When it comes to hiking in the Southeast, the Appalachian Trail tends to get all the attention. While this famous thru-hike certainly deserves all the love it gets, most of us aren’t about to take on a 2,000-mile-plus trail. Luckily, there are plenty of other five-star trails for the day hikers and weekend warriors out there.
From national parks to state parks to sections of thru-hikes and more, the Southeast abounds with striking vistas, stunning waterfalls, and spectacular forests.
We sourced beta from local newspapers, online reviews, and GearJunkie staff in the region to compile a list of 10 of the coolest hikes in the region. And this barely scratches the surface of what’s out there! Whether you’re a thrill seeker, wildlife lover, or casual hiker, there’s a trail for you in the Southeast.
Kentucky: Eagle Falls Trail
With a height of 68 feet and a width of 125 feet, Cumberland Falls is known as the “Niagara of the South.” So it’s no surprise that it’s become one of Kentucky’s most popular state parks.
To make the most out of your visit, head out on the 2-mile Eagle Falls Trail. This hike takes you past the falls and the Cumberland River before arriving at Eagle Falls, another impressive waterfall in a shady forest.
The trail does require some rock scrambling, so be sure to avoid it immediately following rain and to wear proper footwear.
Georgia: Bryson Gap Section of Benton McKaye Trail
Benton MacKaye, the man who envisioned the Appalachian Trail, always intended it to go further into Georgia. Decades later, his dreams were realized when hikers created the 287-mile Benton MacKaye Trail, which stretches from Georgia into the Great Smoky Mountains in North Carolina.
There are multiple highlights that can be easily explored with a day hike. However, one of the coolest is the Toccoa River Swinging Bridge, a 270-foot-long feat of engineering that carries hikers over this impressive river. Start at the Bryson Gap trailhead and hike for 6.4 miles to reach the trailhead at Highway 60.
West Virginia: Endless Wall Trail
New River Gorge is the newest national park, created in 2020. It’s quickly becoming a hot spot, with nearly 2 million visitors in 2025. The towering cliffs, expansive valleys, and rugged New River are the main draws, and to get your fill of all of it, head out on the Endless Wall Trail.
On this 4.8-mile out-and-back trail, hikers zig-zag along cliff edges, taking in near-constant scenic views of the New River a thousand feet below. The trail also crosses Ferne Creek and passes through dense forests.
With total elevation gain and losses of about 500 feet, it’s a relatively easy trail that’s a good fit for new hikers or families. If you don’t want to do the whole thing, turning around at Diamond Point Overlook makes for a good 2-mile trek.
Virginia: Old Rag Trail
Shenandoah National Park preserves one of the East Coast’s most iconic landscapes. While it’s popular with wildflower enthusiasts, families, and birders, there’s still something here for the hardcore hikers: the Old Rag Trail.
With an elevation gain of over 2,400 feet, this 9.4-mile circuit hike isn’t for the faint of heart. It’ll reward your labor, however, with a jaw-dropping 360-degree view of the park from the summit of Old Rag Mountain.
To prevent overcrowding, the park requires a day-use permit for this trail from March to November. It costs $2 and can be purchased online up to 30 days in advance.
Alabama: Gopher Tortoise Trail
If there’s one animal most associated with Alabama and Florida, it’s probably the alligator. Gulf State Park is one of the best places to see them safely.
The 2.2-mile Campground Trail takes hikers through marshes on a series of wooden boardwalks that are prime viewing areas for gators, gopher tortoises, eagles, and other birds. Be sure to bring the binoculars.
For even more wildlife-viewing opportunities nearby, check out the paved 1.6-mile Gopher Tortoise Trail.
Florida: Juniper Creek Trail
Next to the AT, the 1,500-mile Florida Trail is one of the region’s longest thru-hikes. If completing the whole thing isn’t in the cards, the Florida Trail Association, the nonprofit that supports and maintains the trail, suggests several day and section hikes along the trail on its website. A standout pick is the Juniper Creek Trail in the Blackwater River State Forest.
Stretching from Deaton Bridge Trailhead to Red Rock Trailhead, this 8.1-mile hike has it all: mountain bluffs, spring wildflowers, and sandy beaches perfect for a picnic or mid-hike swim. If you don’t want to walk the 8.1 miles back to your car, you can camp near Red Rock and return the next day for an easy overnighter.
Louisiana: Backbone Trail
Louisiana only has one national forest, but what the state lacks in quantity, it makes up for in quality. The 604,000-acre Kisatchie National Forest has over 100 miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails. It’s also home to a plethora of birds and wildlife, including black bears, alligators, and feral horses.
The Backbone Trail, which is 7.7 miles one way, lets you escape into the true wilderness here, with time along the Bayou Cypre River. The high ridges and large pine trees mean it stays shady and relatively cool during the summer. There are also several primitive campsites along the way, should you want to backpack.
North Carolina: Babel Tower Trail
In recent years, Asheville, N.C., has gained a reputation as an outdoor recreation haven, and the Babel Tower Trail is proof of why. This 3-mile trail passes through the dramatic Linville Gorge, bringing hikers to the namesake rocky spire, past a fast-moving waterfall, and along the Linville River.
Visit during the spring to walk through the picturesque wildflowers. Be advised: The hike is straight down, and then straight back up, so your calves and quads will get quite the workout.
South Carolina: Yellow Branch Falls Trail
South Carolina’s Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests have everything: paddling in low-country wilderness, horseback riding on scenic trails, and hiking in pristine forests. There are also a lot of great trails in the area.
Our pick for the best hike in this 610,000-acre forest region is the 3.1-mile Yellow Branch Falls Trail. You’ll cross through dense forests and several streams before arriving at the grand finale: the namesake Yellow Branch Falls. Water drops 50 feet down multiple rocks, creating a striking scene of cascading water.
Mississippi: Tishomingo State Park
Mississippi might not be the first state that comes to mind when you think of nature, but with 24 state parks, there’s plenty to explore here. For a taste of the Appalachian Mountains, head to Tishomingo State Park, which is located on the foothills.
The park is home to many unusual rock formations found nowhere else, and the Outcroppings Trail, a 2-mile loop, is the best place to see them. You might also catch views of large turtles sunning themselves as you hike by Bear Creek. Visit in the fall for excellent leaf-peeping.
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