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Best Hiking Trails and Walks Near Winding Stair Campground

Please consult maps and be properly equipped before hiking. Have fun, and stay safe!

Check here for seasonal trail closures and forest alerts

The Appalachian Trail (AT) runs along the ridgeline directly north of Winding Stair Farm and Campground. Two nearby access points make reaching the AT easy: Wallace Gap (1.5 miles east on West Old Murphy Rd) and Winding Stair Gap (2.5 miles north on Hwy 64).

Top Hiking Trails from the Backcountry Parking Area

From Winding Stair Campground, head right onto West Old Murphy Road for about 1 mile. At Wallace Gap, turn right towards Standing Indian Campground. You’ll pass the Rock Gap parking area on the left, then continue past Standing Indian Campground (stay left at the fork). The Backcountry parking area will be on the right, approximately 3 miles from the farm and campground — an easy 10-minute drive. This area offers year-round access to some of the best hiking trails in the NC mountains.

Long Branch Trail

Located across from the parking area, Long Branch Trail is a beautiful 2.5-mile hike to Glassmine Gap (mile 103 on the AT). Enjoy the soothing sounds of Long Branch Creek and an abundance of wildflowers, especially in spring. It’s considered a moderate trail with a steep final quarter-mile climb to the Appalachian Trail.

From Glassmine Gap, hike south to the Albert Mountain Fire Tower (mile 98) for stunning views, or create a 25-mile loop via the Kimsey Creek Trail.
Head north from Glassmine Gap to reach Rock Gap (mile 104), Wallace Gap (mile 105), or Winding Stair Gap (mile 110).

Kimsey Creek Trail

This 4.5-mile scenic trail begins next to the info board at Standing Indian Campground. Cross the Nantahala River and follow Kimsey Creek upstream through lush forests and primitive campsites. After the second bridge, the trail becomes remote and wildflower-filled. It ends at Deep Gap (mile 84 on the AT), with options to continue north to Standing Indian Mountain or south to the Chunky Gal Trail.

Park Ridge / Park Creek Trail Loop

This 5-mile loop offers an easy and scenic hike, great for families. Start through Standing Indian Campground, following the Nantahala River downstream, and enjoy a beautiful, flat trail teeming with wildflowers like trilliums in May. Extend your adventure to a 10-mile loop by continuing to Park Gap and looping back via Park Ridge Trail.

More Mountain Hikes Beyond the Backcountry Center

From mid-April through December, Forest Service Road 67 opens beyond the Backcountry parking area, offering easy access to even more river and mountain trails in Western North Carolina.

Big Laurel Falls

A family-friendly 1-mile roundtrip hike to a stunning waterfall and a refreshing swimming hole. Located 4.5 miles past the Backcountry parking area.

Mooney Falls

A quick stop 5.5 miles past the Backcountry parking area. A short trail leads to both the top and bottom of beautiful Mooney Falls.

Albert Mountain Fire Tower

Drive 9.5 miles past the Backcountry parking area. Take a steep but short 1/3-mile rock scramble from the Bear Pen Trail, or a more gradual 0.5-mile hike from the trail end. The summit offers breathtaking 360-degree views of the NC mountains.

Pickens Nose

This moderate 1.5-mile roundtrip hike leads to dramatic rock outcroppings and sweeping views into Georgia. Located 8.7 miles past the Backcountry parking area, it’s one of the hidden gems of hiking in the NC mountains.

Chunky Gal Trail to Bolter Peak

A challenging 6-mile roundtrip hike with 1,500 feet of elevation gain, but rewarded by stunning open vistas of mountain ranges and Lake Chatuge. Trailhead is 5.5 miles west from Winding Stair Campground.

Siler Bald

Offering one of the best 360-degree views in Western North Carolina, this short but steep side trail off the AT is a must-visit.

South Approach: From Winding Stair Gap, hike north 4 miles on the AT to Snowbird Gap, then scramble left to Siler Bald’s summit.
North Approach: From Wayah Crest, hike south 1.5 miles on the AT to Snowbird Gap and reach Siler Bald.

Hikes & Walks