Last updated September 10, 2026
The 9 Best Mountains to Climb in North Carolina
North Carolina has the highest mountains in the eastern United States. Mount Mitchell (6,684 ft) tops them all, and the nearby Black Mountains carry more 6,000-footers than anywhere else in the East. This guide ranks nine North Carolina peaks, from drive-up summits and short hikes to ladder-and-cable scrambles and full-day ridge traverses. It also includes the access status you need to know after Hurricane Helene.
Start With Mount Mitchell. Then Pick the Kind of Day You Want.
Mount Mitchell is the one everyone should do: it’s the highest point east of the Mississippi, reachable by road or by a steep trail. For a real mountain adventure, Grandfather Mountain has ladders, cables and rocky scrambling to Calloway Peak. Cold Mountain is a long, satisfying day in the Shining Rock Wilderness. The Black Mountain Crest Trail strings together a whole ridge of 6,000-footers.
For shorter days, Black Balsam Knob, Mount Pisgah and Hawksbill give huge views for little effort. Mount Craig, the second-highest peak in the East, is a short hike from the Mitchell parking area. Mount Sterling offers a fire tower deep in the Smokies.
North Carolina’s peaks aren’t technical, but they’re steep, often wet and foggy, and many areas are still recovering from Hurricane Helene. Always check current access before you go.
The 9 Best Mountains in North Carolina, Ranked
Filter by difficulty, or show only peaks with a road near the top. Distances are round trip on the most common route and are approximate.
Showing all 9 peaks
Mount Mitchell — 6,684 ft
The highest point in the eastern US. Most visitors drive to the summit parking area and walk a short path to the observation deck. Hikers can climb from the valley on the long, steep Mount Mitchell Trail. The summit is often in fog and can be much colder than the valleys.
Access (Sept 2026): The park is open. It’s reachable from the Asheville side of the Blue Ridge Parkway only; the Parkway north of the park is closed until repairs finish, expected late 2026. Some connecting Pisgah National Forest trails may still be closed.
Grandfather Mountain (Calloway Peak) — 5,946 ft
North Carolina’s most adventurous hike. The Profile Trail climbs to Calloway Gap, then a short, steep push reaches Calloway Peak. The Grandfather Trail along the ridge uses ladders, cables and hand-over-hand scrambling. Free hiking permits are required and are filled out at the trailhead.
Access (Sept 2026): The upper Profile Trail, its parking area and campsite reopened in June 2026 after Helene repairs. The lower section remains closed, so follow posted signs.
Cold Mountain — 6,030 ft
Made famous by the novel and film, Cold Mountain is a long, steady climb through forest to a wooded summit with limited views. Trails in the wilderness aren’t blazed, so carry a map and navigation. Groups are limited to 10 people in the Shining Rock Wilderness.
Access (Sept 2026): The Pisgah Ranger District has largely reopened since Helene. Check the Forest Service’s closure map before driving to the trailhead.
Black Mountain Crest Trail — six 6,000-footers
The classic Eastern ridge traverse, linking a string of summits above 6,000 ft between Mount Mitchell and Bowlens Creek. It’s rough, rocky and exposed to weather, with long stretches away from any road. You’ll need to arrange a car at each end.
Access (Sept 2026): The section from Bowlens Creek Road to Deep Gap reopened in May 2025. Confirm the status of the rest of the trail on the Forest Service’s Appalachian Ranger District closure map before planning the full traverse.
Hawksbill Mountain — 4,020 ft
The best view for the effort in the state. A short, steep climb leads to rock ledges high above Linville Gorge, often called the “Grand Canyon of the East.” The summit has sheer drops, so keep children and dogs close. The trailhead is reached by gravel forest roads.
Access (Sept 2026): The Hawksbill Trail reopened after Helene, but portions of the Linville Gorge Trail and some recreation sites were still closed in 2025. Check the Grandfather Ranger District closure map.
Black Balsam Knob — 6,214 ft
An open, grassy bald with 360-degree views and one of the easiest ways to stand above 6,000 ft. Extend the walk to Tennent Mountain or nearby Sam Knob. It’s very popular in summer and fall, so arrive early. It’s exposed in storms and fog.
