everglades you need to put on your list is the Anhinga Trail.

The long flat boardwalk meanders through a marshy area and ends in the largest old growth Bald Cypress forest in North America with some trees being 600 years old.

Through Audobon’s conservation efforts the area is home to lots of wildlife like alligators, turtles, panthers, and deer. The swamp is also a birder’s paradise with an amazing number and variety of songbirds, and wading birds like a variety of herons and egrets.

As you pass through one ecosystem to the next the vegetation, wildlife, and birds all change. A hike through this natural world is an amazing experience and should take roughly 2-3 hours to complete.

If your visit is during the dry season the temperatures and humidity are much lower, but the water level also drops and many species of birds migrate elsewhere.

It’s a good idea to bring water, light snacks, bug spray, sunscreen, binoculars, and definitely a camera. Wear good footwear, and not flip-flops or sandals. Make sure you know what to wear when hiking in summer weather.

Parking is free, there is handicap access, cell service is weak, only service dogs are permitted, but there are no public restrooms. Water bottles, insect repellent, and binocular rentals are available in the Audubon Visitor Center – a great place to wander in Florida.

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