Waynesville, North Carolina, nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, is a picturesque town with no shortage of incredible hiking trails nearby. The surrounding areas offer a diverse range of breathtaking landscapes, from the famed Blue Ridge Parkway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a beginner looking for an unforgettable outdoor experience, Waynesville has something for everyone. In this article, we present 15 of the best hiking trails near Waynesville that cater to various skill levels and interests, showcasing everything from majestic waterfalls to panoramic mountain views.
Easy Hiking Near Waynesville, North Carolina
1. Black Balsam Knob via Art Loeb Trail
- Length: 1.4 miles
- Difficulty: Easy
- Elevation Gain: 354 ft
- Trail Type: Out & Back
Located close to the Blue Ridge Parkway, getting to Black Balsam Knob via the Art Loeb Trail is a moderate hike that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. One of the most popular hiking options in this area is reaching the summit of Black Balsam Knob via the Art Loeb Trail.
The Art Loeb Trail offers a 1.4-mile out-and-back hike to the summit, attracting both beginner and experienced hikers alike. The trail begins in a beautiful fir forest before following a ridge line that presents incredible views. This hike is best enjoyed between March and October and tends to be quite popular, so it is possible to encounter other hikers on your adventure.
For those seeking a longer, more challenging route, the Black Balsam Knob and Tennent Mountain Loop offers a 5.1-mile trek that takes hikers over two bald mountains. This loop combines the Art Loeb and Ivestor Gap trails, providing an opportunity to summit both Black Balsam Knob and Tennent Mountain. This sun-drenched hike is filled with picturesque views, blueberry and blackberry patches, and a diverse range of natural beauty.

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2. Graveyard Fields Loop
- Length: 1.3 miles
- Difficulty: Easy
- Elevation Gain: 144 ft
- Trail Type: Loop
The Graveyard Fields Loop is an excellent hike for families and nature enthusiasts alike. Located on the Blue Ridge Parkway, this trail offers a unique blend of natural beauty and history.
The trail’s name comes from the eerily similar appearance of its landscape to a graveyard. After a catastrophic wildfire and significant erosion, tree stumps in the area resemble tombstones, giving the area a striking visual quality.
Featuring an easy difficulty level, the loop trail is approximately 1.3 miles long, with an elevation gain of about 144 feet. Hikers can expect to encounter waterfalls, diverse wildlife, and a variety of plant species while traversing the trail.
One of the main attractions along the Graveyard Fields Loop is the ability to witness two distinct waterfalls: the Lower Falls and the Upper Falls. The hike to the Lower Falls is relatively short and easy, making it a popular destination for families with younger children.
Aside from the waterfalls, the trail also provides excellent birdwatching opportunities and the chance to spot other wildlife native to the area. Furthermore, different seasons bring unique charms to the hike – such as berry picking in the summer and spectacular fall foliage.

3. Lake Junaluska Walking Trail
- Length: 3.7 miles
- Difficulty: Easy
- Elevation Gain: 95 ft
- Trail Type: Loop
The Lake Junaluska Walking Trail is an accessible and picturesque trail perfect for beginner hikers or those looking for an easy stroll. The easy 3.7-mile loop trail is primarily paved and provides magnificent views of the surrounding mountains and serene lake.
Winding through the historic grounds of the Lake Junaluska Conference & Retreat Center, the trail allows visitors to enjoy the beautiful landscape and architectural features. If you prefer a shorter hike, the Turbeville Pedestrian Bridge can be crossed, trimming 1.4 miles off the loop, but staying on the path grants the full experience.
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Moderate Trails Near Waynesville, North Carolina
4. Devil’s Courthouse Trail
- Length: 0.8 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation Gain: 282 ft
- Trail Type: Out & Back
With a length of 0.8 miles and an elevation gain of 282 feet, this out-and-back trail is considered moderately challenging for most hikers.
Devil’s Courthouse Trail can be found off the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 422, which makes it easily accessible for hikers of all levels. The trail follows the Parkway westbound, offering glimpses of the mountain’s jagged face between stately balsam fir trees. The hike’s average duration is around 31 minutes, making it a perfect option for those seeking a quick, yet rewarding outdoor adventure.
Some notable features of this hike include a pet-friendly environment, beautiful wildflower displays, and stunning views at the summit of the Devil’s Courthouse rock formation. Though brief, this trail is sure to offer memorable experiences to all who venture along its path.

