Welcome to our channel! If you have done those other hikes, you are a great candidate for Grandfather Mountain. That is the one hike in our backyard. An absolutely wonderful place and a challenging, rewarding hike, indeed! Thanks for the comment.
I've done the Franconia Ridge in N.H. many times and it's spectacular. Another one is the Presidential range, via Crawford Path. Both of these are ridge hikes with great views. Check the weather before you go. Many people have died because of exposure. Bring warm clothes, even if it's 80 degrees at the bottom.
I love the bee hive especially in early spring. If you do it in the fall you can start at the precipice trail and make a loop with the beehive. It’s a great hike do it every fall.
That's an aggressive timeframe. It took us much more than a few months. But you should be thrilled with the experience if you do it. If you would, please leave a comment once you take those hikes. We would love to hear about it!
Pretty excellent list. I did Old Rag multiple times in the past (great rock scrambles!), and Leconte once. Also did the Beehive, partly, until my sister balked at a particularly exposed iron rung section, and we had to go back down. Sissy sister!
5. Cadillac Mt. via Dorr Mt. Trail - Acadia National Park, ME 4. Old Rag Mountain - Shenandoah National Park, VA 3. Baxter Creek Trail to Mt. Sterling - Great Smoky Mountains National Park, NC 2. Grandfather Trail - Grandfather Mountain State Park, NC 1. Massie Gap to Mt. Rogers on the Appalachian Trail - Grayson Highlands State Park, VA
I did leconte a few weeks ago and I had to wear my micro spikes. Super icy half way up and snow was knee deep on me on some parts. Spring and fall would be great to go again. I ended up doing 19 miles. Went to rainbow falls and back down to the alum cave parking lot. I only did partial of grandfather mountain because it was icy and snow. Didn’t get to macrae peak because I had my dog and couldn’t do the ladders and I didn’t have spikes at the time either. Ended up turning around because I got too cold. Want to go back to that too.
Sound like quite the hike to Leconte. It was our first trip when we attempted Leconte years ago that we realized that it is best to bring spikes in the winter. At Grandfather we were able to navigate the ladders with spikes, but a dog would not be so lucky. Grandfather will call your name for a return! "The mountains are calling - and I must go!" Thanks for commenting.
Old rag was definitely harder than I thought, I tell people that’s probably the limit of hiking before needing ropes. Passed a family doing this with very small children. Thought they were insane and alittle bit reckless..
Most of these are longer hikes, so we try to start (i.e. get to the trailhead) between sunrise and 8am. Crowds can be a factor too, which is why we started Beehive at sunrise. If you're not close to the trailhead, it might mean some driving in the dark. The only exception is in the winter when crowds are lighter and temperatures are lower - a later start might be little better.
There are good arguments that Katahdin should be on this list. A bit more remote that the others, our list has a little more mass appeal. But the Katahdin hike itself is indeed worth of consideration. Thanks so much for the comment. You are right to bring it up.
Hiked old rag it was definitely a challenge but very rewarding
Just found your channel, what a treat! I have done 4 out of 5.... have to get to Grandfather Mountain! Franconia Ridge my favorite to date.
Welcome to our channel! If you have done those other hikes, you are a great candidate for Grandfather Mountain. That is the one hike in our backyard. An absolutely wonderful place and a challenging, rewarding hike, indeed! Thanks for the comment.
I've done the Franconia Ridge in N.H. many times and it's spectacular. Another one is the Presidential range, via Crawford Path. Both of these are ridge hikes with great views. Check the weather before you go. Many people have died because of exposure. Bring warm clothes, even if it's 80 degrees at the bottom.
I’ve done 3 of 5 on this list. Quality list and good info for anyone planning hikes in these areas.
Thanks for the comment. I'm sure there are other great hikes, but these are our favs! Congrats on tackling the 3. You have 2 to go. ;-)
I love the bee hive especially in early spring. If you do it in the fall you can start at the precipice trail and make a loop with the beehive. It’s a great hike do it every fall.
That is a great tip. I didn’t know you could do that. It’s on our bucket list! Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment.
