Appalachian Trails: Top rated day hikes

The Appalachian Trail, or the AT as it’s often called, is a huge hiking path that stretches about 2,190 miles from Georgia all the way up to Maine. It cuts through 14 states along the eastern mountains and valleys of the Appalachian range.

It’s super scenic, with everything from dense forests and open meadows to rugged mountains. Plus, it’s a hotspot for wildlife and cool plants. Whether you’re up for a serious long-distance hike or just a quick day trip, the AT has something for everyone.

What really makes the AT special, though, is the community vibe. Hikers often experience “trail magic” — unexpected acts of kindness and support from fellow trekkers and locals. It’s not just a physical challenge; hitting the trail can be a pretty life-changing adventure.

Let’s be realistic, not everyone has the time to hike the entire AT. So, let’s focus on some of the top-rated day hikes along the trail. Perfect for both beginners and experienced hikers, these shorter hikes allow you to enjoy the beauty of the Appalachian Trail without committing to a long-distance journey.

Explore these day hikes to experience the essence of the Appalachian Trail:

1. Blood Mountain, Georgia
2. Smoky Mountains, Tennessee and North Carolina
3. Max Patch, North Carolina
4. Grayson Highlands, Virginia
5. McAfee’s Knob, Virginia
6. Shenandoah Valley, Virginia
7. Vermont Section
8. Presidential Range, New Hampshire
9. 100 Mile Wilderness, Maine

1. Blood Mountain, Georgia

Blood Mountain in Georgia is a great day hike on the Appalachian Trail. It offers a moderate difficulty level, making it suitable for most hikers. With an approximate length of 6 miles, it provides a manageable yet fulfilling hiking experience.

Recommended Trails and Viewpoints:

1. Freeman Trail: This trail offers a less crowded route to the summit and allows hikers to experience the serene beauty of Blood Mountain. It connects with the Appalachian Trail for a loop hike.
2. Byron Reece Trail: Known for its moderate challenge, this trail is popular among families and provides access to both the Appalachian Trail and Freeman Trail.
3. Blood Mountain Summit: The summit itself is a must-visit viewpoint, offering 360-degree views of the surrounding landscapes. It’s particularly breathtaking during sunrise and sunset.
4. Neels Gap: Located just a short distance from Blood Mountain, Neels Gap offers additional hiking opportunities and panoramic vistas. The historic Walasi-Yi Center is also located here, providing information and resources for hikers.

Nearby Camping Options:

1. Blood Mountain Shelter: Located near the summit, this shelter provides a convenient spot for overnight camping with stunning views.
2. Slaughter Creek Campsite: Located just below the summit, this campsite offers a more secluded option for campers. It’s accessible via a short hike from the main trail.
3. Vogel State Park: A bit farther from Blood Mountain, Vogel State Park provides developed campsites with amenities such as restrooms and showers. It’s a great option for those looking for something a little more comfortable.
4. Lake Winfield Scott Campground: Another developed campground in the vicinity with amenities and lake access, perfect for combining hiking and other outdoor activities.
5. Neel Gap Hostel (Mountain Crossings): For those preferring something indoors, this hostel offers bunk rooms and is located close to the trail at Neel Gap.

2. Smoky Mountains, Tennessee and North Carolina

The Smoky Mountains section of the Appalachian Trail has a wide range of landscapes that are perfect for day hikes. You can experience the dense forests, beautiful waterfalls, and mountain views all in one trip. One of the best parts is seeing wildlife. Black bears and elk are often seen along these trails.

Recommended Trails and Viewpoints:

1. Alum Cave Trail: This 5-mile hike takes you through old forests to stunning views at Alum Cave Bluffs.
2. Charlies Bunion: An challenging 8-mile hike with incredible rock formations and wide views.
3. Andrews Bald: A easier 3.6-mile hike that rewards hikers with open meadows and mountain views.

