Hiking

Hiking and backpacking the High Country of Western North Carolina are popular activities for vacationers, tourists and residents alike. The Switzerland Inn is on the Blue Ridge Parkway at Mile Post 334 and centrally located to all of the region's great places to hike.

The Switzerland Inn is the very best in Blue Ridge Parkway Lodging. The Inn and Little Switerland NC are centrally located to all of the great attractions and vacation activities of Western North Carolina. Switzerland Inn is the closest hotel to Mount Mitchell.

Mount Mitchell Hiking

Mount Mitchell, the highest peak found in the eastern part of the United States, is home to several NC Mountain Hiking Trails. All of these great NC Hiking Trails are found in the Mt. Mitchell State Park, an area that has been protected since 1915. Many trails lead to the summit which rests at over 6,000 feet above sea level.

Mt. Mitchell is in the Black Mountains, an area named for the dark colored spruces and firs. Many of its ridges offer panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. The Mt. Mitchell State Park Trails are well maintained hiking trails and are all well mapped. There are many picnic areas, a visitor’s center and restaurant located at the park. Our charming mountain inn offers the very best in Blue Ridge Parkway Lodging nearby to Mt. Mitchell State Park and all of your favorite NC Hiking Trails.

Blue Ridge Parkway Hiking Trails

The Blue Ridge Parkway is a phenomenal place to hike in the Western NC Mountains and many of the parkway trails lead to breathtaking views of NC Mountain Waterfalls. Varying from easy to strenuous, the Blue Ridge Parkway Hiking Trails near Little Switzerland NC are great trails for families and group hikes. The Camp Creek Trail, found at Milepost 315.2 is an easy walking trail that is perfect for small children and older adults, and further down the parkway at Milepost 320.8 is another easy trail, the Chestoa View Trail, which is easily walked in 30 minutes. Harder trails like the Linville Falls and Gorge trails, and the Crabtree Falls Loop Trail lead to great views of both Linville Falls and Crabtree Falls, so be sure to bring your camera when hiking on these Blue Ridge Parkway NC Hiking Trails. To see panoramic views of the Black Mountains, Little Switzerland and the valley near Armstrong Creek, hike the Woods Mountain Trail found at Milepost 344.1. This two mile trail is a great trail for average hikers to try.

Grandfather Mountain Hiking Trails

Grandfather Mountain, about 35 miles away, has 11 NC Hiking Trails that vary in difficulty from easy nature walks to incredibly rigorous treks through some very steep wilderness. The easy paths begin just off the summit road and lead through deep forested areas to some scenic views. The other, extremely difficult, backcountry Grandfather Mountain Hiking Trails begin at numerous locations and lead hikers through 16 different climate terrains. Home to more than 70 rare or endangered species, Grandfather Mountain is a great place for hikers to see and experience all that the Blue Ridge Mountains have to offer. Many come to Grandfather Mountain NC to enjoy a great NC Hiking Trip; if you and your group are visiting Grandfather for hiking and endless outdoor fun, then stay with us at the Little Switzerland Inn, the very best of the North Carolina Mountain Inns in the High Country.

For area rafting trips, please go to www.ncrafting.com.