+ 29
Appalachian Trail: Sam's Gap to Nolichucky River (AT, Big Bald, Little Bald, High Rocks)
Hiking Trail
Hard
23.58 mi
5,598 ft
A shorter AT segment best known for its summit of Big Bald.
This segment of the Appalachian Trail is just a short drive away from Asheville, NC and a great pit stop for anyone traveling through the area. Starting from Sam's Gap, the trail begins with a steep climb to get you warmed up. Less than 2 miles in, there is a clearing that serves as a great picnic spot for a short day hike. There are multiple shuttle services that stop here. Some offer point to point section hike options, and others take thru-hikers into town for a resupply. After a brief descent, the trail crosses a dirt road along private property and a shelter not long after. The main climb to Big Bald begins here. The shelter is a great camping opportunity and is often full during thru-hiker season. In the offseason, you would likely have it to yourself. After a steep approach to the summit, you are rewarded with panoramic views of both North Carolina and Tennessee. A USGS survey marker denotes the summit of the bald. The strong winds make it a volatile place to camp, but many push their luck in order to get an unadulterated view of the stars. While many turn around here for a 13-mile round trip day hike, the AT continues down to Little Bald just a few hundred feet below. Following a few more miles, a small sign denotes an overlook just off the trail, a landmark known as High Rocks. Take a few minutes to take in the view before re-entering the "green tunnel" and heading to Nolichucky River. Written by Brendon Voelker
This segment of the Appalachian Trail is just a short drive away from Asheville, NC and a great pit stop for anyone traveling through the area. Starting from Sam's Gap, the trail begins with a steep climb to get you warmed up. Less than 2 miles in, there is a clearing that serves as a great picnic spot for a short day hike. There are multiple shuttle services that stop here. Some offer point to point section hike options, and others take thru-hikers into town for a resupply. After a brief descent, the trail crosses a dirt road along private property and a shelter not long after. The main climb to Big Bald begins here. The shelter is a great camping opportunity and is often full during thru-hiker season. In the offseason, you would likely have it to yourself. After a steep approach to the summit, you are rewarded with panoramic views of both North Carolina and Tennessee. A USGS survey marker denotes the summit of the bald. The strong winds make it a volatile place to camp, but many push their luck in order to get an unadulterated view of the stars. While many turn around here for a 13-mile round trip day hike, the AT continues down to Little Bald just a few hundred feet below. Following a few more miles, a small sign denotes an overlook just off the trail, a landmark known as High Rocks. Take a few minutes to take in the view before re-entering the "green tunnel" and heading to Nolichucky River. Written by Brendon Voelker
Route and Elevation
Segments
| Name | Distance | Elev. Diff. | Avg. Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. 23 Climb | 0.39 mi | 226 ft | 10.8% |
| Sam’s Gap to Big Bald | 6.34 mi | 1,759 ft | 5.2% |
| James H. Quillen Parkway Climb | 0.82 mi | 568 ft | 13.0% |
| Appalachian Trail Climb | 0.43 mi | 220 ft | 9.6% |
| Appalachian Trail Climb | 0.45 mi | 187 ft | 7.7% |
| Appalachian Trail Climb | 0.47 mi | 312 ft | 12.6% |
| Appalachian Trail Climb | 0.49 mi | 381 ft | 14.7% |