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Bakersville, North Carolina

Bakersville, North Carolina has a variety of top activities and attractions to explore. From scenic trails to adventurous activities, there is something for everyone. Must-visit attractions include the nearby Pisgah National Forest, which offers a range of activities such as hiking, camping, and fishing. Also nearby is the Blue Ridge Parkway, a 469-mile scenic byway that offers stunning views of the Appalachian Mountains. For a more leisurely experience, visit the nearby Roan Mountain State Park, where visitors can enjoy a variety of activities such as picnicking, swimming, and bird watching. No matter what type of outdoor explorer you are, Bakersville has something for you.

Top Spots in and near Bakersville

  • Bakersville, North Carolina

    Hiking from Carver's Gap to Hwy. 19 on the AT

    5.0
    20.7 mi
    The AT from Carver's Gap to HWY 19 is about 14.5 miles, but with side adventures, it could be roughly 20 miles. The trail crosses the road and continues up about a 400 ft. elevation gain to the first of the balds. This section of the AT is beautiful at near 6000 ft. above sea level and you will g...
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  • Bakersville, North Carolina

    Cloudland Trail

    5.0
    2.46 mi / 276 ft gain
    Cloudland Trail is an out-and-back trail offering up expansive views of the surrounding area especially from Roan Bluff. This trail is located near Bakersville, North Carolina. With minimal ups and downs, this makes for a decent family-friendly option. The trail is also dog friendly on-leash.  
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  • Bakersville, North Carolina

    Appalachian Trail: Carvers Gap to Roan Mountain

    5.0
    6.98 mi / 1204 ft gain
    Appalachian Trail: Carvers Gap to Roan Mountain is an out-and-back trail near Bakersville, North Carolina. This trail is not too crowded, so don't be surprised if you're the only one taking in the view. Keep in mind the 1200+ foot climb along this trail if you're accustomed to hiking a longer dis...
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  • Bakersville, North Carolina

    Grassy Ridge Bald in the Roan Highlands

    5.0
    4.84 mi / 932 ft gain
    Once you've parked at Carver's Gap (5500'), the trailhead is pretty easy to find. Simply cross the highway and jump onto the Appalachian Trail, right on the border of North Carolina and Tennessee. Head north on the AT as you head through the Roan Mountain Balds. In the very beginning of the hike,...
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  • Bakersville, North Carolina

    Round Bald via Carver's Gap

    4.3
    1.72 mi / 338 ft gain
    This super easy hike to the campsites near Round Bald is the perfect intro to backpacking for kids or newbies, but serves just as well for the more experienced backpackers who can't squeeze a longer trip in over the weekend. This short (.5 mile) hike in leads to a grassy opening with amazing vie...
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  • Bakersville, North Carolina

    Backpack to Overmountain Shelter in the Roan Highlands

    5.0
    5.5 mi / 900 ft gain
    Starting from the Carver Gap Parking area (do not leave belongings visible in your vehicle) head North on the Appalachian Trail (cross the road and head up the hill past the kiosk). Stay on the Appalachian Trail for 5.5 miles climbing across open balds and treking through forests and wildflower p...
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  • Bakersville, North Carolina

    Appalachian Trail: Carvers Gap to Yellow Mountain Barn

    12.28 mi / 2720 ft gain
    Appalachian Trail: Carvers Gap to Yellow Mountain Barn is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Bakersville, North Carolina.
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  • Roan Mountain, Tennessee

    Roan Highlands: Carvers Gap to US 19E via Appalachian Trail

    5.0
    15.47 mi / 2598 ft gain
    The Roan highlands, possibly one of the best sections of the Appalachian Trail, is a section of grassy balds that range from 5000-6000 feet following the A.T. Start at Carvers Gap ( Highway 261 NC / Highway 143 TN) on the TN/NC border. You can either leave a car at Highway 19E or arrange for a s...
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  • Roan Mountain, Tennessee

