Top 5 Sections in North Carolina

You could probably make a good case for just about any order
depending on what you value most or find the most annoying.
I only seek to enlighten.

1-Hot Springs to Erwin. The most features with the least amount of
trauma. Lovers Leap at one end, a dramatic view down to the
Nolichucky at the other . Little treats along the way like White Rocks
and Blackstack Cliffs, Firescald and Butt Mountain with the stunning
finale of Big Bald. Tough as it is to leave Hot Spings, this section is
the reward.

2-Erwin to Elk Park. The only downside to this section is the
twenty miles of not very much between Beauty Spot and Carvers Gap.
After Carvers, it’s magnificent with Round Bald, Grassy Ridge and
the Humps in quick succession. As a bonus, the Overmountain Shelter
is worth the side trip either as a lunch spot or an overnight.

3-Dicks Creek Gap to NOC. Extraordinarily beautiful but very
tough. Assuming you haven’t expired hiking in and out of Bly Gap
the Standing Indian portion is a gem. Follow that with a Siler, Wayah
and Wesser Balds and thru-hiking doesn’t seem that crazy after all.

4-The Smokies. You’ve probably guessed by now that as much as I
love the rest of the Carolina AT, I’m not a fan of the Smokies. They
still have their better moments. The wildlife and the flowers. The
outlooks, sidelooks and overlooks. Both the trail and the mountains
themselves are unique. And their cultural importance to the region
should not be overlooked.

5-Davenport Gap to Hot Springs. Can you say Max Patch? The
rest of the section isn’t stupendous but then again, it isn’t horrible either.
Walking in the woods can offer more variety than you might think
especially here. And if that doesn’t work for you, there’s Hot Springs.