Skip to content
North Carolina events › Things to Do › Appalachian Trail in North Carolina
The Appalachian Trail runs 96.5 miles inside North Carolina and another 217.8 miles along the North Carolina-Tennessee line, through Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests and Great Smoky Mountains National Park, to Kuwohi at 6,643 feet.
- In North Carolina96.5 miper the Conservancy
- On the NC-TN Line217.8 mishared miles
- Highest Point6,643 ftKuwohi
- CheckedNov 22026
Facts at a Glance
| Detail | What the Official Source Says | Where We Read It |
|---|---|---|
| Miles in North Carolina | 96.5 A.T. miles in the state, plus 217.8 miles shared on the North Carolina-Tennessee border | Appalachian Trail Conservancy: North Carolina |
| Highest point | Kuwohi, 6,643 feet, the highest mountain on the whole A.T.; the state’s elevation range is 1,674 to 6,643 feet | Appalachian Trail Conservancy: North Carolina |
| Land crossed | Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests and Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Appalachian Trail Conservancy: North Carolina |
| Trail towns | Fontana Dam, Franklin and Hot Springs are recognized A.T. Communities | Appalachian Trail Conservancy: North Carolina |
| Counties crossed | Not stated on the official pages we read, so we print no county count | — |
| Difficulty | Not rated for the whole trail. Featured day hikes: Lover’s Leap, 2.6 miles, Moderate; Max Patch, 1.6 miles, Easy; Wayah Bald Lookout Tower, 0.3 miles, Accessible | Appalachian Trail Conservancy: North Carolina |
| Permits | Hikers need an advance permit for Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and shelter reservations may be required depending on trip length | Appalachian Trail Conservancy: North Carolina |
| Camping and food storage | Backpackers must stay at designated sites and hang food, scented items and trash on the bear cables provided | Appalachian Trail Conservancy: North Carolina |
| Best months | Not stated on the page we read | — |
| Dogs | Not stated on the page we read | — |
How Much of the A.T. Is in North Carolina?
The Appalachian Trail Conservancy’s North Carolina page counts 96.5 A.T. miles inside the state, and another 217.8 miles shared on the line between North Carolina and Tennessee. The trail passes through Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests and Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and tops out at Kuwohi, 6,643 feet, the highest point on the entire A.T.
Day Hikes, Difficulty and Towns
The Conservancy does not give the whole stretch a difficulty rating. It features three day hikes: Lover’s Leap (2.6 miles, Moderate), Max Patch (1.6 miles, Easy) and Wayah Bald Lookout Tower (0.3 miles, Accessible). It recognizes Fontana Dam, Franklin and Hot Springs as A.T. Communities.
Permits and Bear Rules
The page says hikers need an advance permit for Great Smoky Mountains National Park and that shelter reservations may also be needed for longer trips. Backpackers must stay at designated sites and hang food, scented items and trash on the bear cables provided. Rules change, so check the park and the Conservancy before you go.
Places on This Site Near The Trail
Our guide to Cherokee and Bryson City covers the towns on the North Carolina side of the Smokies, and Mountains and the Blue Ridge lists mountain guides. The Blue Ridge Parkway page covers the scenic drive.
What We Could Not Confirm
- The number of counties the trail crosses.
- Best months to hike and whether dogs are allowed. The page we read does not say; check the national forest or park you plan to enter.
- Trail conditions and closures today. Check the Conservancy and the land manager.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many miles of the Appalachian Trail are in North Carolina?
96.5 miles in the state, and 217.8 more shared on the North Carolina-Tennessee border, according to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy.
What is the highest point on the Appalachian Trail?
Kuwohi, at 6,643 feet, according to the Conservancy. It is on the North Carolina-Tennessee line in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Do I need a permit to backpack the A.T. in the Smokies?
The Conservancy says hikers need an advance permit for Great Smoky Mountains National Park and may need shelter reservations. Confirm with the park.
Which North Carolina towns are A.T. Communities?
Fontana Dam, Franklin and Hot Springs, according to the Conservancy.
Sources
- Appalachian Trail Conservancy: North Carolina (Nov 2, 2026; no publication date printed)
Read on November 2, 2026. How we check: editorial standards; spot a mistake? Tell us.
Cite this page: It's North Carolina, “Appalachian Trail in North Carolina”, itsnorthcarolina.com/things-to-do/appalachian-trail-in-north-carolina/ (updated ). By the It's North Carolina editorial team. Free to quote with attribution and a link to this page; data and tables are licensed CC BY 4.0.