    Jane Bald via Appalachian Trail

    4.8
    2.64 mi / 581 ft gain
    This journey begins at Carvers Gap, on the border of North Carolina and Tennessee. At a beginning elevation of 5512 ft. you will cross the road from the parking area to the trailhead, on the Appalachian Trail, northbound. The trail climbs gently through grasslands and rhododendron before enter...
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  • Burnsville, North Carolina

    Camp at Snaggy Mountain

    Snaggy Mountain is privately owned land that offers a beautiful camping spot located just outside of the Pigsah National Forest. It's completely secluded by an Apple Orchard and is a great home base for several hiking adventures in the area. The location on the map will get you to the parking spo...
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  • Roan Mountain, Tennessee

    Hughes Gap to Roan High Bluff

    10.92 mi / 2986 ft gain
    Hughes Gap to Roan High Bluff is an out-and-back trail that provides a good opportunity to view wildlife located near Bakersville, North Carolina.
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  • Newland, North Carolina

    Big Hump Mountain via the Appalachian Trail

    4.5
    7.83 mi / 2021 ft gain
    Towering over Little Hump Mountain, Big Hump Mountain offers one of the clearest views on the Appalachian Trail. Big Hump Mountain is located in the Roan Highlands North of Bradley Gap. This peak is not as traveled as other popular hikes in the area despite its massive size because of the intense...
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  • Newland, North Carolina

    Hike to Bradley Gap along the Appalachian Trail

    4.6 mi / 1339 ft gain
    Bradley Gap rests along the Appalachian Trail overlooking North Carolina and Tennessee mountains. Part of the Roan Highlands, Bradley Gap can be accessed via Yellow Mountain Gap Trailhead. Follow the Roaring Fork Trail from the trailhead until you intersect the Appalachian Trail (White Blaze) app...
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  • Unicoi, Tennessee

    Red Fork Falls Trail

    3.5
    0.68 mi / 190 ft gain
    Red Fork Falls Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Unicoi, Tennessee.
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  • Unicoi, Tennessee

    Camp at Unaka Mountain Overlook

    4.0
    0.1 mi
    Unaka Mountain Overlook is one of the highest locations in the Cherokee National Forest. Easily accessibly by vehicle, the overlook towers over the surrounding mountains, including Beauty Spot Gap, and is an ideal spot to camp overnight. Take Rock Creek Road until you meet the border of North Car...
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  • Burnsville, North Carolina

    Backpack the Black Mountain Crest Trail

    12 mi / 5390 ft gain
    The Black Mountain Crest Trail is legendary among hikers in the southeast. It is the highest trail east of the Mississippi, as it traverses the summit of several peaks over 6,000 feet. It is also widely acknowledged as one of the premier hikes on the east coast. To whit, the trail immediately asc...
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Camping and Lodging in Bakersville

Linville Falls Campground
Newland, North Carolina

Linville Falls Campground

Carolina Hemlocks Rec Area
Burnsville, North Carolina

Carolina Hemlocks Rec Area

Rock Creek Recreation Area
37692

Rock Creek Recreation Area

Dennis Cove Campground
Hampton, Tennessee

Dennis Cove Campground

Black Mountain Campground
Burnsville, North Carolina

Black Mountain Campground

Briar Bottom Group Campground
Burnsville, North Carolina

Briar Bottom Group Campground

Guides, Insights and Stories from Bakersville

A photographer's road trip guide to the North Carolina mountains

A photographer's road trip guide to the North Carolina mountains

Mallory Fountain

Appalachian Trail - First 5%

Appalachian Trail - First 5%

Cody Markham

 5 Awesome Trail to Town Adventures Near Asheville, NC

5 Awesome Trail to Town Adventures Near Asheville, NC

Erin McGrady

Part II: Exploring the Blue Ridge Parkway Near Asheville - South

Part II: Exploring the Blue Ridge Parkway Near Asheville - South

Erin McGrady

Part I: Exploring the Blue Ridge Parkway near Asheville - North

Part I: Exploring the Blue Ridge Parkway near Asheville - North

Erin McGrady