The Appalachian Trail (AT) is a legendary footpath spanning over 2,190 miles from Georgia to Maine. Traversing 10 states, the AT beckons hikers with its diverse landscapes, stunning vistas, and a sense of adventure that’s hard to resist. North Carolina, with its rolling mountains, cascading waterfalls, and vibrant forests, proudly boasts 257 miles of the Appalachian Trail, offering an array of day hikes that cater to varying abilities and preferences. Here are six of the best day hikes on the Appalachian Trail in North Carolina, promising an unforgettable blend of scenic beauty and physical challenge.

1. Black Balsam Knob

Kickstart your Appalachian Trail adventure with Black Balsam Knob, a moderately challenging 3.6-mile out-and-back hike. As you embark on this trail, immerse yourself in the lush spruce-fir forests that cloak the slopes of the Black Balsams. The reward for your ascent is the breathtaking summit of Black Balsam Knob, towering at 6,214 feet. Gaze across the panoramic vista that unfolds before you, encompassing the rolling hills of the Great Balsam Mountains and the distant peaks of the Nantahala National Forest. Allow ample time at the summit to soak in the awe-inspiring views and savor the tranquility of nature’s embrace.

2. Art Loeb Trail

Lace up your hiking boots for a classic day hike along the Art Loeb Trail, a 2.2-mile out-and-back trail that epitomizes the grandeur of the Blue Ridge Mountains. This moderately challenging trail winds through dense forests, leading you to the cascading beauty of Big Creek Falls. The trail’s namesake, Art Loeb, dedicated his life to promoting the preservation of the AT, and his legacy lives on through this enchanting trail. Along your hike, revel in the symphony of colors painted by the vibrant wildflowers and marvel at the ancient rock formations that whisper tales of time.

3. Standing Indian Loop

Embark on a 5.4-mile loop hike on the Standing Indian Loop, a strenuous but rewarding trail that transports you to the heart of the Nantahala National Forest. Prepare for a series of steep ascents and descents as you navigate the rugged terrain. The trail culminates at the summit of Standing Indian Mountain, where you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking 360-degree views. Take a moment to soak in the panoramic vistas of the surrounding peaks, including the iconic silhouette of Mount Mitchell, the highest point in eastern North America.

4. Grandfather Mountain Loop

Challenge yourself with the Grandfather Mountain Loop, a 2.4-mile loop trail that ascends to the summit of Grandfather Mountain, one of the most iconic peaks in the Blue Ridge Mountains. As you conquer the steep switchbacks, admire the diverse flora that carpets the mountain’s slopes. The trail leads to the summit, where you’ll encounter dramatic rock formations and sweeping views of the surrounding landscape. Don’t miss the opportunity to venture onto the Mile High Swinging Bridge, a thrilling experience that will leave you soaring above the clouds.

5. Linville Gorge Loop

Step into the depths of Linville Gorge Wilderness on the Linville Gorge Loop, a 6.5-mile loop trail that showcases the dramatic beauty of this rugged canyon. The trail descends into the gorge, taking you past cascading waterfalls and sheer cliffs. Cross the suspension bridge over the roaring Linville River, and continue your journey through dense forests. As you navigate the loop, marvel at the towering rock formations that rise like ancient guardians of the gorge. Break for a picnic lunch by one of the many waterfalls, immersing yourself in the tranquility of nature’s symphony.

6. Mount Mitchell Trail

Culminate your Appalachian Trail day hiking adventures with the Mount Mitchell Trail, a challenging yet rewarding 5.6-mile out-and-back trail that leads to the summit of Mount Mitchell, the highest point in eastern North America. As you ascend the mountain’s slopes, traverse a variety of terrains, from dense forests to open balds. Embrace the challenge of gaining elevation, and savor the sense of accomplishment as you reach the summit. At the top, revel in the panoramic views that stretch for miles, encompassing the rolling hills and distant peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Allow ample time at the summit to soak in the awe-inspiring vistas and savor the triumph of your journey.

