The Appalachian Trail Runs Through This North Carolina Town And It’s The Ultimate Outdoor Playground

The Appalachian Trail in North Carolina makes Hot Springs a small-town outdoor playground. Remarkably, it is the only town in the state where the AT travels directly through town. One way to enjoy this experience is by hiking the section of the Appalachian Trail that leads from Garenflo Gap to the town of Hot Springs. The route is fairly wooded, yet there are nice vistas along the way. But for some, they have already come a long way, making this small town a welcome relief for a "zero" day.

Garenflo Gap to Hot Springs is a 6.5-mile point-to-point trail.

Access is at the Appalachian National Scenic Trailhead parking lot in Hot Springs, or you can start from town and make your own loop. It is good to know that if you aren't quite ready to take the hardcore plunge and do the whole Appalachian Trail, you can just do a section of it here. There is plenty to see and do all around the beautiful mountains of Hot Springs, North Carolina.

Depending on your skill level, this is graded as a moderately challenging route.

You'll find the pretty trail is well-maintained and nicely marked. The area is perfect for a choose your own adventure. If you have been hiking in North Carolina then you know what kind of beautiful wonders you are in store for in this mountainous forest.

The rustic AT shelter at Deer Park Mountain is a nice snacking place with a picnic table.

Don't forget to bring that sweet and succulent peanut butter and jelly sandwich and some refueling trail mix. You know the best kind with the M&Ms in them.

During your travels, you will catch a glimpse of Hot Springs below.

However, that's not the only view you'll see. You are in the lovely mountains of North Carolina, after all. Whenever I have done some North Carolina hiking, I have come to expect stunning and jaw-dropping scenery. This trail is no exception.

Descending on the town brings a welcome relief for those who have come a long way on the Appalachian Trail. If you have done the hard work of hiking through the whole Appalachian Trail, you can imagine how good it is to see civilization again. After all, Georgia is pretty far of a ways to walk, and Maine is even further.

For the residents here, what a gift to have these mountains as a place to run around and explore.

The trail through town is marked with granite Appalachian Trail markers embedded in the sidewalk.

Some weary travelers are putting their feet on concrete for the first time in a while.

Welcomed guests come through daily to the tune of more than 2,000 annually, as the thru-hikers head north to Maine.

Aren't we lucky to live near such an extraordinary natural wonder?

Watch this video for some live-action of hikers on the Appalachian Trail in North Carolina coming into Hot Springs.

https://youtu.be/d1oprGyut24

For more about Hot Springs, which is a small-town outdoor playground in North Carolina, visit the Hot Springs Area web page of the U.S. Forest Service. What do you think of this trail? Have you ever done the Appalachian Trail before? If you want to take this journey yourself then make sure you plan ahead and get the AllTrails app, where you can download the map for Appalachian Trail: Garenflo to Hot Springs.

Learn more amazing spots to see and things to do with this great podcast from OnlyInYourState about exploring North Carolina: