Maggie Valley NC is surrounded by the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains. As a result, it's also surrounded by numerous hiking trails, from short to long, and from easy to strenuous. If you're looking for the Best Hiking Trails near Maggie Valley NC, you've come to the right place. We're Maggie Valley locals and avid hikers, and highlight all of the best Maggie Valley area hiking trails below.
Maggie Valley Hiking Trails
There are many different things to do in and around Maggie Valley NC, but many don't realize that Maggie Valley offers central access to many of the best hiking trails in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Hiking trails around Maggie Valley provide scenic views, creekside hikes, waterfall destinations, and many historic insights into the way mountain settlers lived, over a 100 years ago. No matter what type of hiking trail you're looking for, there is one nearby that will meet your desires. Many are family friendly as well!
ALWAYS PRACTICE LEAVE NO TRACE: Learn all about how you can be a good steward of these mountains when visiting.
Here is a list of some of the Maggie Valley hiking trails within a one hour drive of downtown Maggie Valley:
Alum Cave Trail
Our favorite trail and hike, Alum Cave Trail has it all: water, bridges, caves, and gorgeous scenic views. This is a 4.4 roundtrip and moderate hike to Alum Cave, or a longer 11 mile roundtrip and strenuous hike to the top of Mount LeConte
Big Creek Trail
Located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this 4.5 mile roundtrip hike will take you along an old Logging railroad grade, and to two different waterfalls, one a very popular swimming hole
Black Balsam Knob
A really awesome and beautiful hike, that should definitely be on everyones “must do” list. The Black Balsam area, located in Pisgah National Forest, and off the Blue Ridge Parkway, offers some of the most spectacular scenic views in the Blue Ridge. A moderate and 2-5 mile roundtrip hike.
Boogerman Trail
If you're looking for a more challenging and rustic hike, Boogerman is it, and probably one of the best hikes in the Maggie Valley area. You'll see pristine old growth forest, historic home sites and graveyards and cross creeks with no bridges. This is moderate to strenuous, and 7.4 miles roundtrip.
Deep Creek Loop Trail
Deep Creek Loop Trail, in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, near Bryson City is a 4.6 mile roundtrip hike and moderate hike that takes you to 3 different beautiful waterfalls.
Flat Creek Trail
Located in the Great Smoky Mountains Park, this is a gorgeous 5.2 mile roundtrip and moderate hike. Off the beaten path, and not heavily hiked
Gabes Mountain Trail
Located in Cosby, TN this 4.4 mile roundtrip hike is a family friendly, moderate, and takes you out to Hen Wallow Falls, a remote and beautiful waterfall.
Kephart Prong Trail
A very nice and historic out and back trail, featuring beautiful water crossings, creekside hiking, and a hiking shelter. 4.2 mile roundtrip and moderate
Max Patch
Max Patch is a great 1.4 - 2.4 mile roundtrip hike that provides stunning 360 degree views on a mountain top bald. You'll get to hike along the Appalachian Trail as well.
Pretty Hollow Gap Trail
Pretty Hollow Gap Trail is a 8 mile round trip out and back trail, that follows along side Palmer Creek and Pretty Hollow Creek to Pretty Hollow Gap, where the trail ends and runs into Mount Sterling Ridge Trail and Benton MacKaye Trail. The trail is creekside for a good portion, and moderate.
Rough Fork Trail
2 mile roundtrip and moderate trail up to the Woody House in Cataloochee Valley. Mainly flat trail, with a few bridge based creek crossings. The Woody house is beautiful and historic
Waterrock Knob
Waterrock Knob is a short (1 mile roundtrip) but very strenuous hike from the parking lot up to the top. The views from the top are amazing and well worth it. This hike is just a few minutes from Maggie Valley NCv
Wildcat Falls
Wildcat Falls is a 50-60 foot waterfall located 3/4 of a mile down Flat Laurel Creek Trail. The hike is moderate and 1.5 miles roundtrip. Very family friendly and nice.
While out hiking, be sure you have the necessary Day Hiking Essentials. Also, there are bears in and around Maggie Valley, and while you probably won't see one, knowing the Black Bear Necessities will really help you, if you do encounter one.
Top Hikes in the Blue Ridge Mountains
Looking for great hikes in the Blue Ridge Mountains? There are plenty of them!
See our ALL of our hiking guides for hikes in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
