This 5-miler begins from the Visitor Center through a hardwood forest, crosses busy Sparrow Springs Road, then disappears back into the woods. You’re in for another mile and a half of mellow climbing along the western flank of Crowders Mountain. At the Backside Trail, the hike gets serious. A steep climb finally gives in to stairs: within four-tenths of a mile you’ll gain 360 vertical feet.
Expert Picks
Lee QuinnThis is my ‘go-to’ bathing suit, but you can really do anything in them, which is great!
Raleigh
Jaala FreemanComfortable, quick-drying women’s briefs that are perfect for every day as well as traveling. Made sustainably and permanently odor-resistant!
Raleigh
Scott WoodTwisted yarn construction gives these hikers the best of both worlds – buttery-soft comfort and legendary Darn Tough durability.
Raleigh
Amy QuinnI love this hoody! It’s so soft and I love the sun protection. I wear it hiking, gardening, and even as a swim coverup.
Raleigh
Bittu AliThe rigging potential of the Unlimited is unmatched for Kayak Fishing!
Raleigh
Bittu AliBadfish uses the most sophisticated construction of any Inflatable SUP. Their unique construction offers rigidity and performance typically seen in a hard-shell composite board. The versatile Monarch is well suited to general-purpose use such as cruising, light surf and yoga.
Raleigh
Bittu AliIf you’re looking for a cross between a dog harness and a dog pack, the Ruffwear Switchbak is the ticket. The Switchbak offers all the features of a dedicated dog harness such as dual attachment points and padded straps but can also carry small essentials with its two low-profile zippered pockets.
Raleigh
Travis ZarinsThe Gore Paclite Plus fabrication makes this rain jacket comfortable, even in warmer temps!
Raleigh
Jaala FreemanI love my Arizonas so much, I may need another color…or 3! So comfortable!
Raleigh
Scott WoodThis 4 wheeled carry-on protects your valuables with a bulletproof hard shell. Built to the quality standard Gregory packs are famous for.
Raleigh
StacyThis bag goes everywhere! I take it to the park, to the grocery store, to the trail and to the beach. It fits just the right amount of stuff with just the right amount of pockets.
Raleigh
Scott WoodThis is the most comfortable shirt I own, and I find myself wearing it for everything from flats fishing, to hiking, to hanging around the house. I also love that the bamboo fabric doesn’t get funky like some synthetics do.
Raleigh
Rich ChisholmI like this bag’s spoon shape and it has temperature gills that let you cool off without needing to open the bag fully.
Chapel Hill
Amy QuinnThis pant fits great, dries quick, and is super comfortable for a hike or anything else I need to do!
Raleigh
Travis ZarinsThis shoe is so comfortable! I wear them all the time! It’s also great that they dry pretty quickly.
Raleigh
Rich ChisholmThis trekking pole hits a sweet spot between price and performance. I love the comfortable and lightweight grip and the Leki adjustment system is intuitive and super secure.
Chapel Hill
Molly CherryThis hiker is so comfortable out of the box. And I love that it has the premium B-Fit insole included!
Raleigh
