Stretching over 2,181 miles from Georgia to Maine, the Appalachian Trail (AT) tests every hiker’s grit and wonder. North Carolina claims just 88 miles of this legendary path—plus approximately 200 more straddling the Tennessee border—but these sections pack an undeniable punch. Hiking through Swain and Haywood counties, you cross into the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, where the trail ascends its highest peak: Clingman’s Dome, standing at 6,643 feet. Here, the trail isn’t just a route; it’s a living, breathing corridor of rugged ridges, shifting ecosystems, and vast wilderness.

From Fontana Dam to Davenport Gap, this stretch offers a demanding but rewarding five-to-eight-day backpacking adventure. The forested climbs and sweeping summits challenge your body while immersing you in the dense, mist-shrouded blue ridge landscape. Along the way, you’ll pass Charlies Bunion, a craggy rock formation named for the hiker who toughened his way through with bunions. The area’s isolation is powerful—the trail here crosses the largest continuous stretch without a single road intrusion, pushing you to engage fully with wildness.

If you prefer shorter day hikes, consider hitting standout segments like Max Patch Mountain's grassy summit or Newfound Gap—both iconic spots where the trail cuts through high-elevation forests and offers expansive views. Just outside the national park, the trail skirts vibrant hubs like the Nantahala Outdoor Center, known for whitewater rafting and outdoor gear, and the quaint town of Hot Springs. Both locations provide excellent entry points for quick hikes or rest stops.

The terrain is varied: from steep rock scrambles and rocky outcrops at the high points to lush valleys dripping with rhododendron and tulip poplar. The trail engages every sense. The crisp mountain air dares you forward, the evergreen canopy shields you from sun-baked stretches, and the muffled call of distant birds heightens your awareness of the ecosystem’s diversity. Weather shifts quickly here; summer thunderstorms roll in without warning, and winter winds bite sharply on exposed ridges. Good preparation—a sturdy pair of boots, layered clothing, and ample water—is essential.

This section of the Appalachian Trail demands respect. The mountains remain fiercely themselves: unpredictable and relentless yet deeply rewarding. Whether you’re girding for a multi-day trek or setting out for a memorable day hike, the Great Smoky Mountains segment offers a tangible encounter with both the challenge and grandeur that define America’s oldest long-distance trail.