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5. Shining Rock Wilderness
The Shining Rock Wilderness offers an array of breathtaking hiking trails. The area is known for its stunning landscapes and diverse range of trails catering to hiking enthusiasts of all levels. Here are a few remarkable hikes to consider exploring in the Shining Rock Wilderness.
1. Black Balsam Knob and Tennent Mountain Loop via Art Loeb Trail: This loop trail covers 5.2 miles and takes you over Black Balsam Knob and Tennent Mountain. You’ll be rewarded with unobstructed views of the surrounding ridges and valleys. Expect steep climbs, open grassy areas, and exceptional panoramic vistas.
2. Shining Rock Loop: This 17.8-mile loop challenges hikers with its 4,028 feet of elevation gain. Allow about 9 hours and 20 minutes to complete the trail, which offers a combination of terrains, including lush forests and rocky sections. You’ll find several beautiful creeks and waterfalls en route to the gleaming white quartz outcrop that gives Shining Rock its name.
3. Shining Creek Trail: A moderately difficult 3.4-mile hike that climbs steeply through the forested mountains. The trail features several bridges, camp spots, and access to other trails, making it a popular choice among hikers seeking a varied experience in the Shining Rock Wilderness.
4. Ivestor Gap Trail: Spanning 4.3 miles, this gently climbing trail takes you into the heart of the Shining Rock Wilderness. Its moderately rough terrain provides a challenge, while the peaceful surroundings, including wildflowers and mountain views, make the hike an enjoyable and rewarding experience.
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6. Looking Glass Rock Trail
- Length: 5.7 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation Gain: 1,676 ft
- Trail Type: Out & Back
Looking Glass Rock Trail is a popular and beautiful hike located in the renowned Pisgah National Forest. Known for its massive, reflective rock walls, this trail offers an unforgettable experience for hikers who are rewarded with spectacular panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains upon reaching the summit.
The trail stretches 2.8 miles one-way, making it a moderate hike in terms of distance. Along the way, hikers will be able to appreciate the lush greenery, diverse flora and fauna, and the enchanting beauty of the surrounding forest. The hike is suitable for both experienced hikers and those looking for a bit of adventure, as it offers a delightful balance between challenge and scenery.

7. Max Patch Mountain
Among the beloved hiking trails near Waynesville, North Carolina, Max Patch Mountain offers a picturesque experience for outdoor enthusiasts. Situated on the North Carolina/Tennessee border, this stunning bald mountain stands at a height of 4,629 feet and is renowned for its captivating 360° views.
Max Patch Mountain features two loop trails: a shorter 1.4-mile summit loop and a 2.4-mile loop encircling the whole mountain. Hikers can follow the signs from the parking lot to decide which route suits their abilities and time constraints. The famed Appalachian Trail also crosses directly through Max Patch, adding to its appeal among long-distance hikers.
Often referred to as one of the top spots to stop along the Appalachian Trail, Max Patch Mountain boasts extraordinary views of surrounding mountain ranges such as the Great Smokies, Great Balsams, and Black Mountains. Hikers can expect an easy to moderate hiking experience, with an elevation gain of 308 feet for the shorter loop, and a generally sunny disposition on the trail.

