Canton, North Carolina
Canton, North Carolina offers a variety of top activities and attractions that are perfect for a day trip or weekend getaway. From scenic hikes on nearby trails to must-visit spots in the area, there's something for everyone. For the adventurers, the best trails and activities in and near the area include the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and the Pisgah National Forest. For a more relaxed atmosphere, visitors can enjoy the Nantahala National Forest, the Cataloochee Ski Area, and the Cherokee National Forest. There's also the Fontana Lake, which is perfect for fishing, boating, and swimming. Whatever your preference, Canton, North Carolina has something to offer for everyone.
Top Spots in and near Canton
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Mountain Rest, South Carolina
Hike to Kings Creek Falls
4.80.5 miThe trail to Kings Creek begins behind the bulletin board in the Burrells Ford primitive campground parking lot. It is an easy .5 mile trail to the falls. The falls are only 70ft high but they are beautiful, there is an area to the side of the falls with some nice sitting rocks and the area under...Read more -
Mountain Rest, South Carolina
Hike to King Creek Falls
0.6 miVery nice dog-friendly and family-friendly adventure! The hike is not long at all and the end result is a beautiful 70 ft waterfall with a pooled area at the bottom! Old logs are around for sitting on and relaxing while enjoying your lunch or snacks...Read more -
Mountain Rest, South Carolina
Hike to Big Bend Falls
5.06.5 miThe hike to Big Bend Falls begins on the Chattooga River Trail at the Burrell's Ford Campground. To get here you take Burrell's Ford Road off of SC 107. There will be a good sized gravel parking area off to the left about 3 miles down Burrell's Ford Road. When you park the car you can walk down t...Read more -
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Hike the Cucumber Gap and Little River Loop
4.05.5 mi / 800 ft gainThis loop offers a scenic 2.5 mile hike next to the river before looping back around via the Cucumber Gap Trail. At the tail end, you'll connect with the Jakes Creek Trail for about 0.7 miles to return you back to the parking lot. Many people hike this trial clockwise, but if it's a hot day, it...Read more -
Sevier County, Tennessee
Little River Trail to Backcountry Campsite #30
5.012.34 mi / 412 ft gainThe trailhead parking area is large but if no spaces are available additional parking can be had at the Jake's Creek trailhead at the top of the hill and to the right of the Little River trail parking lot. After parking, the trailhead itself will be to the left of the parking area. Parking Lot Co...Read more -
Burnsville, North Carolina
Camp at Snaggy Mountain
Snaggy Mountain is privately owned land that offers a beautiful camping spot located just outside of the Pigsah National Forest. It's completely secluded by an Apple Orchard and is a great home base for several hiking adventures in the area. The location on the map will get you to the parking spo...Read more -
Sevierville, Tennessee
Laurel Falls Trail
4.32.45 mi / 314 ft gainThis straightforward, yet scenic hike follows a paved trail to the falls, which is among the most popular in the park. This trail can be especially crowded during the summer, so be sure to arrive early. Keep an eye out for a few steep drop-offs on either side of the trail along the way. There ha...Read more -
Micaville, North Carolina
Crabtree Falls
4.92.83 mi / 525 ft gainStarting from the old store parking area at MP 339.5 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, follow the trail through a meadow past the campground amphitheater. After crossing the paved road to the campground, the trail will come to a T-intersection. Take the trail to the right for the shortest way to the fal...Read more -
Pickens, South Carolina
Hike Glassy Mountain
5.01.3 mi / 200 ft gainThis view never gets old and it is super easy to access. It's also only like half a mile down and then half a mile back up, so if you do watch the sunset, the walk back is easy. The trail is out by Glassy Mountain Church in Pickens, SC and it's accessible year round. The hike is very simple, and ...Read more -
Marion, North Carolina
Drive the Scenic Lake Tahoma
This scenic drive is along NC 80 between a small town called Pleasant Gardens and Micaville. It can also be taken in the opposite direction depending on where you are driving from, but the main attraction is Lake Tahoma. Lake Tahoma is a private lake in the Western North Carolina Mountains, but ...Read more -
Franklin, North Carolina
Wesser Bald Fire Tower
4.72.36 mi / 807 ft gainThe road leading to the trailhead is rough the last mile, but doable in any car. Just make sure to take it easy going up and be careful, especially if there has been any rain or snow. You will have reached the parking area for the hike once you see a large green Appalachian trail sign and a few...Read more -
Tamassee, South Carolina
Hike to Lee Falls
4.01.6 miThe Hike: Head out through the middle of the first of three fields, crossing creeks two times as you come to them. At the end of the last field, the trail enters the woods. Hike through the woods for 0.3 mile and take the left fork, crossing a creek , and head toward the larger branch of Tamassee...Read more -
Dillard, Georgia
Hike to Rabun Bald
5.03 mi / 4696 ft gainStarting at the trailhead you begin by following the yellow blazes. The trail isn't well marked so keep an eye out for the blazes you see. The trailhead starts at the dead end of Kelsey Mountain Trail. The path immediately starts to incline and doesn't stop. A few minutes in you will come to a fo...Read more -
Marion, North Carolina
Tom's Creek Falls
5.00.7 mi / 148 ft gainThe hike to Tom's Creek Falls is a short but enjoyable hike right off the side of the road. The hike is on a wide and mostly flat gravel road that goes right up to the waterfall and a viewing platform that makes for a perfect place for pictures. This hike is a great hike for families and young ki...Read more -
Upper Tremont Road, Tennessee
Hike to Indian Flat Falls via Middle Prong Trail
4.57.21 mi / 1140 ft gainOne of the best trails in the Smokies is the Middle Prong Trail. The trail passes three major waterfalls, in addition to numerous smaller falls, cataracts and cascades. Once you've parked, you'll start at the trail head and immediately see your first cascade. From the trailhead hikers will cro...Read more -
Spruce Pine, North Carolina
Grassy Creek Falls
1.5 mi / 312 ft gainGrassy 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...Read more