Nearby Camping Options:

1. Elkmont Campground: Located inside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this campground offers tent and RV sites with access to restrooms and water.
2. Cosby Campground: A more secluded option within the park, providing a peaceful setting with tent and RV sites.
3. Cades Cove Campground: Popular for its scenic loop road and abundant wildlife, offering both tent and RV camping options.
4. Smokemont Campground: Situated near the Oconaluftee Visitor Center, this campground features tent and RV sites along a beautiful river.
5. Backcountry Camping: For those looking for a more rugged experience, numerous backcountry campsites are available by permit throughout the park.

If you want more ideas for scenic hikes around the world, check out some of the best hiking trails around the world, including one in the Smoky Mountains. Also discover hidden gems in the U.S that you probably haven’t heard of yet.

3. Max Patch, North Carolina

Max Patch is a famous grassy bald in North Carolina that offers 360-degree views, making it a must-visit destination for day hikers on the Appalachian Trail. Nearby, the Blue Ridge Parkway provides additional opportunities for scenic drives and hikes, with highlights like Linville Gorge and Grandfather Mountain.

Recommended Trails and Viewpoints:

1. Max Patch Loop Trail: This 1.4-mile loop trail is relatively easy and offers amazing panoramic views, making it perfect for an easy day hike.
2. Harmon Den Wildlife Management Area: A nearby area that offers additional hiking options and beautiful scenery.
3. Lemon Gap to Max Patch: A longer, more challenging hike that covers around 10 miles round trip, offering rewarding views and a great workout.
4. Max Patch to Hot Springs: An ambitious trek for experienced hikers, this section spans approximately 20 miles and features diverse landscapes and breathtaking vistas.

Nearby Camping Options:

1. Harmon Den Campground: Located within the Harmon Den Wildlife Management Area, this campground offers a rustic camping experience with access to multiple trails.
2. Hot Springs Campground: Situated in the nearby town of Hot Springs, this campground features tent and RV sites, as well as hot spring-fed mineral baths.
3. Max Patch Road Dispersed Camping: For those seeking a more primitive camping experience, dispersed camping is available along Max Patch Road. Be sure to follow Leave No Trace motto.
4. Pisgah National Forest: Offers multiple established campgrounds and backcountry camping options with stunning scenery and access to various hiking trails.

4. Grayson Highlands, Virginia

The Grayson Highlands section of the Appalachian Trail offers an unforgettable day hike experience. Known for its wild horses and unique rock formations.

Recommended Trails and Viewpoints:

1. Mount Rogers Summit Trail: This 4.5-mile trail takes you to the highest peak in Virginia, offering stunning views and the chance to encounter wild ponies.
2. Wilburn Ridge Trail: A moderate 2.5-mile hike that showcases unique rock formations and panoramic vistas of the surrounding highlands.
3. Rhododendron Trail: A scenic 1.6-mile loop that is especially beautiful during the spring.
4. Appalachian Spur Trail: A short but rewarding hike that connects with the main Appalachian Trail, leading to breathtaking viewpoints and serene meadows.
5. Cabin Creek Trail: This 2-mile trail features a picturesque creek and cascading waterfalls, perfect for a peaceful nature walk.

Nearby Camping Options:

1. Grayson Highlands State Park Campground: This well-maintained campground offers various sites for tents and RVs, along with amenities such as restrooms, showers, and picnic areas.
2. Mount Rogers National Recreation Area: Featuring several backcountry campsites, this area allows for a more rustic camping experience, close to the hiking trails and natural attractions.
3. Wise Shelter: Located along the Appalachian Trail, this shelter provides a basic but convenient option for overnight stays in the wilderness.
4. Thomas Knob Shelter: Another popular shelter on the trail, offering amazing views and location to Mount Rogers’ summit.
5. Hurricane Campground: A small, peaceful campground with basic facilities such as picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets. It’s ideal for those looking to stay close to nature.

5. McAfee’s Knob, Virginia

McAfee’s Knob is one of the most photographed spots on the entire Appalachian Trail, attracting countless hikers each year with its breathtaking views. This iconic day hike in Virginia offers panoramic scenery and unique rock formations for a truly rewarding experience.

Recommended Trails and Viewpoints:

1. Views: The knob offers one of the best panorama views of the Catawba Valley and surrounding mountains, making it a perfect spot for photos .
2. Moderate Difficulty: The hike is moderately challenging, stretching approximately 8 miles round trip. It’s suitable for those with some hiking experience but can be tackled by beginners as well.
3. Alternative Trails: Consider exploring nearby routes such as Tinker Cliffs or Dragon’s Tooth for additional hiking adventures.

