Our short list of 10 favorite Spring hikes from Maryland to North Carolina. With wild flowers on Sugerloaf Mountain MD, to the magnificent balds of the Roan Highlands in NC, these 10 hikes are the ones we return to again and again.
Tony Van Vugt
Founder
Sugarloaf Mountain - Hyattstown, Maryland- 6.8 mile loop
Sugarloaf Mountain is the prominence visible in the Maryland piedmont as it rises out of the plains southeast of Frederick MD. The mountain and trails are maintained by Stronghold, Inc. a non-profit setup by Louise and Gordon Strong in 1946 to preserve the mountain so it could be enjoyed by everyone. The mountain has many wonderful hiking trails that can be combined to create several different loops. Follow our directions to enjoy the 6.8 mile variation of the blue Northern Peak Trail circuit. Maps, Directions, Trail Description
Harpers Ferry/Loudoun Heights - Harpers Ferry, West Virginia - 8.5 mile out/back
Loudoun Heights hike has several beautiful views of the Potomac River as it looks back at Harpers Ferry, and you can expect to see an abundance of wildflowers as you climb the ridge to the overlook. Significantly less crowded than the Maryland Heights route across the river, this is a good alternative if you're looking for some solitude. The first mile is also steeped with history, climbing a flight of steps hand hewn in the 1800's, passing St. Peters Roman Catholic Church, the ruins of St John's Episcopal Church, Jefferson Rock, and Harper Cemetery. Maps, Directions, Trail Description
Bryce Allison
Chief Trails Officer
McAfee Knob - Catawba, Virginia - 8.3 mile out/back
McAfee Knob is one of the most photographed spots on the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) as it winds its way through Virginia. Roanoke.com states: “In Virginia, McAfee Knob is the Appalachian Trail's poster and postcard image. Pick up an Appalachian Trail calendar and there's a good chance it's there.” The Knob has an almost 270 degree panorama of the Catawba Valley and North Mountain to the West, Tinker Cliffs to the North and the Roanoke Valley to the East. Maps, Directions, Trail Description
Big Schloss - Columbia Furnace, Virginia - 4.1 mile out/back
Big Schloss is another treasure in the George Washington National Forest. Relatively easy at only 4.4 miles and 1,000 vertical feet, it's the sister hike to Tibbet Knob which heads to the south from the same parking location. Enjoy spectacular panoramic views from the summit outcropping which was named by German immigrants, and is arguably one of the best in the mid-Atlantic region. Maps, Directions, Trail Description
Zachary Robbins
Zach's Mild Adventures
Roan Highlands A.T. - Carpenter Bottom, North Carolina - 4.7 or 19.3 mile out/back
With Spring temperatures already upon us, it is a perfect time to walk amongst the most magnificent balds that North Carolina has to offer. The Roan Highlands resemble the Scottish Highlands in name and scenery, as the Appalachian Trail crosses 5 bald summits above 5,000 feet in elevation. This area is frequently cited as the most scenic stretch of trail in the Southeast, and it can get quite crowded during the summer. Hike this in the Spring and you’ll have plenty of solitude while still enjoying the green swaths of grass and fields of mountain laurel, Catawba rhododendron, and flame azalea that bloom from May to June. The views are outstanding for many miles of open trekking. You’ll see the peaks of the Highlands, the Black Mountains, the Amphibolite Range, the Iron Mountains, and the spectacular profile of Grandfather Mountain. You can choose a short day hike from Carver’s Gap to Grassy Ridge Bald, a shuttle hike connecting with U.S. 19E, or a weekend backpacking trip at the Overmountain Shelter. Check this hike off your bucket list as soon as you can, because you’ll want to visit more than once. Maps, Directions, Trail Description
Grandfather Mountain Profile Trail - Linville, North Carolina - 11.3 mile out/back
Grandfather Mountain Daniel Boone Scout Trail - Linville, North Carolina - 11.5 mile out/back
Grandfather Mountain is one of the most beautiful, jagged landscapes in North Carolina and a hike along the extremely rugged crest trail should be on everyone’s list. Hiking here involves miles of exciting rock scrambles, ladders, cables, huge cliffs, exposed rocky summits, and views in every direction of tallest peaks in the Appalachian Mountains. As an international biosphere featuring 16 distinct ecosystems, many of the trees will be vibrant during Spring season. You’ll also be able to enjoy cool temperatures and few insects. There are 2 ways to experience all the mountain has to offer. Both start at the base and require steep climbs to the crest of the mountain. The Daniel Boone Scout and Cragway Trails begin at the Blue Ridge Parkway and travel through almost every ecosystem on their way to Calloway Peak, the tallest point of the mountain at 5,946 feet. The Profile Trail starts on the west side beside the Watauga River and is the toughest route, but you’ll get an intimate view of the Grandfather Profile. The Grandfather Trail along the crest is stunning and exhilarating as it connects Calloway Peak to Attic Window and MacRae Peaks along exposed cliffs. You’ll have cables and ladders to assist some climbs, but for many you only have your hands and feet. Hiking the mountain as the links describe will take a full day, but there are plenty of turnaround points to shorten the hike. There are also many excellent backcountry campsites for weekend warriors willing to haul a full pack up Grandfather Mountain. Maps, Directions, Trail Description: Profile Trail or Daniel Boone Scout Trail
Adam and Christine Anderson
Virginia Trail Guide
Sky Meadows - Paris, Virginia - 7.1 mile loop
Sky Meadows State Park is a springtime dream! The varied terrain and numerous loop options offer something for hikers of every level. The Appalachian Trail even meanders through the park. If you hike in mid-spring, you'll find abundant blooming redbuds, dogwoods, and wildflowers. The open meadows at the high point of the park provide a sweeping view of the Piedmont Valley with its barns and farmhouses dotting the landscape. Don't miss visiting historic Mt. Bleak House after your hike. Maps, Directions, Trail Description
Browns Hollow - New Market Gap, Virginia - 11.7 mile loop
If you're looking for a longer day hike or a short backpacking trip in the spring, the Browns Hollow Loop has it all! The route boasts lofty views, meadows, small waterfalls, and a clear mountain pond. At the height of spring, the trail explodes with blooming mountain laurel, native azaleas, and so many pink lady's slippers that you'll lose count. The best campsite on the loop sits alongside pretty Emerald Pond, but additional campsites are available along the stream and in a meadow near the pond. Maps, Directions, Trail Description
Jeff Monroe
Wandering Virginia
Cold Mountain - Oronoco, Virginia - 7.1 mile loop
Cold Mountain is spectacular any time of year because the views from the top are "Sound of Music" spectacular! The top of Cold Mountain is regularly mowed, allowing for acres of open fields. And families with young children can go straight up from the parking area - I have taken children as young as 5 to the summit. Bring a kite! At the top, enjoy a picnic and revel in views of mountains extending from Shenandoah National Park to south of Roanoke. Taking the full hike gives you more variety, and allows for flower viewing. Especially spectacular are the Eastern Turkeybeard flowers, which bloom in early to mid June and are found between the Cold Mountain summit and the A.T.'s junction with the Hotel Trail. Maps, Directions, Trail Description
GR Thompson Wildlife Management Area - Paris, Virginia - 7.9 mile loop
Folks come from all around in late April and early May to check out the Trillium blooming in this area. Though the WMA requires a fee to hike, the Appalachian Trail does not. Because this is a hunting area, your best day to hike is on a Sunday, when hunting is prohibited in Virginia on public lands. So many restrictions - so why come? To see one of the world's largest displays of Great White Trillium! Expect a crowd of hikers joining you, because this place is well known.
Maps, Directions, Trail Description