So many trails, so little time—that’s the only legitimate complaint any Southeastern outdoor enthusiast could have. You certainly can’t complain about a lack of variety. You want <a href="#waterfalls">waterfalls?</a> <a name="summit">We’ve</a> got trails for that. <a href="#summit">Summit views?</a> Got plenty of those. <a href="#rugged">Rugged</a>, remote trails that snake deep into the bowels of the forests? Got ’em. You name it, the Southeast has it in spades. Nobody knows this better than our readers. So we asked you to dish about your favorite dirt. From Maryland to Georgia, readers selected the Top 100 Trails in the Southeast. From the most panoramic mountain summits to the best river walks, these trails are tops in the mountains.
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BEST SUMMIT TRAILS
1. Deep Gap Trail, N.C.
If altitude has anything to do with a summit view, then Deep Gap must be the king. The 12-mile hike starts with a summit view above 6,000 feet (granted, the view is from the Mount Mitchell parking lot, but it’s still impressive) then travels the ridgeline of the Black Mountain Range for 12 miles. Within the first few miles, you’ll knock off four different 6,000 footers, each with big views of the mountains and valleys below.
2. McAfee’s Knob, Roanoke, Va. 

3. A.T. at Max Patch, N.C. 

4. A.T. at Roan Mountain, N.C. 

5. Dolly Sods, W.Va. 

6. Mount LeConte, Tenn. 

7. Black Rock Mountain State Park, Ga. 

8. Grandfather Mountain, N.C. 

9. Table Rock, S.C.

10. Old Rag Mountain, Va.
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BEST RIVER TRAILS
1. Linville River Trail, N.C. 

For 11.5 miles, the Linville Gorge Trail parallels the Linville River along the bottom of the gorge. Follow the river’s path as it drops 2,000 vertical feet, carving a path through sheer rock cliffs. Plenty of swimming holes, the 90-foot Little Linville River Falls, and the 400-foot rock formation known as Babel Tower are just a few of the highlights. 

2. North Chickamauga Section of the Cumberland Trail, Cumberland Trail State Park, Tenn. This 20-mile section of the Cumberland Trail exists entirely within the North Chickamauga Creek Gorge. The trail follows the river upstream from the Bowater Pocket Wilderness, crossing the river several times and offering hikers access to a number of deep swimming holes and rock jumps. It’s impossible to hike this trail without getting wet. 

3. Conasauga River Trail, Ga. You’ll cross the river 38 times along this 13-mile hike through the heart of Georgia’s Cohutta Wilderness. You’ll also hike through some of the last stands of healthy eastern hemlocks in the Southeast.

4. Saint Mary’s Trail, Saint Mary’s Wilderness, Va.

5. Davidson River Trail, Pisgah National Forest, N.C. 

6. Ramsey’s Draft Trail, GW-Jeff National Forest, Va. 

7. Chattooga Wild and Scenic River Trail, Sumter National Forest, S.C. 

8. Big Creek Trail, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tenn. 

9. South Mills River Trail, Pisgah National Forest, N.C.

10. Laurel Fork Trail, GW-Jeff National Forest, Va.

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BEST WEEKEND HIKES
1. Wild Oak Trail, Va. 

The Wild Oak National Recreation Trail begins at 1,900 feet at the mouth of the North River, but the majority of this 26-mile loop is situated along the ridgelines of several mountains that top out above 4,000 feet. Excellent views abound on Little Bald Knob, Hankey Mountain, and Lookout Mountain. Do the entire loop, and you’ll climb an accumulated 9,000 feet. 

2. North Fork Mountain Trail, W.Va. As part of the Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area, the North Fork Mountain Trail traverses some of the most ecologically significant landscape in West Virginia. For roughly 24 miles, you can hike through twisted oaks, a bevy of rare plants, and huge sandstone outcropping with postcard views. 

3. Foothills Trail—Jocassee Gorges Section, S.C.: Pick any <a name="rugged">section</a> of the 80-mile Foothills Trail and you’ll be set for a solid weekend of backpacking. Pick the Jocassee Gorges Section, and you’ll commit to three days of spectacular backpacking unrivaled in the Palmetto State. For 30 miles, the Foothills Trail travels on the north end of Lake Jocassee along the “Blue Wall” where the mountains drop off dramatically, creating steep river gorges and postcard-worthy waterfalls. You’ll pass through the Toxaway, Horsepasture, and Whitewater Rivers and have plenty of opportunity for swimming in chilly Lake Jocassee. 

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HARDEST DAY HIKES
1. Three Ridges Loop, Va.

Most people break up this 12.7-mile loop into two days, but the truly ambitious treat it as a day hike. The A.T. connects with the Mau-Har Trail deep inside the Wilderness for a secluded and steep adventure with overlooks, waterfalls, and more switchbacks than a presidential campaign. The climb up Chimney Rock is the toughest portion, with boulder-laden switchbacks that don’t stop until you’re standing on top of the rock soaking in the expansive view to the west. 