Nearby Camping Options:

1. Catawba Mountain Shelter: Located near the trailhead, this shelter provides a convenient spot for overnight camping.
2. Explore Roanoke: After your hike, take some time to visit the nearby city of Roanoke. It offers a great opportunity to unwind and explore before or after your adventure on McAfee’s Knob.

6. Shenandoah Valley, Virginia

Shenandoah Valley is one of the most beautiful parts of the Appalachian Trail. It’s perfect for day hikes, with lots of animals and all the nature. The forests are lush, and the hills are rolling. It’s a perfect place for nature lovers.

Recommended Trails and Viewpoints:

1. Old Rag Mountain: One of the most popular hikes in Shenandoah National Park, offering challenging rock scrambles and rewarding 360-degree views from the summit. The hike is about 9 miles round trip.
2. Stony Man Trail: A shorter, more accessible trail that leads to the second-highest peak in Shenandoah National Park. The trail is approximately 1.6 miles round trip and offers stunning views of the Shenandoah Valley.
3. Mary’s Rock Summit Trail: This moderately strenuous trail leads to a viewpoint with great views of the valley below. The hike is about 3.7 miles round trip.
4. Hawksbill Mountain: The highest peak in Shenandoah National Park, accessible via a 2.9-mile round trip hike starting from the Upper Hawksbill parking area. The summit offers great views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and beyond.
5. Bearfence Mountain Trail: Known for its rock scramble and rewarding views, this shorter 1.2-mile loop trail provides a fun and adventurous hike with great views at the top.
6. Dark Hollow Falls Trail: A family-friendly trail leading to one of the park’s most beautiful waterfalls, Dark Hollow Falls. The hike is about 1.4 miles round trip and offers a refreshing trek through lush forest terrain.

Nearby Camping Options:

1. Big Meadows Campground: One of the most popular campgrounds in Shenandoah National Park, offering amenities such as showers, a camp store, and easy access to hiking trails.
2. Loft Mountain Campground: Located on the southern end of the park, this campground is the gateway to some great hiking.
3. Lewis Mountain Campground: A smaller, quieter campground that offers both tent sites and cabins, perfect for those seeking a more quite camping experience.
4. Mathews Arm Campground: Situated in the northern section of the park, this campground is ideal for hikers wanting to explore the nearby Overall Run Falls, the tallest waterfall in Shenandoah.
5. Backcountry Camping: For a more rugged experience, Shenandoah National Park allows backcountry camping with a permit. This option is great for those looking to immerse themselves fully in nature away from established campgrounds.

7. Vermont Section

The Vermont section of the Appalachian Trail is a hiker’s paradise, characterized by beautiful scenery and charming trail towns that warmly welcome hikers. This portion of the trail offers an immersive experience through dense greenery, making it ideal for a peaceful day hike.

Recommended Trails and Viewpoints:

1. Long Trail: This historic trail overlaps with the Appalachian Trail for about 100 miles in Vermont, offering stunning vistas and varied terrain.
2. Killington Peak: A must-visit viewpoint that provides panoramic views of the surrounding Green Mountains.
3. Bromley Mountain: Known for its open summit and fantastic views, it’s a favorite among day hikers.
4. Stratton Mountain: Offers a fire tower at the summit for great views of the region.
5. Glastenbury Mountain: Features an observation tower with breathtaking sights of the lush landscape.

Nearby Camping Options:

1. Bromley Shelter: Located just off the trail, this shelter provides a convenient spot for overnight stays.
2. Stratton Pond Shelter: A popular camping option with ample space and close proximity to water sources.
3. Goddard Shelter: Situated near the summit of Glastenbury Mountain, offering stunning sunrise views.
4. Clarendon Shelter: Found along the trail with easy access to nearby streams for water refills.
5. Little Rock Pond Shelter: Nestled by a serene pond, perfect for a peaceful night under the stars.

