Nantahala National Forest has numerous excellent hiking trails, ranging from short family-friendly hikes to demanding multi-day adventures. We’ve put together a list of our favorite trails below. If you’d like more information, give us a call. We look forward to meeting you!

Bartram Trail’s Wallace Branch to William’s Pulpit

• Length: 4.1 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Elevation change: 1,085 feet

Bartram Trail’s Wallace Branch to William’s Pulpit is the fourth section of the Bartram Trail. This out-and-back trail is moderately difficult and features a cascading waterfall and great views of the Nantahala Mountains. 

The hike out is all uphill, but easy to follow. William's Pulpit is a 100-foot long rock shelf that is accessed via a short connector trail. It overlooks the Nantahala Mountains' Mill Creek Valley. The views from here definitely make the hike worthwhile. 

Access to the trail is easy. It's a short drive off U.S. Highway 64. However, parking is limited to about six cars, so get there early. 

Dogs are welcome, but must be leashed.

Huckleberry Knob Trail

• Length: 2.5 miles
• Difficulty: Easy
• Elevation change: 331 feet

Huckleberry Knob Trail is one of the easiest hikes in our area. This out-and-back trail is actually an old forest service road with very little elevation gain. However, Huckleberry Knob is the highest peak in the Unicoi Mountains (elevation is 5,580 feet), and the 360-degree views from it are amazing. You'll be able to see mountains in southwestern North Carolina, southeastern Tennessee, and northeastern Georgia.

Access to Huckleberry Knob Trail is a breeze. Simply pull into the parking lot at Mile Marker 8 off Cherohala Skyway. Following the Huckleberry Knob Trail is just as easy as finding it. The trail starts with a short uphill hike to Oak Knob, heads downhill into a forest, and finally goes back uphill to Huckleberry Knob. 

If you plan hiking Huckleberry Knob Trail, you'll want to keep a few things in mind. First, parking space at Mile Marker 8 is very limited (four spaces). Arrive early to make sure you get a spot. Also, it seems that a few wild hogs inhabit the area, and those hogs are aggressive. Even though leashed dogs are allowed, you might want to leave them at home. Finally, give yourself plenty of time to enjoy the views from Huckleberry Knob. This is clearly one of the prettiest locations in our area. 

Wayah Bald via Appalachian Trail

• Length: 8.6 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Elevation change: 2,014 feet

Wayah Bald via the Appalachian Trail is a moderately difficult out-and-back trail that leads to a beautiful stone lookout tower at the Wayah Bald summit. The trail starts where Wayah Road intersects the Appalachian Trail. You'll see a small gravel parking lot at the trailhead. You should find an empty spot if you get there early enough.

The hike up Wayah Bald is actually easier than the elevation gain indicates. The trail's in good shape, with few rocky sections, and the grade never becomes particularly steep. Sections of the trail run through dense hardwood forests. Other sections travel along the mountainside, providing stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

With an elevation of 5,342 feet, Wayah Bald is the second highest peak in the Nantahala Mountains. The three-story stone lookout tower at the summit adds another 53 feet of elevation, making this location the highest point in the immediate area. From the top of the tower you'll have unobstructed 360-degree views of the Nantahala Mountains, the Great Smoky Mountains, and the rolling hills of Georgia. If you have a choice of when to hike this trail, try May through early June, when wildflowers cover the area. 

Leashed dogs are allowed on this trail.

Wesser Bald Fire Tower 

• Length: 2.8 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Elevation change: 718 feet

Wesser Bald Fire Tower via the Appalachian Trail is a somewhat difficult out-and-back hike that leads to fantastic 360-degree views of the Nantahala National Forest. The trail starts just off Tellico Road, runs through dense hardwood forest, and ends at the fire tower on the summit of Wesser Bald. 

There is a steady incline throughout the hike, but numerous switchbacks keep it from being too demanding. Climbing the fire tower is easy, and its wooden observation platform is well above the treeline. From the deck, views of the surrounding mountains are simply stunning. This hike is especially enjoyable when colors are changing in the fall. 

Dogs are allowed in the trail, but must be leashed.

Stay at Cherokee Mountain Cabins

Make Cherokee Mountain Cabins your home base as you explore the beauty of Nantahala National Forest and its captivating hiking trails. Our cozy accommodations provide the perfect retreat after a day of outdoor exploration. 

Tucked in the heart of the forest, our cabins offer both comfort and convenience, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the wonders of this remarkable neck of the woods. Experience the charm of our cabins, the tranquility of the forest, and the hospitality of our staff. Book your stay with us today – your escape into the woods awaits!