8. Sam’s Knob Summit
- Length: 2.5 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation Gain: 492 ft
- Trail Type: Out & Back
The Sam’s Knob Summit hiking trail offers a unique and picturesque experience for hikers near Waynesville. At a moderate 2.5-mile out-and-back distance, this trail offers an average completion time of 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Starting at an elevation of 5,800 feet, hikers will ascend through a “Canadian” ecosystem of evergreen forests and vast meadows. The trail eventually reaches the double peak of Sam Knob at 6,050 feet, making it a popular choice for stunning summit views and beautiful wildflower-filled meadows.
On this trail, hikers can expect a moderately challenging experience with a vertical climb of 492 feet to the summit. The path takes you through grassy fields before transitioning to the steep slopes of Sam Knob. The breathtaking views and unique ecosystem create an unforgettable hiking experience for adventurers of all skill levels.
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Difficult Hiking Trails Near Waynesville, North Carolina
9. The Pinnacle Trail
- Length: 7.4 miles
- Difficulty: Hard
- Elevation Gain: 2,477 ft
- Trail Type: Loop
Located near Sylva, North Carolina, the Pinnacle Trail is a popular hiking destination for both locals and tourists alike. This trail offers a hard difficulty level and steep elevation gain, making it suitable for hikers with some experience under their belts.
The Pinnacle Trail stretches for around 7 and a half miles round trip and showcases stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. As you make your way through lush forests, you will also encounter various picturesque streams and waterfalls, adding to the overall appeal of this hike.
Some points of interest along the trail include the East Fork Pinnacle and the West Fork Pinnacle, both of which provide breathtaking overlooks of the area. Additionally, the trail features diverse flora and fauna, giving hikers plenty of opportunities to appreciate the beauty of nature. To help preserve this pristine environment, it is important for hikers to follow leave-no-trace principles and respect the natural habitat.

10. Cold Mountain via Art Loeb Trail
- Length: 9.9 miles
- Difficulty: Hard
- Elevation Gain: 2,834 ft
- Trail Type: Out & Back
One of the best hiking trails near Waynesville, North Carolina is the Cold Mountain Trail via the Art Loeb Trail. This 9.9-mile out-and-back trail offers a challenging yet rewarding experience for avid hikers.
The hike starts from Camp Daniel Boone on Little East Fork Road and takes an average of 5 hours and 49 minutes to complete. As you venture through the Shining Rock Wilderness Area, expect to encounter breathtaking views, rocky terrain, and lush forests.
Since this trail is quite popular, it is likely that you will meet fellow nature enthusiasts during your hike. Remember to wear appropriate hiking gear, carry plenty of water, and follow Leave No Trace principles to protect both yourself and the environment.

11. Cataloochee Valley Trails
Nestled in the beautiful Cataloochee Valley, the following trails offer an amazing hiking experience close to Waynesville, North Carolina. These hikes showcase the stunning landscapes, rich history, and diverse wildlife of the region.
1. Boogerman Trail: The Boogerman Trail is a 7-mile loop that takes hikers through old-growth forest groves. This popular hike offers a serene atmosphere and a chance to explore the area’s natural beauty and history.
2. Little Cataloochee Trail: Following an old road, the Little Cataloochee Trail takes hikers 10.2 miles past historic cabins and a charming church. This trail presents a unique opportunity to experience the valley’s early settlement history in a picturesque setting.
3. Hemphill Bald via Caldwell Fork Trail: Hemphill Bald can be reached through the Caldwell Fork Trail. This 16.1 mile hike meanders provides breathtaking views and a diverse range of flora and fauna.
Each of these trails in Cataloochee Valley offers a unique and memorable hiking experience.
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12. Art Loeb Trail
- Length: 31.2 miles
- Difficulty: Hard
- Elevation Gain: 7,949 ft
- Trail Type: Point to point
The Art Loeb Trail is a remarkable hiking trail located in the Pisgah Ranger District, close to Waynesville, North Carolina. Spanning approximately 50 kilometers, this trail’s northern end lies at Camp Daniel Boone and its southern point is at the Davidson River Campground.
Known as one of the longer and more challenging trails in the area, the Art Loeb Trail provides a captivating experience for experienced hikers. The trail honors Art Loeb, a dedicated activist from the Carolina Mountain Club and a fervent admirer of these beautiful mountains.
Along this 31.2-mile point-to-point trail, hikers can find an elevation gain of 7,949 feet, making it quite challenging. The Cold Mountain summit, on the Art Loeb Trail, offers breathtaking views and is a favorite among backpackers, campers, and hikers who often frequent this region.
Explore The Best Campgrounds in Western North Carolina
Traveling with an RV or looking for somewhere to pitch a tent in Western North Carolina? Find some of the best campgrounds in North Carolina near Boone, Brevard, Cherokee, and more through our guides below: