Balsam Grove, North Carolina

When the weather is in your favor, these treeless mountain tops will have your jaw on the floor with layers upon layers of Blue Ridge Mountains. This hike can be done in one day, but with panoramic views at multiple points, you'll want to take your time along this link of trails. This ~10-mile l...

Graveyard Fields got it's name years ago from wind-thrown tree trunks that gave the appearance of a graveyard, until 1925 when an intense fire swept through the area, destroying the stumps. The forest has been recovering ever since.The parking area for Graveyard Fields is located at milepost 418....

This waterfall is right off the side of the road on NC 215. NC 215 is straight off of the blue ridge parkway and is just north of Brevard. The waterfall has to main parts one that is above the road and one that is below. The part below the road is the most scenic and the easiest to walk too. The ...

This 5 mile loop begins at the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education and State Fish Hatchery near Brevard, NC. Ample parking is available adjacent to the trailhead with bathrooms and water accessible. Grab a map from inside as well. To start the hike, look at the education center, to the left is t...

Park at the Looking Glass Rock Overlook. After enjoying the view of Looking Glass Rock, gear up and head to the right side of the parking area (right side if your back is to the overlook). On the opposite side of the road you'll see a mile marker and a little trail to the left of the marker. Foll...

Cedar Cliff Rock is one of those local places that exemplifies the Blue Ridge mountains oh-so-well. From the top you can see the Tuckaseegee River along with both Cedar Cliff and Bear Creek Reservoirs. While there are a few homes in between, much of the view is untouched, allowing a big mountain ...

Rainbow Falls is one of the most scenic waterfalls in North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains. The Horsepasture River swells in the rainy season, dumping a cascade of water 150 feet. The plume of mist at the bottom creates a distinct rainbow effect, giving the falls its name. Hike to Rainbow Falls ...

This is a really nice, moderately difficult hike along a cascading creek, up switchbacks, and through wildflower fields. A couple miles in, you'll reach a helipad that is used for rescuing injured rock climbers - Looking Glass Rock is a popular destination for world class climbing. There is a sma...

This natural mountain waterfall and slide in the Pisgah National Forest is a local favorite to cool off in and have a little fun during the warmer months. You can walk up the line to the top of the falls and have a quick wait as others go down this 60 foot boulder. This water varies between 50-6...

Looking Glass Rock located along the Blue Ridge Parkway (North) is one of the largest masses of granite in the Eastern US. It got it's name for the way the sunlight hits its rocky surface when wet, creating a shimmering, reflective, mirror-like effect. The views from this overlook are vast and cl...

The hike relatively quick and has minimal elevation gain, making it a great hike for the family or a quick stop off if you're planning to do another hike in the same day. This part of the Pisgah National Forest is filled with scenic hikes. Once you've parked your car, cross over the stream via a...

The Slab and Eternity hole, located on the East Fork of the Tuckasegee River, are two of Western, NC's best play spots for kayakers of all levels. Paddle down only yards from the public boat launch to The Slab where you can perfect your surfing in kayak, SUP, or whatever boat you float. A few hun...

John's Jump Falls and DEW Falls is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Sapphire, North Carolina.

There are several ways to access the Shining Rock Wilderness Area, but go for the main trail head off of Hwy 276. The trail is split by the Pigeon River, providing a seemingly infinite combinations of trails and routes, keeping in mind that this area intersects often with the well known Art Lobe ...

We began this trip by camping overnight in Graveyard Fields. Those camp sites are .5 miles from the car, so we kept our food there over night. Bear activity has increased, so it's strongly advised to bring a bear canister and be wise about food storage. We woke up early the next morning made bre...

Judaculla was an ancient Cherokee spirit being and giant. He ruled in western North Carolina in the traditional Cherokee homeland. Once while chasing some hunters, when he jumped to the ground, his hand hit a rock. You can still see the print on Judaculla Rock. It is the most elaborate piece of r...