The Appalachian Trail in North Carolina

From the south, the Appalachian Trail enters North Carolina at Bly Gap. For the first 60 miles, the A.T. traverses the Nantahalas. After crossing the Nantahala River near Wesser, the trail climbs over the Stecoahs and then reaches the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. In the park, the trail often follows the state line with Tennessee as the A.T. will until it reaches Roan Mountain and veers westward to leave North Carolina for the last time.

The A.T. in North Carolina is characterized by high elevation areas including grassy balds with panoramic views and the highpoint on the A.T. at Clingmans Dome (elevation 6643 feet) in the Smokies.

A.T. Clubs in North Carolina

Carolina Mountain Club cares for the 90 miles from Spivey Gap, NC to Davenport Gap, TN/NC.

Smoky Mountains Hiking Club maintains the 97 miles from Davenport Gap, TN/NC to the Nantahala River, NC. You can e-mail the club at SMHClub@aol.com.

Nantahala Hiking Club covers 60 miles from the Nantahala River, NC to Bly Gap on the Georgia border.

Other North Carolina Resources

GORP's Nantahala National Forest page has information on the the "Land of the Noonday Sun," as Indians referred to the area.

GORP also offers information on the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Or you may want to visit the American Park Network's GSMNP page.

An online guide for traveler's to the area is at the Welcome to Western North Carolina site.

A.T. Map | A.T. Info and Links | @Logue