8. Presidential Range, New Hampshire

The Presidential Range in New Hampshire is one of the most challenging yet rewarding sections of the Appalachian Trail. With its tall peaks and stunning alpine scenery, this area provides an unforgettable experience for day hikers.

Recommended Trails and Viewpoints:

1. Mount Lafayette: Offers sweeping panoramic views from the summit.
2. Mount Washington: Known for its extreme weather conditions and breathtaking vistas.
3. Mount Jefferson: Features rugged terrain but stunning alpine scenery.
4. Crawford Path: The oldest continuously used hiking trail in the United States, providing historic and scenic value.
5. Lakes of the Clouds Hut: A popular stop with scenic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.

Nearby Camping Options:

1. Valley Way Campsite: Located along the Valley Way Trail, offering a convenient spot for campers heading towards the Presidential Range.
2. The Perch Shelter and Tentsite: A primitive camping area providing shelter and tent platforms with stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
3. Hermit Lake Shelters: Situated near Tuckerman Ravine, these shelters provide a great base for exploring Mount Washington.
4. Mizpah Spring Hut: Operated by the Appalachian Mountain Club, it offers bunkrooms and meals for hikers, ideal for those traversing the southern Presidentials.

9. 100 Mile Wilderness, Maine

The 100 Mile Wilderness in Maine is one of the most remote and rugged parts of the Appalachian Trail. It’s known for its limited places to restock on supplies, making it a tough challenge even for experienced hikers. This area is famous for its thick forests, clear lakes, and that untouched natural beauty (chef’s kiss).

Recommended Trails and Viewpoints:

1. Gulf Hagas Rim Trail: Often referred to as the “Grand Canyon of the East,” this trail offers amazing views of waterfalls and gorges.
2. White Cap Mountain: Provides panoramic views and is the highest peak in the 100 Mile Wilderness.
3. Chairback Mountain: Features some dramatic rock formations.
4. Barren Ledges: Offers great views of the surrounding wilderness and nearby ponds.

Nearby Camping Options:

1. Antlers Campsite: A beautiful lakeside campsite offering those peaceful views and a peaceful vibe.
2. Logan Brook Lean-to: Provides shelter and a place to rest near the base of White Cap Mountain.
3. Carl A. Newhall Shelter: A well-maintained shelter that is conveniently located for hikers tackling the Chairback Range.
4. Sidney Tappan Campsite: Offers tent sites and is located near Gulf Hagas, making it a great spot for those exploring the area.

Resources for Day Hiking on the Appalachian Trail

The Appalachian Trail Conservancy is the go-to source for day hikers. Whether you’re looking for trail guides, updates on trail conditions, or tips on responsible hiking, their official website has got you covered.

Wrap Up

Exploring the Appalachian Trail through day hikes offers a unique and captivating way to experience its diverse range of landscapes and natural wonders. From the stunning vistas of Blood Mountain in Georgia to the majestic peaks of the Presidential Range in New Hampshire, each section provides a distinct adventure for hikers of all skill levels. So let me know which of these are your favorites!

Happy hiking!

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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

What can be encountered during a day hike in the Smoky Mountains section of the trail?

During a day hike in the Smoky Mountains section of the trail, hikers can encounter a diverse range of landscapes, unique wildlife species, and notable landmarks like Clingmans Dome, the highest point on the trail. Specific trails or viewpoints worth experiencing are also recommended.

What makes Max Patch in North Carolina an iconic location for day hikers?

Max Patch in North Carolina is an iconic grassy bald with 360-degree views that is often considered a must-visit location for day hikers on the trail. It is relatively accessible and has family-friendly routes available for those hiking with children. It is suggested to time the hike to coincide with sunrise or sunset for a truly magical experience.

What is unique about Grayson Highlands in Virginia as a day hike location?

Grayson Highlands in Virginia is famous for its wild horses and unique rock formations that dot the landscape. The area’s scenic beauty is highlighted, and camping overnight to fully immerse in the surroundings is recommended if desired. Proper wildlife etiquette when encountering the ponies should be observed.

Why is McAfee’s Knob in Virginia one of the most photographed spots on the entire trail?

Honestly? You just have to see it for yourself!