Elkin, North Carolina

Elkin, North Carolina is a great destination for outdoor adventures. With its pristine nature displays, it's a must-visit for nature lovers. Popular attractions in and near Elkin include Stone Mountain State Park, Pilot Mountain State Park, and the Yadkin River Trail. Stone Mountain State Park offers a variety of activities like camping, fishing, and hiking. Pilot Mountain State Park is known for its spectacular views and offers activities like rock climbing and horseback riding. The Yadkin River Trail is a great spot for biking, walking, and bird watching. Whether you're looking for a peaceful outdoor escape or an exciting journey, Elkin has something for everyone. So come explore the amazing trails and activities that Elkin has to offer.

Top Spots in and near Elkin

  • Catawba, North Carolina

    Visit Murray's Mill

    4.5
    The Murray's Mill Historic District features Murray's Mill (constructed in 1913) with its 28 ft. waterwheel, a general store constructed in the 1890's, Wheathouse Exhibit gallery, and the John Murray House.  Free and open to the public to visit, this is a great place to stop and stretch your legs...
    Read more
  • Meadows of Dan, Virginia

    Photograph Mabry Mill

    4.7
    Mabry Mill is one of the most photographed spots on the Blue Ridge Parkway, and rightfully so. Located at MP 176.1 the mill is beautiful in any season and easily accessed from the parking lot. Since this place is so popular, be prepared for crowds.This place is a nice " leg-stretcher" if driving ...
    Read more
  • Floyd County, Virginia

    Buffalo Mountain Loop

    4.7
    1.92 mi / 536.09 ft gain
    A short 1.0 mile hike to the summit with 700’ elevation gain, the trail switchbacks steeply up to the exposed rocky summit. To the north you can see Sharp Top and Flat Top at the Peaks of Otter, and to the south you can see Pilot Mountain in North Carolina. The summit has many places to spread o...
    Read more
  • Creston, North Carolina

    Three Top Mountain

    4.2 mi / 1260 ft gain
    Three Top Mountain sits within the same vicinity of Elk Knob. The mountain gets its name from its three prominent rock projections at its peak. The highest point, unofficially named “Big Rock”, is at an elevation of 5020 feet. Prior to the originally named rock peak, you will arrive at Huckleb...
    Read more
  • Hickory, North Carolina

    Geitner Rotary Park Loop

    5.0
    2.65 mi / 354 ft gain
    Geitner Rotary Park Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Hickory, North Carolina.
    Read more
  • Mouth of Wilson, Virginia

    Sugarland Overlook

    Located just inside the park entrance of Grayson Highlands State Park in Virginia, Sugarland Overlook provides an outstanding easterly view of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains.  The Sugarland Overlook is located about a mile up from the ranger station and is on the righthand side of the road...
    Read more
  • Mouth of Wilson, Virginia

    Twin Pinnacles Loop

    5.0
    1.35 mi / 157 ft gain
    Park at the Visitor Center; don't stress when you get to the parking lot and can't see it, it's up the hill. From the parking lot hike across the road and find the staircase. Follow this up to the Visitor Center. If you're standing in front of the Visitor Center, the trailhead will be to the left...
    Read more
  • Mouth of Wilson, Virginia

    Stamper's Branch Trail

    3.37 mi / 781 ft gain
    Stamper's Branch Trail is an out-and-back trail that provides a good opportunity to view wildlife located near Mouth of Wilson, Virginia.
    Read more
  • Mouth of Wilson, Virginia

    Mount Rogers via Appalachian Trail

    5.0
    9.1 mi / 1549 ft gain
    First of all, who doesn't love wild ponies!  There are tons of ponies here, and although they are wild, they are not afraid of people and you can get pretty close (just don't feed them!).   Once you enter Grayson Highlands State Park, you will see a parking lot for Massie Gap a few miles in, par...
    Read more
  • Mouth of Wilson, Virginia

    Backpack the Grayson Highlands

    4.8
    9.1 mi / 1549 ft gain
    Spanning roughly 4500 acres, located in a portion of Jefferson National Forest, looming under the highest peak in Virginia lies the Grayson Highlands. A part of Virginia’s State Parks system and a United States National Landmark, located in Mouth of Wilson, Virginia, the Highlands are home to wil...
    Read more
  • Mouth of Wilson, Virginia

    Photograph Wild Horses at Grayson Highlands State Park

    4.6
    1.8 mi / 306 ft gain
    The wild horses gather on top of the bald at the end of Horse Trail North located in Grayson Highlands State Park. Because they are wild, it is important to remember not to touch or feed the horses. The horses are accustomed to hikers and will allow you in their near proximity, but bring a zoom l...
    Read more
  • Mouth of Wilson, Virginia

    Hike and Fish Cabin Creek Trail

    5.0
    1.8 mi / 400 ft gain
    Starting at the Massie Gap Parking Area follow the paved road down towards the woods. You will see a gravel dirt path off the side of the road to your right that heads back towards the woods. A couple steps down the trail you will see a metal pole with "Cabin Creek Trail" written on it. Follow th...
    Read more
  • Mouth of Wilson, Virginia

    Rhododendron Trail to Rock Croppings

    5.0
    1.77 mi / 289 ft gain
    In order to go when the Rhododendron are blooming you'll need to aim for the first three weeks of June.  Starting from the Massies Gap parking area in the Grayson Highlands State Park, follow the trail through the field and towards the base of a large hill. You will see a fence that runs along t...
    Read more
  • Mouth of Wilson, Virginia

    Wilburn Ridge and Massie Gap Loop

    5.0
    2.32 mi / 318 ft gain
    To reach the trail head, park in the Massie Gap Parking Lot.  This is the parking lot for most of the trails in the park, so it can fill up very quickly, but you are able to park along the side of the road.  Massie Gap as two parking areas: one intended for overnight hikers and one for day hikers...
    Read more
  • Mouth of Wilson, Virginia

    Twin Pinnacles via Big Pinnacles Trail

    5.0
    2 mi / 525 ft gain
    To reach the Big Pinnacle Trail Head, park at the Massie Gap Day Parking area, and then follow the road west (away from Massie Gap) until you reach the trail head located on the left side of the road.  Follow the Big Pinnacles Trail for 0.4 miles until it intersects with the Twin Pinnacles Trail....
    Read more
  • Mouth of Wilson, Virginia

    Mount Rogers Loop

    5.0
    15.6 mi / 1079 ft gain
    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...
    Read more