Hiking Trails in Graham County

A large portion (68%) of Graham County is located within the boundaries of the Nantahala National Forest, which is administered by the United States Forest Service. This allows residents and visitors the opportunity to hike in some of the most beautiful woodlands in the Eastern United States. Hiking trails abound in all parts of the county. There are over 40 trails varying in scenery, terrain, and degree of difficulty. The trails range from mountain top panoramas to lake side vistas. You may choose a 30 minute stroll with the family or, for the more adventurous, there are abundant wilderness areas for extended backpacking trips. So, whether you are a day tripper or are preparing for the Appalachian Trail, Graham County has a trail to satisfy your needs.

SAFETY:  Safety first, last and always.   Read the information page on the effects of hypothermia and wind chill.

FIRE:  Information on fire potential in National Parks and National Forests.

The trails listed below can be found marked on the Nantahala National Forest, Recreation Guide R8-RG 3, printed by the USDA Forest Service, Southern Region. This is an excellent and inexpensive guide to the facilities in the Nantahala National Forest. The trail numbers correspond to those trail number found on this map.

SPECIAL NOTE: The trail descriptions are brief and to the point. If details of each trail, rock and tree were provided, there would be less surprise and discovery for you on your hiking adventure. If you do need more details, I would recommend the following books, maps and websites:

• World Wide Hiking Guide
  World Wide Hiking Guide is a website dedicated to serving the hiking community by providing trail information, gear resources, hiking advice and tips, safety concerns, and books and magazines dealing with outdoor activities.
• Hiking Trails of Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock and Citico Creek Wilderness Areas, by Tim Homan, Peachtree Publishers, Ltd., Atlanta
• North Carolina Hiking Trails, Third Edition, by Allen de Hart, Appalachian Mountain Club Books, Boston
• Where Nature Reigns The Wilderness Areas of the Southern Appalachians, by Jack Horan, Down Home Press, Asheboro, N.C.

• About the Cheoah Ranger District

• Tsali Recreation Area

  • Tsali Recreation Facilities include camping, horseback riding, mountain bike trails, hiking trails, boating access, fishing, water skiing, picnicking, and nature study.
  • Mouse Branch Loop Trail #153 is a 5.3 mile well used loop trail rated easy to moderate.
  • Thompson Loop Trail #152 is a 7.4 mile well used loop trail rated easy to moderate.

• Panther Creek Area

  • Panther Creek Trail #68 is an 8.0 mile little used backtrack trail rated as moderate.

• Fontana Village Area

  • Lookout Rock Trail #40 is a 2 mile round trip on a well used trail rated as moderate to strenuous. Shallow stream crossings require caution.
  • Lewellyn Cove Nature Trail #50 is a 1.6 mile well used loop trail rated as easy.
  • Cable Cove Recreation Area is an excellent water sport and camping facility.

• Yellow Creek Mountain Area

  • Yellow Creek Mountain Trail #48 is a 18½ mile backtrack or 12 to 13 mile through trail rated as strenuous.

• Joyce Kilmer/Slickrock Wilderness Area

  • Joyce Kilmer Memorial Trail #43 is designated a National Recreation Trail that traverses a rare eastern stand of virgin forest. It is a 2 mile figure eight loop rated as easy.
  • Slickrock Creek Trail #42 is 13.0 miles of combination backtrack, loops and through trails rated moderate to extremely strenuous. Good area for backpack camping trips and stream fishing.
    • *Ike Branch Trail #45 is a 2.2 mile trail connecting with the Slickrock Creek Trail at  two locations. This trail is rated easy to moderate.
    • *Nichols Cove Branch Trail #44 is 3.1 mile trail connecting with the Slickrock Creek Trail. This trail is rated easy to moderate.
    • *Big Fat Branch Trail #41 is a 1.4 mile trail connecting the Slickrock Creek Trail and the Nichols Cove Branch Trail . It is rated easy to moderate.
  • Naked Ground Trail #55 is a 5.7 mile backtrack or loop that is rated as moderate to very strenuous.
  • Hangover Lead South Trail #56 and *Hangover Lead North Trail #56
    • *Deep Creek Trail #46
    • *Locust Ridge Trail #401
    • *Big Fat Branch Trail #41
    • *Windy Gap Trail #400
    • *Yellowhammer Gap Trail #49
    • *Ike Branch Trail #45

• Santeetlah Creek Area, Stewart Cabin, & Swan Cabin

  • The Santeetlah Creek Area
  • Stewart Cabin
  • Swan Cabin (Reservations required)

• Massey Branch Ranger District

  • Cheoah Trail #143 is a 2.3 mile loop trail through managed timber stands and is rated as easy.
  • Massey Branch Fitness Trail is a 0.55 mile loop fitness course with 8 fitness stations.

• Snowbird Mountain Area

  • Snowbird Loop Nature Trail #55 is a ½ mile loop trail rated as easy.
  • *Big Snowbird Trail #64
  • *Snowbird Mountain Trail #415
  • *Sassafras Creek Trail #65
  • *Middle Falls Trail #64A

• Cheoah Mountain Area

  • Stecoah Gap to Cheoah Bald on the Appalachian Trail is 12.5 mile round-trip trail rated as strenuous. Good for a first time wilderness over night camping hike.
  • *Wauchecha Bald Trail #47 is an 16½ mile round-trip over rugged terrain. It is rated as very strenuous. This is a trail for experienced hikers that are in good condition. A through hike of 10 miles is also possible.
  • *Bear Creek Trail #62 is a 6½ mile round-trip that is rated as moderate to strenuous.