Access (Sept 2026): The Blue Ridge Parkway south of Asheville has reopened. Check the Parkway’s road status page for any temporary closures.
Mount Craig — 6,647 ft
The second-highest peak in the eastern US, and far quieter than its neighbor. A short, rough trail from the Mount Mitchell State Park parking area leads to open rock with views back to Mitchell and along the Black Mountains. It’s easy to add Big Tom beyond it.
Access (Sept 2026): Reached through Mount Mitchell State Park, open from the Asheville side of the Parkway.
Mount Pisgah — 5,721 ft
A short, rocky climb from a Parkway parking area near milepost 408 to a summit with a viewing platform and a broadcast tower. It’s one of the most accessible summit hikes near Asheville.
Access (Sept 2026): On the section of the Parkway south of Asheville that has reopened. Check Parkway road status for seasonal or weather closures.
Mount Sterling — 5,842 ft
A historic fire tower on a spruce-covered summit in the North Carolina Smokies. The Baxter Creek Trail is one of the steepest hikes in the park. A shorter route climbs from Mount Sterling Gap. Climb the tower for the views, and note that dogs aren’t allowed on these park trails.
Access (Sept 2026): Helene hit the Big Creek area hard; parts of the area have reopened. Check the Great Smoky Mountains closures page before you go. Park vehicles need a parking tag.
North Carolina Mountains Compared
Approximate figures for the most common route. Always confirm conditions and closures before you go.
| Peak | Elevation | Round trip | Level | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mount Mitchell | 6,684 ft | Short walk / ~11 mi trail | Easy or hard | The highest point in the East |
| Grandfather (Calloway Peak) | 5,946 ft | ~7.5 mi | Hard | Ladders, cables, scrambling |
| Cold Mountain | 6,030 ft | ~10.6 mi | Hard | A long wilderness day |
| Black Mountain Crest | 6,000+ ft peaks | ~12 mi one way | Hard | A ridge full of summits |
| Hawksbill | 4,020 ft | ~1.5–2 mi | Moderate | Big gorge views, fast |
| Black Balsam Knob | 6,214 ft | ~1.5 mi | Easy | Open bald, easy 6,000-footer |
| Mount Craig | 6,647 ft | ~2 mi | Moderate | The East’s second-highest |
| Mount Pisgah | 5,721 ft | ~2.6 mi | Easy–moderate | A quick summit near Asheville |
| Mount Sterling | 5,842 ft | ~12 mi (Baxter Creek) | Hard | Smokies fire tower |
The “Grand Canyon of the East.”
Linville Gorge is one of the most rugged places in the eastern US. Short, steep trails like Hawksbill lead to cliff-top views. The gorge floor is serious, trail-light terrain that deserves real navigation skills.
Photo: Ken Thomas · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons
What’s Open, What’s Still Recovering
Hurricane Helene struck western North Carolina on September 27, 2024. Recovery has made huge progress, but it isn’t finished.
Mostly Open—One Big Gap
The Parkway south of Asheville and up to Mount Mitchell State Park has reopened. The section north of the park toward Little Switzerland is still closed for landslide repairs, with the Park Service targeting late 2026. Expect construction traffic, a 35 mph limit and delays between Asheville and Mount Mitchell.
Parkway road status →Open Since September 2025
The park reopened September 15, 2025. Most trails in the park are open, but at least one section of the Old Mitchell Trail and some connecting Pisgah trails were still closed. The summit concession stand is open; the restaurant closed for the season on August 4, 2026.
Mount Mitchell State Park →Largely Reopened, With Exceptions
The Forest Service reports Helene damaged about 850 miles of trails and 885 miles of roads. Many trails have reopened, but closures remain in parts of the Grandfather and Appalachian ranger districts. Downed trees and washouts can still be present on open trails.
Forest Service Helene closures →Upper Profile Trail Reopened
Grandfather Mountain State Park reopened the upper Profile Trail, its parking area and campsite in June 2026. The lower portion of the trail remains closed. Day use is free, and hiking permits are required.
