Cherokee, North Carolina

When exploring all that Tennessee has to offer, it’s hard to ignore the fact it is home to more caves than any other state in America. So when picking one, of more than 10,000, to explore it is hard to go wrong. Forbidden Caverns happens to be one of the most popular spots and is only a few minut...

This easy 1.25 mile hike is located within the Lake Toxaway community. The trail itself follows a small creek as it winds through the valley. Be warned - there are numerous stream crossings. Most of the crossings are fairly easy at normal water levels, but can be difficult if the water is high. S...

Max Patch Mountain was once cleared for pasture land, leaving an expansive flat summit that now serves as the ideal location for a picnic hike, flying a kite, or laying in the sun surrounded by the Great Smoky Mountains. With little elevation gain and a short distance it is also very family (and ...

This 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...

Begins at the parking lot for the Standing Indian Campground. (No permits are needed to park here) For the first 3.7 miles, take Kimsey Creek Trail, which runs along the water, until you meet up with the AT at Deep Gap. Rolling hills and lots of foliage throughout, leading up to Standing Indian M...

Just a stone’s throw from downtown Highlands, North Carolina, the Satulah Mountain Trail offers a rewarding hike to one of the most iconic vistas in the southern Blue Ridge Mountains. This moderately challenging route leads hikers to a rocky summit with sweeping views of Georgia, South Carolina...

The Gregory Bald summit is indisputably picturesque – the 10-acre meadow at the top hosts magnificent azalea blooms in June, wild blueberries in August, and views of Cades Cove, Rich Mountain, Fontana Lake, Thunderhead Mountain, and Clingmans Dome, year-round. Start this hike at the Gregory Ridg...

At the foot of Blackrock Mountain just outside of Highlands, North Carolina, lies one of the most unique and secluded natural playgrounds around.  Granite City is composed of several massive granite boulders, ranging between 10-40 feet tall.  This spot is most popular for bouldering (mostly V0-V2...

This is an extremely easy trail with a minimal incline. The tower, built in 1941, standing 70 feet above the summit, can be nerve wracking, even for those who aren't scared of heights.  However, most feel it's worth the view. Expect to see fellow hikers. On pretty days there can be a few people w...

One of the biggest perks of hiking Abrams Falls is the drive to get there. The trailhead is located approximately 5 miles into the scenic Cades Cove Loop. Cades Cove is an adventure in itself. Keep your eye out for black bears, deer and wild turkey. If you are taking the self guided auto tour, Ab...

The hike to this waterfall is very short and well worth it. The waterfall is about 40 feet tall and has a large volume of water.  This makes for a great place to swim. The bottom of the pool is about 15 feet deep and offers cool mountain water. To get there it is just outside of Cashiers, North C...

Gregory Bald via Twentymile is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Robbinsville, North Carolina.

The Mt. Pisgah campground is nestled right off of the Blue Ridge Parkway near Canton, NC.  Since it is at an elevation of 4,980 feet the campground is a perfect destination to beat the heat and humidity that the region can be known for in the summer months.  Reservations and information can be fo...

From the parking area (fits about 6 cars) follow the trail on the same side of the road up the ridge through dense rhododendron. Several spur trails branch off of the main trail and lead to rock outcroppings with excellent views. Getting to the parking area is slow. The narrow gravel road winds...

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...

Make a weekend trip from Max Patch to Hot Springs N.C., and be sure to soak in the natural hot springs at the old inn after your hike! This is an incredible, relatively easy hike with the reward at the end being hot springs on the French Broad River. You can break this up however you like, this i...