I've done Old Rag quite a few times, doing Mt Lafayette tomorrow, and the Beehive Loop in a few days! Awesome list :)
Great video guys hope to hike all 5 in the next few months
That's an aggressive timeframe. It took us much more than a few months. But you should be thrilled with the experience if you do it. If you would, please leave a comment once you take those hikes. We would love to hear about it!
For Beehive loop how long is it? Cause Google says 1 mile but you guys have backpacks on so I’m confused
Pretty excellent list. I did Old Rag multiple times in the past (great rock scrambles!), and Leconte once. Also did the Beehive, partly, until my sister balked at a particularly exposed iron rung section, and we had to go back down. Sissy sister!
I like how old the footage shows you driving to the area
I have yet to do Old Rag and the Grandfather Peaks, but I agree all the others are awesome and a lot of fun:). Thank you for sharing!
We are happy to hear that you agree with our picks. We hope you keep Old Rag and Grandfather on your radar! Thanks for the comment!
5. Cadillac Mt. via Dorr Mt. Trail - Acadia National Park, ME
4. Old Rag Mountain - Shenandoah National Park, VA
3. Baxter Creek Trail to Mt. Sterling - Great Smoky Mountains National Park, NC
2. Grandfather Trail - Grandfather Mountain State Park, NC
1. Massie Gap to Mt. Rogers on the Appalachian Trail - Grayson Highlands State Park, VA
No mention of the Great range traverse in the Adirondack's? Hands down one of the top 5 hardest hikes in the country
I think you have a good point - which means we need to travel there and check it out. Thanks for the tip.
I did leconte a few weeks ago and I had to wear my micro spikes. Super icy half way up and snow was knee deep on me on some parts. Spring and fall would be great to go again.
I ended up doing 19 miles. Went to rainbow falls and back down to the alum cave parking lot.
I only did partial of grandfather mountain because it was icy and snow. Didn’t get to macrae peak because I had my dog and couldn’t do the ladders and I didn’t have spikes at the time either. Ended up turning around because I got too cold. Want to go back to that too.
Sound like quite the hike to Leconte. It was our first trip when we attempted Leconte years ago that we realized that it is best to bring spikes in the winter. At Grandfather we were able to navigate the ladders with spikes, but a dog would not be so lucky. Grandfather will call your name for a return! "The mountains are calling - and I must go!" Thanks for commenting.
Old rag was definitely harder than I thought, I tell people that’s probably the limit of hiking before needing ropes. Passed a family doing this with very small children. Thought they were insane and alittle bit reckless..
Yes, indeed. If you get any more aggressive terrain, you’ll need ropes, cables or ladders. Love the old rag! Thanks for taking the time to comment.
putting the beehive trail over Katahdin is bonkers
A lot of people would freak out hiking the Knife's Edge.
What time do you usually head out to start these hikes?
Most of these are longer hikes, so we try to start (i.e. get to the trailhead) between sunrise and 8am. Crowds can be a factor too, which is why we started Beehive at sunrise. If you're not close to the trailhead, it might mean some driving in the dark. The only exception is in the winter when crowds are lighter and temperatures are lower - a later start might be little better.
I'm surprised Mount Katahdin in Maine isn't on here
There are good arguments that Katahdin should be on this list. A bit more remote that the others, our list has a little more mass appeal. But the Katahdin hike itself is indeed worth of consideration. Thanks so much for the comment. You are right to bring it up.
@@criscale3667there are many hikers on Katahdin most days
Have you guys done Mt Katahdin. In Baxter state park.
No, but we would love to! Looks fantastic. But it’s quite the journey to get there from North Carolina. Some day, though. Someday soon…
That lady at 8:54. She was a jerk. Thanks for sharing!
??? Who and Why
The audio was all over the place in this vid, but it was a really good vid so that makes up for it!
Need to put wva on the list
I’m so glad to hear you say that. I want to visit Seneca Rocks. Where do you recommend?
@@criscale3667 check out dolly sods lions head an chimney top on you tube
@@allowatt123 amen! But let’s keep that to ourselves 🤫
Did Franconia ridge last year and it was unbelievable. Be aware of the weather before you go fyi.
Oh my! Weather checking is very, very important. Some of the most brutal weather in the country is in that area. Thanks for the reminder!