Culture, Best Months to Visit, Nearby Transportation, Local Food, Best Hotels, and Conclusion

North Carolina’s vibrant Appalachian Trail culture is woven into the fabric of local communities, with hikers, outdoor enthusiasts, and conservationists sharing a deep appreciation for this iconic footpath. The best months to experience the AT in North Carolina are April to May and September to October, when the weather is generally mild and the crowds are smaller. Transportation to the trailheads is readily available, with access via scenic byways and designated parking areas. After a day of hiking, indulge in the local cuisine, featuring hearty dishes like Appalachian stew and fresh trout. Consider staying at one of the charming inns or campgrounds nearby, immersing yourself in the region’s warm hospitality. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a nature enthusiast seeking an unforgettable adventure, the 6 Best Day Hikes on the Appalachian Trail in North Carolina offer a perfect blend of scenic beauty, physical challenge, and cultural immersion. Embark on these trails, and create lasting memories amidst the grandeur of the Appalachian wilderness.

Conference realignment has changed the dynamic of college sports, with the SEC and Big Ten strengthening their lineup. Texas and Oklahoma moved to the SEC, while the Big Ten added UCLA, Oregon, USC, and Washington. This has left powerhouse schools from other conferences in limbo, such as North Carolina. The Tar Heels are one of the college basketball blue bloods and have a competitive football program, so they would be a quality addition to any conference. UNC is also a premier academic school, and the state is the third-fastest growing in the country.

North Carolina is the backbone of the ACC, so any movement could shake up the entire conference. If you love the Tar Heels, or just want the latest updates and news on conference realignment discussions, be sure to see what the proven team of insiders are saying at Inside Carolina, the 247Sports affiliate that covers the North Carolina Tar Heels.

Inside Carolina is universally viewed as the authority on Tar Heel sports and recruiting. With relentless, unparalleled year-round coverage, and the largest online community of always-engaged UNC fans, the slogan is true: “There is no offseason at Inside Carolina.”

Inside Carolina has been “The Independent Voice of UNC Sports” since 1994, and is a network partner with 247Sports and CBS Sports. The Inside Carolina staff is composed of experienced, professional reporters and analysts whose job is to provide readers with objective coverage. The publication is independently owned and operated, and is not affiliated with the University. It is fully credentialed by UNC, the ACC and the NCAA. 

The team at Inside Carolina has full coverage of conference realignment talks and what UNC could prioritize amid the ever-changing college sports landscape. Head to Inside Carolina now to see all the insider info.

North Carolina conference realignment news, updates 

University of North Carolina officials reportedly find themselves at odds in determining the best route to take regarding conference realignment. The board voted to approve a $134.97 million athletics budget for the 2024-25 fiscal year as well as an audit of the athletic department’s financial picture. Some officials believe the best path forward is to bolster the ACC, while others think moving to the SEC or Big Ten would be the right move.

“(North Carolina interim chancellor Lee) Roberts noted that the ESPN television contract has a renewal period in February, and that likely is (ACC commissioner Jim) Phillips’ best opportunity to settle the mess that lies before him. It’s also likely why the tensions have flared up in recent months as UNC leadership grapples with its best path forward,” Inside Carolina columnist Greg Barnes said. Join Inside Carolina now to see the latest news on the future conference alignment of North Carolina’s athletics. 

How to get insider North Carolina sports news updates

The team at Inside Carolina has also mentioned another university that may give the ACC the boost it needs to compete with the Big Ten and SEC going forward. This school has a national following and high-end programs in the revenue-producing sports. Be sure to join Inside Carolina to get the latest ACC expansion news and updates on the current and future conference affiliation of North Carolina athletics.

Where do insiders believe UNC could lean amid conference realignment and turmoil? Go to Inside Carolina to see their insider information, all from a team of reporters with years of experience covering the Tar Heels, and find out. And reminder, Inside Carolina is offering 30% off the first year of an annual VIP membership*, so subscribe now before it’s too late.

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A Confederate monument at a North Carolina county courthouse is at the center of a lawsuit for what some say explicitly supports slavery.

And the words at the heart of contention are: “In appreciation of our faithful slaves.”

That quote has stirred a long battle in Tyrrell County, North Carolina. Several Black residents said in a recent federal lawsuit against the Tyrrell County Board of Commissioners that the words endorse slavery and violate the Equal Protection Clause in the Fourteenth Amendment.

History and art experts told USA TODAY the monument’s placement at the county’s courthouse sends a troubling message to Black residents.