2. Mount Mitchell Trail, Pisgah National Forest, N.C. Climb the 3,600 feet during this rugged, 5.6-mile hike and you’ll certainly feel like you’ve earned the hot chocolate and snickers bar from the gift shop at the summit. The trail is so steep, you actually travel through various ecosystems. The bottom of the mountain is covered with hardwoods, the top is nothing but spruce and Frasier firs. The temperature difference between the summit and bottom can be as much as 30 degrees. 

3. Woody Ridge Trail, Pisgah National Forest, N.C.: This old access trail to the Black Mountain Crest Trail makes the BMCT look like a stroll in the park. In just over two miles, you’ll climb 3,000 feet, much of which will be on your hands and knees. 

4. Fiery Gizzard Trail, South Cumberland Recreation Area, Tenn.: Forget the steep drop into the Fiery Gizzard Creek Gorge and don’t even think about the ridiculously steep climb out of the gorge on the other end. What makes this trail so difficult, is all the boulder hopping in between. The first several miles of this 13-mile trail takes you through the heart of one of Tennessee’s most underappreciated gorges, forcing you to hop from one house-sized boulder to the next. Plenty of waterfalls and swimming holes make all the work worth the effort. 

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BEST OLD GROWTH TRAILS
1. Naked Ground Trail, N.C.

The Naked Ground Trail climbs out of Joyce Jilmer Memorial Forest and into the Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness.

3,800: Number of acres in the Kilmer Memorial Forest, which represents one of the largest tracts of old growth in the Eastern United States. 

20’: Circumference of some of Kilmer’s yellow poplars 

100’: Height of some of the yellow poplars 

500 Years: Age of many of these giant trees. 

2. Cooper Creek Trail, Chattahoochee National Forest, Ga. 

<a name="waterfalls">3. Gregory Ridge Trail,</a> Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tenn. 

4. Mountaintown Creek Trail, Chattahoochee National Forest, Ga. 

5. Ramsey’s Draft Trail, Ramsey’s Draft Wilderness, Va.

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BEST WATERFALL TRAILS
1. White Oak Canyon, Va. 

2. Blue Suck Falls, Douthat State Park, Va. 

3. Triple Falls Trail, Dupont State Forest, N.C. 

4. Amicalola Falls Trail, Amicalola State Park, Ga. 

5. Bald River Falls, Cherokee National Forest, Tenn. 

6. Crabtree Falls Trail, Nelson County, Va. 

7. Slickrock Creek Trail, Wildcat Falls, Slickrock Wilderness, N.C. 

8. Ramsey Cascade Falls, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tenn. 

9. Horsepasture River Trail, Nantahala National Forest, N.C. 

10. Laurel Fork Falls, Foothills Trail, S.C.

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BEST RAIL TRAILS
1. Greenbrier River Trail, W.Va. 

Not only does the 79-mile Greenbrier River Trail have all the trappings that make rails trails so attractive (flat grade, bed and breakfasts, small towns), it also passes through some of the most dramatic landscape in the Mountain State, making it an attractive venture for the casual and adventurous traveler alike. The crushed gravel trail pass through the Monongahela National Forest and several state parks, making it the greatest connector trail a fat tire enthusiastic could hope for. Swimming holes, tight singletrack, steep hikes, bed and breakfasts that pamper: it’s all along the Greenbrier. 

2. W&OD, Washington, D.C.: What would the suburbs of Washington D.C. be like without the Washington and Old Dominion Trail? We shutter to think of such a bleak existence. The 45-mile paved rail trail is popular with bikers, roller bladders, runners, strollers, and everyone else who wants to get from one place to another without sitting in D.C. traffic. A horse trail parallels most of the distance as well, giving mountain bikers a dirt option. 

3. Silver Comet, Ga.: The Silver Comet is an enigma in metro Atlanta, a city where cars rule and bikers and pedestrians are often treated as a nuisance. The Comet, however, is a foot-and-pedal-powered oasis. When it’s completed, the rail trail will extend from Atlanta’s north end, traveling through North Georgia’s countryside for 60 miles. It will eventually connect with Alabama’s Chief Ladiga Trail for even more car free fun. 

4. Virginia Creeper, Damascus, Va. 

5. Caperton/Gaston Creek Trails, Morgantown, W.Va. 

6. New River Trail, Va. 

7. Blackwater River Trail, W.Va. 

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TOP FIVE MOST CROWDED TRAILS
1. Alum Cave, Great Smokies 

National Park, Tenn.

