Hiking Adventures You Can Take This Spring

Hiking is an activity that many students at Elon University can’t get enough of. With tranquil local nature trails as close as 10 minutes away and some of the country’s most beautiful mountains scattered around the state, it’s no wonder that hiking is a popular pastime here. As the weather is growing warmer, it’s finally time to get outside and start exploring again. Although there are endless options of hiking spots to choose from, we put together a list of some of the most picturesque trails that are worth visiting this spring.

Grandfather Mountain

Although Grandfather mountain is a few hours away from Elon, its spectacular views of the Blue Ridge Mountains are well worth the drive. Its location near the outdoorsy town of Boone also makes this hiking spot the perfect opportunity for a weekend getaway. The park offers 11 trails to choose from, each with stunning, scenic views. You can also take a short trail, venturing up to the famous Mile High Swinging Bridge for a walk across the 80-foot long suspension bridge among the peaks. Whether you are looking for an adrenaline rush or looking to take pictures of gorgeous views and get some fresh air, this hiking spot is perfect for your spring adventure. 

Craggy Pinnacle Trail

If a weekend away in Asheville is in your plans, then hiking the Craggy Pinnacle Trail is a must. This high-elevation trail offers sweeping views at the summit, which only takes half of a mile to reach. The trail is famous for its unique, craggy trees covered in moss that line it. Your trek to the top will feel right out of a fairytale, especially when the wildflowers begin to bloom later in the spring. If you would rather go on a longer but easier hike, the Craggy Gardens trail is a two mile hike nearby with an equally beautiful landscape. On this trail, you will wind through the lush forest and come upon a wooden gazebo overlooking the Pisgah National Forest. 

Linville Gorge

You can find days worth of adventures to take at Linville Gorge, from mountain trails to waterfall hikes to incredibly scenic camping spots. In this wilderness area, you can hike to its picturesque summits or stroll along the Linville River at its depths. Along the eastern rim, you can hike the two-mile Table Rock Mountain trail that leads up to a flat, rocky summit with panoramic views of the gorge and the river. Hawksbill Mountain trail is another roughly two-mile trail with views of the neighboring mountains and jagged rock formations at the top. At the bottom of the gorge, you can hike the Linville Falls Plunge Basin trail down to enormous waterfalls.

We hope that you find some time this spring to get outside and explore what North Carolina has to offer!

Tag us @theedgemag to show us your spring adventures!