Boone, North Carolina

For an awesome 2-3 day trip, start hiking at the Massie Gap trailhead, which can be reached from Grayson Highlands State Park. Take the Rhododendron Trail up the ridge to connect with the AT, keeping an eye out for wild ponies in the Massie Gap area as they like to hang out here. Some of these po...

Stamper's Branch Trail is an out-and-back trail that provides a good opportunity to view wildlife located near Mouth of Wilson, Virginia.

Spillway Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Bristol, Tennessee.

Before you head out, check the status of the Blue Ridge Parkway (it periodically closes during the winter).  The entire Bluff Mountain Trail is a 7.1 mile trail that traverses the Doughton Park Area along the Blue Ridge Parkway.  To do this particular hike, park at the bathrooms in the Doughton P...

Coming from US-421 turn off on Emmett Rd and keep left to get on Holston View Dam Rd and continue straight on this road by the river. There are parking spaces by the river below the dam and short easy trails to walk on next to the river. You’ll see fly fishers in the river below the dam on early ...

A treasure in North Carolina that doesn't get as much attention as it should, Doughton Park has some of the best trails around. It is the largest park operated by the Blue Ridge Parkway and has over 30 miles of trails available.  The parking area for the Basin Creek Trail is small, but rarely cro...

The Bouton Trail Loop is an approximately 1.5 mile round trip on TVA land. There is a gravel parking lot with an information sign and trail map. Sections of the trail are gravel and sections are dirt. There are multiple places along the trail that cut off and lead down to the river for prime fish...

The Osceola Island Loop is a 1.50 mile gravel loop on an island in the South Holston River. There are multiple benches along the loop to stop and observe the wildlife. Fishing is a common activity along the edge of the trail. There is a large parking area and bathrooms at the start of the trail.

The Emmett Trail is one of the TVA South Holston Tailwater Trails. This trail began as a footpath created by anglers. The trail now has gravel, which makes for easier access for families and pets. The trailhead begins on Piney Hill Road where it the traverses down to the waters edge and leads to ...

The TVA Tailwater Trail is a 0.5 mile trail along the east side of South Fork Holston River. The trail is dirt and ends in an incline. Along the edge of the river, there are views of the distant Holston Mountain. This trail provides access to the river for fishing. It is located near the Emmett T...

Red Fork Falls Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Unicoi, Tennessee.

The park has about 15 miles of trails with different levels of difficulties . Hiked the Lake Channel Trail  along the lake with good views of the lake and the Blue Ridge Mountains.  Hiked the Mill's creek trail which is nicely shaded and offers good views of the lake and the Linville Gorge area. ...

Grassy Creek Falls is a beautiful waterfall that lies on private property just north of Little Switzerland's downtown area. The trailhead is easy to find. From Little Switzerland simply go under the Blue Ridge Parkway and the driveway is immediately on the right. You will park at the top of the...

Worley’s Cave, also known as Morrill Cave, lies just outside of Boone across the Tennessee border. It is the second longest cave in the state of Tennessee at a whopping 4.4 miles in total length. It is a non-lit cavern that’s path is lit only by those who venture in its depths (i.e. headlamps, la...

From the parking lot, head northwest to find the trailhead for Buzzard Roost Loop. Follow that and stay left to meet up with the Hollow Rock Trail. This is a moderate hike with great views of the park. Perfect for a quick escape with the family. For a quick and tasty bite after your hike, hit up ...

Geitner Rotary Park Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Hickory, North Carolina.