Grandfather Mountain State Park →When to Climb in North Carolina
The high peaks have a much colder, wetter climate than Asheville or Charlotte. Move the slider to see what each season brings.
The Best Season—Plan Around the Crowds
Permits, Fees & Rules by Area
Most North Carolina summits are free to hike. These are the exceptions and rules worth knowing.
Mount Mitchell & Grandfather
No entrance fee for day use. Grandfather Mountain State Park requires a free hiking permit, filled out at the trailhead. Backcountry camping in state parks needs a reservation and fee.
Mile High Swinging Bridge Side
The privately run Grandfather Mountain attraction charges admission. You can reach Calloway Peak for free from the state park trailheads instead.
Shining Rock & Linville Gorge
Group size is limited to 10 in the Shining Rock Wilderness, and trails aren’t blazed. In the Linville Gorge Wilderness, camping on weekends and federal holidays from May 1 to October 31 requires a permit.
Parking Tags Required
Great Smoky Mountains National Park has no entrance fee, but vehicles parked in the park need a parking tag. Dogs aren’t allowed on most park trails.
GSMNP parking tags →Six Things That Catch Hikers Out in North Carolina
None of these peaks is technical. These hazards are what cause trouble.
Afternoon Thunderstorms
Summer storms build quickly over the high peaks. Balds like Black Balsam and exposed ridges like the Black Mountain Crest are dangerous in lightning. Start early and head down at the first thunder.
A Colder, Wetter Climate on Top
The high summits are often in cloud, with wind and temperatures far below the valleys. Fog on the balds can make trails hard to follow.
Navigating in poor visibility →Helene Hazards on Open Trails
Even on reopened trails, expect downed trees, eroded tread, washed-out crossings and unstable slopes. Allow extra time and turn back if a section looks unsafe.
Unblazed Wilderness Trails
Shining Rock and Linville Gorge trails aren’t blazed and can be faint. Carry a map and a downloaded GPS track, and don’t rely on cell service.
Route-finding & navigation →Real Exposure in Places
Hawksbill’s summit ledges and Grandfather’s ladders and cables involve sheer drops. Wet rock is slippery. Keep children close, and skip the Grandfather Trail if you’re uneasy with heights.
Ice and Road Closures
From late fall to spring, snow and ice can close Parkway sections and make summit trails treacherous. Microspikes and a backup plan are essential.
Ladders, Cables and a Mile of Relief.
Grandfather’s rocky ridge rises almost a vertical mile above the valleys to the east. It’s the closest thing North Carolina has to an alpine scramble, with ladders and cables bolted to its rock on the Grandfather Trail.
Photo: Ken Thomas · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons
South Beyond 6000 and the Rest of the East
Once you’ve done the classics, there are bigger goals in the Southern Appalachians and beyond.
The challenge: The Carolina Mountain Club’s list of peaks over 6,000 ft in the Southern Appalachians, most of them in North Carolina.
State high points →What’s different: Mount LeConte and the Tennessee Smokies—steep trails and a famous summit lodge.
Best mountains in Tennessee →What’s different: Lower than Mitchell, but with some of the worst weather on Earth.
Best mountains in New Hampshire →What’s different: Spruce Knob and wild plateau country to the north.
Best mountains in West Virginia →Why the Highest Peak in the East Is Named Mitchell
Elisha Mitchell
University of North Carolina professor Elisha Mitchell measured the Black Mountains and argued that they held the highest peak in the East. He died in 1857 after a fall at a waterfall while returning to verify his measurements, and he’s buried on the summit that now bears his name.
A Rare High-Elevation Forest
The spruce-fir forests on North Carolina’s highest peaks are a remnant of colder times, found only at the top of the Southern Appalachians. They’re why the summits feel so different from the valleys.
Open Summits Without Trees
Grassy and heath “balds” like Black Balsam Knob are a signature of the Southern Appalachians, giving rare open views at high elevation.
After Helene
The 2024 storm reshaped rivers, trails and roads across the region. Trail crews, volunteers and agencies are still rebuilding. Supporting local businesses on your trip helps the recovery.
