Avery County trails

Starting in Banner Elk, the loop heads out through town to Mill Pond, where calm water and a pleasant valley setting introduce the walk before the route turns toward the grounds of Lees-McRae College. From there, the itinerary continues across the college area and down to Wildcat Lake, a scenic lakeside…

Distance: 4.7 mi • Elevation gain: 686 ft • Maximum elevation: 3,871 ft

Distance: 3.0 mi • Elevation gain: 732 ft • Maximum elevation: 2,651 ft

Dog Hike

Distance: 1.3 mi • Elevation gain: 289 ft • Maximum elevation: 4,321 ft

Distance: 0.9 mi • Elevation gain: 89 ft • Maximum elevation: 4,058 ft