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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Highlands, North Carolina
Explore Cashiers Sliding Rock
0.2 mi / 70 ft gainThis waterfall is located just outside of Cashiers, NC. The trailhead to the waterfall is right off of the road and has a good amount of parking. The trial itself is very nice and has new steps at the beginning of the trail. The trail is very wide and is mostly flat the entire way there. Once you...Read more -
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Mt. LeConte via Alum Cave Bluff
5.010.68 mi / 3543 ft gainThe Alum Cave trailhead is on Newfound Gap Road, 8 miles from the Sugarlands Visitor Center. Mt. LeConte is the third highest peak in the Smokies, and this is an extremely popular hike, so arrive early to get a parking spot and beat the crowds. Starting from the parking lot the trail gently wind...Read more -
Marshall, Tennessee
Appalachian Trail: Jones Meadow to Jerry Cabin Shelter
7.58 mi / 909 ft gainAppalachian Trail: Jones Meadow to Jerry Cabin Shelter is an out-and-back trail that provides a good opportunity to view wildlife located near Greeneville, Tennessee.Read more -
Lake Lure, North Carolina
Boulder at Rumbling Bald
4.51.5 miLocated off of Boys Camp Rd. in Lake Lure, North Carolina, Rumbling Bald is a huge boulder yard that has been in use since the 1970's and has begun to flourish. Conveniently at the trail head is a gravel parking lot with three Port A Johns to use. Make sure you get to the parking lot early thou...Read more -
Pickens, South Carolina
Hike to Table Rock Mountain
4.57.2 mi / 2433 ft gainWhile the Piedmont Foothills may sound deceptive, this is no easy trail. The first two miles of the Table Rock Trail take you soaring through the trees at a rapid pace. The trail is extremely well kept, but harsh and tough. A little before the two mile marker is a wooden shelter which is a great ...Read more -
Pickens, South Carolina
Backpack the Foothills Trail through the Southeastern Appalachian Mountains
5.076.2 mi / 11036 ft gainStarting at Table Rock State Park (South Carolina) and working your 76.2 miles way towards Oconee State Park (South Carolina) is the most popular route, with a few spur trails that lead to places like Raven Cliff Falls in Cesar's Head State Park. The trail gains ~11,036 feet in elevation with ano...Read more -
Pickens, South Carolina
Summit Sassafras Mountain
5.017.2 mi / 5041 ft gainPinnacle Trail begins by the Nature Center in Table Rock State Park. Keep left at the first three splits in the trail. You will make some creek crossings, gain elevation through the forest, and pass by Mills Creek Falls (25 ft). At Bald Rock Overlook, you can catch some nice views of Table Rock M...Read more -
Highlands, North Carolina
Hike the Whiteside Mountain Loop
5.02 mi / 595 ft gainWhiteside Mountain is simply breathtaking, there is no way around it. Views of the mountain from the South expose its sheer granite face, which runs almost its entire length East-to-West. However, the views of the mountain are just the beginning, as this hike climbs to higher heights than just ...Read more -
Burnsville, North CarolinaBalsam Nature Trail to Mount Mitchell
5.00.94 mi / 92 ft gainBalsam Nature Trail to Mount Mitchell is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Burnsville, North Carolina.Read more -
Burnsville, North Carolina
Deep Gap Trail at Mt. Mitchell State Park
5.08.24 mi / 2310 ft gainI personally find this trail to be more difficult and have more rewarding views than the Mt. Mitchell summit trail. The Deep Gap Trail starts near the Mount Mitchell summit and heads into a forest of spruce and balsam fir trees. The trail then climbs along the ridgeline to neighboring summits. E...Read more -
Lake Lure, North Carolina
Hike to Party Rock
4.52.4 mi / 1549 ft gainThis hike is a strenuous 2.4 miles that takes about 1.5 hours to complete. The trail is not maintained--it is an old logging road--so there are lots of loose rocks and you frequently have to hop over the washout/creek. However, the difficulty on the way up is extremely rewarding at the top!The tr...Read more -
Cashiers, North Carolina
Explore Whitewater Falls
4.00.5 mi / 100 ft gainWhitewater Falls is the highest waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains with the upper falls alone dropping over 400 feet. The walk to the falls is very short and friendly for all ages and abilities - the path is paved so the falls are wheelchair accessible. The falls are beautiful in all seasons b...Read more -
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Hike the Chimney Tops
4.94.03 mi / 1306 ft gainThe Chimney Tops Trail is one of the most visited trails in the Smokies, which is why I recommend going up just before sunset to beat the crowd! During the summer and fall months, it's common to see a hundred people taking in the views on the same trail, but if you scramble on out after hours, y...Read more -
Sunset, South Carolina
Hike to Twin Falls, SC
5.01 mi / 0 ft gainOnce you get to the destination there should be a small parking area. At the end of this parking area you will see the start of the Twin Falls trail that will be mostly a flat walk. Follow this trail approximately 0.5 miles to the falls. You will know you are in the right place if the creek is r...Read more -
Saluda, North Carolina
Hike Bradley Falls
4.82.3 mi / 312 ft gainThis is a really nice hike along Cove Creek that leads to a beautiful, 100 foot waterfall. While most of the trail is a relaxing stroll, the end of the hike provides a little adventure for those who feel up for it. Starting from the parking lot, follow the main trail into the woods. Early in the ...Read more -
Pickens, South Carolina
Paddle on Lake Oolenoy
5.0Part of Table Rock State Park, Lake Oolenoy is a 67-acre lake providing private boat access for kayaks, canoes, or small boats with electric trolling motors.To get to the boat ramp, when traveling on scenic Highway 11, turn Sah Ka Na Ga View Road on the opposite side of the road as the Table Rock...Read more