“This civic monument is appallingly explicit in its pro-slavery message, communicating it not only in text but its proximity to a legal institution — suggesting that the destructive ‘Lost Cause’ narrative is not merely a myth but a lawful truth,” Jessica Baran, art history doctoral candidate at Washington University in St. Louis, wrote in an email.

The “Lost Cause” narrative refers in general to attempts to present the Civil War from the perspective of Confederates and in the best possible terms, according to the Encyclopedia Virginia. Developed by white Southerners, many of them former Confederate generals, the Lost Cause created and romanticized the “Old South” and the Confederate war effort, often distorting history in the process, according to the encyclopedia.

The nearly 23-foot-tall monument next to the Tyrrell County Courthouse is of a common Confederate soldier with a written tribute to “the Confederate cause.” It also contains a bust of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee, along with the words “in appreciation of our faithful slaves” on a separate panel, according to the University of North Carolina library.

Confederate Army Lt. Col. William F. Beasley gifted the county the monument in 1902. The courthouse opened in 1903, according to state records.

Concerned Citizens of Tyrrell County, the group suing the county commissioners to remove the monument, said in the lawsuit that the structure is likely the only one in the country at a courthouse that “expresses a racial discriminatory message.” The citizens group has rallied and spoken at county commissioner meetings to remove the structure with no luck, at times facing what they claim is racial intimidation by other residents.

“It’s really a racially hostile environment for them at this point in the county because they’re well known for having spoken out against this statute,” said Jaelyn Miller, attorney for Concerned Citizens of Tyrrell County. “It’s made some folks fearful to continue doing rallies and demonstrations because of that.”

Neither of the five Tyrell County Board of Commissioners responded to USA TODAY’s request for comment. According to UNC, county manager and attorney David Clegg and board chair Nathan “Tommy” Everett said state law prevents the statue’s removal, but Miller said the 2015 law only applies to structures on state-owned property.

Current Gov. Roy Cooper, a Democrat who has been governor since 2017, supports removals.

It’s the latest Confederate monument eyed for removal among hundreds after racial unrest across the nation. A white man killed nine Black worshippers in 2015 at a Charleston, South Carolina, church; white nationalists rallied in 2017 in Charlottesville, Virginia, leaving one woman dead; and hundreds protested George Floyd’s death in 2020, demanding an end to systemic racism.

“It’s not so much these monuments have been erased, it’s that they are being moved out of these conspicuous public spaces,” said W. Fitzhugh Brundage, a history professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

University of Alabama history professor Hilary Green, who couldn’t immediately be reached for comment, has tracked Confederate monument removals before and after the racist Charleston church shooting. The map was last updated in October 2023. She told the University of Alabama in 2020 that removals are the beginning of conversations about underlying issues and tensions in communities.

Special case because of location near courthouse

The Confederate monument is a special case, Brundage said, because of its inscription and location. He said white elites dedicated the monuments to each other, honoring their fights for the Confederacy. But the Tyrrell County monument doesn’t separate the army from slavery.

Other monuments across the country spoke about states’ rights.

“It is unusual to have a Confederate monument of any kind, but certainly not one in front of the courthouse that specifically links the commemoration of the Confederacy with the commemoration of the service of ‘faithful slaves,’” Brundage said. “It is an exceptional monument to make the linkage between the Confederacy and slavery as it does.”

Fight for the monument’s removal has directly affected some Black residents. Miller said Adriana Blakeman and Sherryreed Robinson, who are Black, faced armed supporters and were driven off the side of roads for their activism, which they alleged in the lawsuit. Miller said it was the latest intimidation tactics they faced as they’ve pursued the statue’s removal.

“That’s the sort of like double standard that they’re having to live through and threats to their physical safety,” Miller said.

Brundage said the lawsuit – and any future ones across the country – will be a spectacle with efforts picking up across the country to dismantle diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. He’s curious on how the national conversation will spill into the courts on cases filed under the Fourteenth Amendment.

“I’m wondering whether that backlash will, in any way, impact the ability of activists to appeal to a language of inclusion as grounds for the removal of these monuments,” he said. “There just seems to be less, at least in the political discourse, sympathy or less tolerance for the language of inclusion.”

Contact reporter Krystal Nurse at knurse@USATODAY.com. Follow her on X, formerly Twitter, @KrystalRNurse.