Where to Check Before You Go
These are the pages that tell you what’s open this week.
Blue Ridge Parkway — Road Status
Current Parkway closures and Helene repair updates.
Open source →NC State Parks — Mount Mitchell
Park status, trail closures and access directions.
Open source →NC State Parks — Grandfather Mountain
Trail status, free permits and backcountry camping.
Open source →USFS — Helene Closures
Closure maps for the Pisgah National Forest ranger districts.
Open source →USFS — Camping & Wilderness Rules
Linville Gorge camping permits and forest orders.
Open source →Great Smoky Mountains — Closures
Current road and trail closures in the Smokies.
Open source →More State Guides & Skills
Best Mountains in Tennessee
The Tennessee side of the Smokies and beyond.
Explore Tennessee → AppalachiansBest Mountains in West Virginia
High plateaus and rugged ridges.
Explore West Virginia → NortheastBest Mountains in New Hampshire
The White Mountains and Mount Washington.
Explore New Hampshire → NortheastBest Mountains in New York
The Adirondacks and Catskills.
Explore New York → HighpointingHighest Point in Every State
Mount Mitchell and the other 49.
See the list → USABest Mountains in the USA
The top peaks across the country.
Explore the USA →North Carolina Mountains FAQ
What is the highest mountain in North Carolina?
Mount Mitchell, at 6,684 ft, is the highest peak in North Carolina and the highest point in the United States east of the Mississippi River.
Can you drive to the top of Mount Mitchell?
You can drive to a parking area just below the summit, then walk a short path to the observation deck. In 2026, access is from the Asheville side of the Blue Ridge Parkway only, because the Parkway north of the park is closed for Helene repairs.
Is Mount Mitchell State Park open after Hurricane Helene?
Yes. It reopened on September 15, 2025. Most trails in the park are open, but some sections and connecting national forest trails may still be closed, so check before you go.
What is the hardest mountain hike in North Carolina?
Among the hikes in this guide, the Black Mountain Crest Trail traverse, the Baxter Creek Trail up Mount Sterling and the Grandfather Trail’s ladders and cables are the most demanding. Cold Mountain is a long, strenuous day too.
What is the best easy mountain hike in North Carolina?
Black Balsam Knob is one of the easiest ways to reach 6,000 ft, with open 360-degree views after a short walk. Mount Pisgah and Hawksbill are also short summit hikes with big views.
Do you need a permit to hike in North Carolina’s mountains?
Usually not for day hikes. Grandfather Mountain State Park requires a free hiking permit at the trailhead. Linville Gorge Wilderness requires camping permits on weekends and holidays from May to October. Great Smoky Mountains National Park requires a parking tag for vehicles.
When is the best time to hike North Carolina’s mountains?
Fall is the most popular season, with cooler, clearer weather and peak color at high elevations around early to mid-October. Late spring is also excellent. Summer brings humidity and afternoon storms, and winter can close roads with ice.
Is the Blue Ridge Parkway open in North Carolina?
Most of it is. As of September 2026, the section north of Mount Mitchell State Park toward Little Switzerland remains closed for landslide repairs, with reopening expected in late 2026. Check the Parkway’s road status page for current closures.
Is Mount LeConte in North Carolina?
No. Mount LeConte is on the Tennessee side of the Great Smoky Mountains. See our Tennessee guide for LeConte. Mount Sterling is a North Carolina Smokies alternative.
What is the South Beyond 6000?
A peak-bagging challenge run by the Carolina Mountain Club, covering summits above 6,000 ft in the Southern Appalachians. Most of them are in North Carolina, including the Black Mountains.
The Highest Mountains in the East—Check Before You Go.
North Carolina’s peaks reward you with views, rare high forests and some real adventure. Start with Mount Mitchell, choose the kind of day you want from the list, dress for colder weather on top, and confirm Helene-related closures the week you travel.
North Carolina Has the Highest Mountains in the Eastern US
Mount Mitchell (6,684 ft) is the highest point east of the Mississippi. See how North Carolina compares with every other state in our US mountains guide.
US Mountains Guide → Tennessee Mountains →More state guides & skills
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