The best running trails in Cherokee National Forest

Prepare for a challenging jogging experience on the Appalachian Trail from Carvers Gap to Grassy Ridge Bald, a difficult route spanning 4.9 miles (7.9 km). You will gain 1107 feet (337 metres) in elevation, with an estimated duration of 1 hour and 6 minutes. This trail takes you through the unique Roan Highlands, known for their expansive grassy balds. As you jog, you will encounter varied terrain, moving from well-maintained sections to more rugged, rocky paths. The route offers panoramic views, especially as you traverse iconic treeless mountaintops like Round Bald and Jane Bald, leading up to Grassy Ridge Bald itself. Expect to be surrounded by rhododendron thickets and pockets of balsam fir forests along the way, creating a diverse and engaging landscape.

Accessing the trailhead at Carvers Gap is straightforward, as it is located directly off a paved road, providing easy parking options. The trail is open throughout the year, but conditions can change rapidly, so always check the forecast before you go. Be aware that the open balds offer significant sun exposure, making a hat and sunscreen essential for your comfort and safety. Planning your visit during cooler parts of the day or year might enhance your jogging experience.

This section of the Appalachian Trail is notable for being one of the highest stretches of grassy balds in the entire Appalachian mountain range. The continuous 360-degree vistas from these treeless mountaintops are a defining feature, setting it apart from many other trails in the region. The unique ecosystem of the Roan Highlands, with its distinct flora and open landscapes, provides a memorable backdrop for your jogging adventure. It is a prime example of the natural beauty and ecological significance found within Pisgah National Forest.

This section of the Appalachian Trail, from Shook Branch to Watauga Dam, offers a delightful jogging experience through the Cherokee National Forest. You'll trace the shoreline of Watauga Lake, enjoying captivating views and passing through diverse hardwood forests dotted with mountain laurel and rhododendron. The initial two miles are flat and shaded, providing easy footing before the trail bends inland for a steady climb on a dirt and root-filled path, culminating in the impressive Watauga Dam. This moderate 5.5-mile (8.9 km) route, with 400 feet (122 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes about 1 hour and 6 minutes.

Access to the trail is easy, with the trailhead located near the Shook Branch Swimming Area. Parking is generally available, but arriving earlier in the day is advisable, especially during peak season. The trail is open year-round, making it a flexible option for your jogging schedule, and it's a dog friendly Appalachian Trail section, so feel free to bring your leashed canine companion.

The most distinctive feature of this route is the opportunity to cross the historic Watauga Dam itself, which was once the highest earth dam in the world and remains the highest in the eastern U.S. This provides a unique perspective of the surrounding landscape and the deep gorge below. Beyond the dam, the trail offers a sense of solitude, passing through a wild and secluded part of the AT, bordered by the Pond Mountain Wilderness and Big Laurel Branch Wilderness.

Embark on a difficult jogging route along the Appalachian Trail from US 19E to Hump Mountain, covering 10.7 miles (17.2 km) with a substantial 2600 feet (792 metres) of elevation gain. This challenging section rewards your effort with incredible vistas as you climb through rocky paths and significant elevation changes. You will find overlooks offering views around 4,000 feet, and Doll Flats provides expansive views into North Carolina. The true highlight is reaching Hump Mountain itself, standing at 5,587 feet, where you can enjoy unobstructed 360-degree panoramic views of the entire Roan Highlands, including distant landmarks like Mt. Rogers. Expect a demanding journey that will take you approximately 2 hours and 31 minutes to complete. The terrain is rugged, making a continuous jogging pace impractical for most. You will experience the raw beauty of the Appalachian wilderness with every step.

When planning your visit, be aware that this route is consistently rated as difficult due to its steep ascents and rocky terrain. Parking is generally available at the US 19E trailhead, which serves as your starting point for this adventure. Prepare for challenging conditions, especially at higher elevations; strong winds and clouds are common at the exposed peaks of the Roan Highlands. Always check weather forecasts before you go and dress in layers to adapt to changing conditions. Make sure you carry enough water and snacks for the duration of your trip, as services are not available along the trail.

This segment of the Appalachian Trail is nestled within the vast Cherokee National Forest, offering a deep immersion into a protected natural environment. The Roan Highlands are renowned for their unique ecosystem, characterized by high-elevation grassy balds and diverse plant life. The trail's demanding nature and the stunning, far-reaching views from Hump Mountain make it a notable and memorable experience in the region. It stands out as a prime example of the rugged beauty and challenging rewards that the Appalachian Trail offers to those willing to tackle its slopes.

The Appalachian Trail to Laurel Falls offers a refreshing escape into the Cherokee National Forest, winding through dense rhododendron forests and alongside the clear waters of Laurel Fork Creek. You'll navigate rocky and sometimes muddy sections, cross charming wooden footbridges, and eventually reach the dramatic 55-foot Laurel Falls, nestled between impressive cliffs. It's a scenic journey that feels wilder than many other waterfall trails.

To start this adventure, you can access the trail from the US 321 trailhead, connecting via the Hampton Blueline Trail, or directly from the Laurel Fork Falls Trailhead. Another option is a 1.3-mile (2.1 km) one-way route from Dennis Cove, which is mostly flat for the first mile. This trail is generally less crowded, making it a good choice if you prefer a more solitary experience.

This moderate jogging route covers 4.7 miles (7.5 km) with 443 feet (135 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking about 57 minutes. It stands out by offering a more rugged and traditional Appalachian Trail experience compared to its paved namesake in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, even traversing sections of an old railroad bed.