2. Old Rag Mountain, Shenandoah National Park, Tenn.

3. Graveyard Fields, Pisgah National Forest, N.C. 

4. O-Hill, Charlottesville, Va. 

5. Jack’s River Trail, Cohutaa Wilderness, Ga.
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BEST URBAN TRAIL SYSTEMS
1. James River Park, Richmond, Va. 

This 550-acre park is a shining example of what urban park space should be. The park occupies miles of wooded shoreline and islands adjacent to downtown, offering trail runners and mountain bikers 13 miles of pristine trails. As an added bonus? There’s decent rock climbing on Belle Isle and fun whitewater off the shores of the park. Bikers should definitely check out Buttermilk Trail. 

2. Raccoon Mountain, Chattanooga, Tenn. It’s hard to imagine that just a few years ago, there was nothing on Raccoon Mountain but a TVA dam and some roads. Now there’s 16 miles of kickin’ singletrack built by the hardworking folks at SORBA Chattanooga. Trail runners and mountain bikers alike love these freshly cut trails, many of which offer views of downtown Chattanooga and the Tennessee River Gorge. 

3. Renaissance Park, Charlotte, N.C. 

4. Carvin’s Cove, Roanoke, Va. 

5. Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, Atlanta, Ga. 

6. Great Falls Park, Washington D.C. 

7. Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park, Atlanta, Ga. 

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BEST CITY GREENWAYS
1. Rivanna Trail, Charlottesville, Va. 

2. Freedom Trail, Atlanta, Ga. 

3. Potomac Heritage Trail, Washington, D.C. 

4. Third Creek Greenway, Knoxville, Tenn. 

5. Tennessee Riverwalk, Chattanooga, Tenn. 

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TOP FIVE CANOE TRAILS
1. Big South 

Fork, Tenn.

2. New River, N.C./Va. 

3. Talking Rock Creek, Ga. 

4. Potomac Water Trail, Maryland

5. Rappahannock River Trail, Va.
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BEST LONG TRAILS (BESIDES THE A.T.)
1. Art Loeb Trail. N.C.

At 32 miles, the Art Loeb barely meets the prerequisites for a “long trail,” but what it lacks in length, it makes up for in spectacularity (hike the Art Loeb and you’ll be convinced this is a word too). Excellent overnight shelters, ridiculously beautiful views, and rugged terrain are just a few of the highlights. 

2. Foothills Trail, Sumter National Forest, S.C.

3. Pinhoti Trail, Bankhead National Forest, Ala.

4. Mountains to Sea, N.C. 

5. Cumberland Trail, Tenn. 

6. Bartram Trail, Ga./N.C. 

7. Alleghany Trail, W.Va. 

8. Benton Mackaye Trail, Ga. 

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BEST BIKE TRAILS
1. North Mountain Trail, Va.
The trail starts at 1,700 feet and tops out around 4,400 feet. You do the math. The climbs are steep, but once you get to the top, you’re treated with one of the best ridgeline rides anywhere in the South. Big views from either side of the George Washington National Forest, and of course, the hour-long downhill back to the car is fun too. Rocks, rocks, and more rocks. 

2. The Brown Wave, Forks Area Trail System, S.C.: 5.6 miles of jumps, berms, rock gardens, dips, whoop-de-doos, and more fun than any grown person should have on a bike. No gut busting climbs, no killer downhills, just one of the best flow trails anywhere. 

3. Black Mountain, Pisgah National Forest, N.C.: The ultimate ride in Pisgah? Black Mountain is surely in the running. Big, technical climbs are followed by expansive views and fun descents packed with waterbar jumps, technical rock gardens, and switchbacks. The 19-mile trail divides the Davidson River and Mills River trailheads, providing access to epic rides in either recreation area. 

4. Left Loop/Right Loop, Tsali Recreation Area, N.C. 

5. Blankets Creek, Woodstock, Ga. 

6. Southern Traverse, George Washington National Forest, Va.

7. Sidehill, Bent Creek, N.C. 

8. Swallow Falls State Park Biking Trail, Deep Creek, Md. 

9. Panthertown, Pisgah, N.C. 

10. Iron Mountain Trail, Damascus, Va.
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BEST MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAILS
1. Tea Creek Mountain, W.Va.
Technical? More like life threatening. This shuttle-only ride drops 1,650 feet in just a few short miles, most of which is poised precariously along a narrow mountain ledge. When you reach the Williams River at the bottom of the mountain, kiss the earth, and thank God for flat ground. 



2. Thunder Rock Express, Tanasi Trail System, Tenn. 

3. Downhill Course, Big Creek Park, Ga.

4. Greens Lick, Bent Creek, N.C. 

5. Prop’s Run, Monongahela National Forest, W.Va 

6. Carter’s Lake Downhill, Ellijay, Ga. 

7. Laurel Mountain, Pisgah National Forest, N.C.
