Choose Your Base Camp
Hiking Near Hot Springs, NC
Hot Springs is where the Appalachian Trail walks straight down Main Street — a tiny river town wrapped in Pisgah National Forest and the Bald Mountains, with natural mineral springs on the French Broad.
Hot Springs is the smallest base of the group and the most single-minded about hiking. The AT runs through the center of town, so classic stretches start within a short drive: Lover's Leap on the cliffs above the French Broad, the climb to the Rich Mountain fire tower, and the bald at Max Patch about 25 minutes west. After a long day, the town's namesake hot mineral baths are a genuine draw.
There's one main street, a couple of cafes, an outfitter geared to thru-hikers, and the spa. It's a place to hike and soak, not to shop.
Trails near Hot Springs
Where to camp
Hot Springs Resort & Spa Campground
Riverside sites on the French Broad in the middle of town, walkable to the AT crossing and the mineral baths.
Rocky Bluff (Pisgah)
Forest Service campground three miles south on NC-209, quiet, with its own loop trail and access to Spring Creek.
Max Patch area
Primitive roadside sites near the Max Patch trailhead for hikers who want sunrise on the bald. Camping on the summit itself is no longer allowed.
Getting there & when to go
Getting there
35 minutes northwest of Asheville on US-25/70 along the French Broad. About an hour from Greeneville, TN. Nearest airport is Asheville (AVL).
Best season
The AT sees its heaviest thru-hiker traffic April through June, which is also when town is liveliest. Fall is quieter and the Bald Mountains color up through October. The springs are open year-round and best on a cold day.
Want the full picture before you drive?
Browse every WNC trail