Located in the Nantahala Wilderness Area, Standing Indian Mountain is the highest point along the Appalachian Trail south of the Smokey Mountains. This route begins along National Forest Road and follows the Appalachian Trail southeast on switchbacks to the top of Standing Indian. The views from the summit are incredible. The trail can be busy in April and May and if hiking in the winter, the forest road may not be maintained.

Beech Mountain is the highest downhill ski area in the east and many of the nearby trails in town become excellent for cross-country skiing when winter hits and snow is sufficient. The Wild Iris Trail is a lollipop loop trail that is easy to cover with only mild changes in elevation. There are other trails in the Beech Mountain area that can also be used for cross-country ski trips of varying distances/difficulties but snow is not always adequate so check current conditions before making the trip out.

Located within Moses H Cone Memorial Park, Bass Lake is a gorgeous lake with a family friendly loop trail surrounding it. This is an easy, scenic loop that is unpaved but suitable for wheelchairs and stroller. No bicycles or horses permitted. Cross country skiers will want to ski this soon after it snows and before walkers scatter footprints.

Located along the highest section of the Blue Ridge Parkway, Mount Mitchell State Park offers some nice hiking trails, including the Commissary Trail, which can get enough snow in the winter for cross-country skiing. The Blue Ridge Parkway, however, may not be passable when snow levels are adequate for skiing so check road conditions before setting out.

Moses Cone State Park offers almost 30 miles of carriage trails that cover the historic area and offer excellent snowshoeing cross-country skiing opportunity when snow is sufficient. This trip follows the Flat Top trail to the site of a historic cemetery. The trail continues on farther for a longer trip if desired. The carriage trails are not groomed and cover some rolling terrain to add some challenge. The campgrounds, historic sites, and amenities within the park are only open during the spring throughs summer.

Moses Cone State Park offers almost 30 miles of carriage trails that cover the historic area and offer excellent snowshoeing cross-country skiing opportunity when snow is sufficient. This trip follows the Flat Top trail down to a small scenic lake. The trail continues on past the lake and connects to other trails providing the option for a longer outing. The carriage trails are not groomed and cover some rolling terrain that can be challenging. The campgrounds, historic sites, and amenities within the park are only open during the spring throughs summer.

The Appalachian Trail is over 2,000 miles long and stretches between Georgia and Maine. This section located in eastern Tennessee skirts along the western edge of Watauga Lake beginning at the Dam. The trail is long and hard climbing to reach the ridge of Iron Mountain. March through May is the popular window for folks taking long trips. Other months you will most likely have the mountain to yourself. Winter trips can be snowy and icy but doable.