The American South might not have the mountains of the West, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of adventures to be had here. Some of the hikes below the Mason Dixon line will wear out even the most experienced hikers. Check out these trails that’ll leave you gasping for breath.
Great Smoky Mountains, End-to-End
The Great Smoky Mountains can be hiked in one day if you’re going from end-to-end. The 32-mile trail is an arduous trek that wears out even the most experienced and adventurous. On rainy days (which are often) in the Smokies you’ll be forced to traverse muddy ground and slick rocks on a constant downhill slog. The Newfound Gap to TN 32 is perhaps the hardest part, with a quick ascent up 4,600 feet and then a drop of nearly 7,700.
Slickrock Creek Trail, North Carolina
The Slickrock Creek Trail is named for the ten slippery stream crossings you’re required to traverse in order to successfully complete this hike. It’s located in the Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness and is home to last virgin stands of old growth trees on the East Coast. Lush rhododendrons line a thickly forested terrain in the middle of the Smoky Mountains. If you can make it 5,360 feet to the top you’ll be treated with epic views from Stratton Bald.
The Priest, Virginia
One of the South’s hardest hikes rests right in the center of Virginia’s portion of the Appalachian Trail. The Priest is a strenuous 4.3-mile one-way trek with a 3,000 feet of elevation in a short distance. Add on a trip to the summit of nearby Three Ridges Mountain for an even more challenging adventure.
Tallulah Gorge in Georgia
Tallulah Gorge, Georgia
The Tallulah Gorge isn’t the longest hike around, but it’s tons of fun for those who like getting wet. Numerous natural water slides are scattered along the path of the 1,000-foot gorge just a couple of hours outside Atlanta. Permits to hike the trail are limited to 100 per day so you’ll need to reserve your place in advance.
Eagle Rock Loop, Arkansas
North Central Arkansas has some of the best outdoor recreational opportunities in the south with one of the best trails hidden within the Ouachita National Forest. The full length of the Eagle Rock Loop is roughly 27 miles long with a continuous line of creek and stream crossings along the way. On top of that you’ll come across a new peak to reach every few miles. You’ll need a full weekend to successfully take down this hike.
Pinnacle Pass, South Carolina
The Pinnacle Pass is a 10-mile hike in the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area and serves up one of the best views in all of the Southern States. The trail follows one of the highest ridges in South Carolina and through none of it can be considered easy, the most tasking stretch only last for 0.5 miles. This half-mile jaunt rises a total of 2,000 feet and quickly makes your legs turn the consistency of jelly. Once you reach the top, though, the scenic view of Jones Gap and the surrounding mountains is breathtaking.