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Fontana Dam, North Carolina

Looking for the best hiking in Fontana Dam? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Fontana Dam. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Hiking Spots in and near Fontana Dam

  • Cullowhee, North Carolina

    Exploring two legendary Cherokee sites: Judaculla Rock and Devil's Courthouse, North Carolina

    5.0
    0.9 mi / 258 ft gain
    Judaculla was an ancient Cherokee spirit being and giant. He ruled in western North Carolina in the traditional Cherokee homeland. Once while chasing some hunters, when he jumped to the ground, his hand hit a rock. You can still see the print on Judaculla Rock. It is the most elaborate piece of r...
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  • Sevierville, Tennessee

    Spelunking in Forbidden Caverns

    5.0
    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...
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  • Highlands, North Carolina

    Explore Dry Falls, North Carolina

    4.6
    0.42 mi / 95 ft gain
    Dry Falls is located off of Hwy. 64, which has been designated as the Mountain Waters Scenic Byway, and the road does not disappoint. Hwy. 64 is a two lane road which hugs the northern side of Cullasaja Gorge, which has been carved by the Cullasaja River. Besides Dry Falls, Hwy. 64 leads you past...
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  • Tuckasegee, North Carolina

    Hike to Cedar Cliff Rock

    2.4 mi / 830 ft gain
    Cedar Cliff Rock is one of those local places that exemplifies the Blue Ridge mountains oh-so-well. From the top you can see the Tuckaseegee River along with both Cedar Cliff and Bear Creek Reservoirs. While there are a few homes in between, much of the view is untouched, allowing a big mountain ...
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  • Clayton, Georgia

    Hike the James E. Edmond trail to Lookoff Mountain Overlook

    4.0
    7.5 mi / 2378 ft gain
    Black Rock Mountain State Park is Georgia's highest elevation State Park.  It is adorned with several waterfalls, sweeping overlooks, blooming Rhododendron's, and plenty of miles of trail.  The James E. Edmond trail is the longest and by far most challenging hike in the park.  Its medium-long dis...
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  • Dillard, Georgia

    Hike to Rabun Bald

    5.0
    3 mi / 4696 ft gain
    Starting 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...
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  • Hiawassee, Georgia

    Blue Hole and High Shoals Creek Falls

    4.8
    2.45 mi / 479 ft gain
    Located just a few miles north of Helen, Georgia is this hidden gem. The road that leads up to the starting point of the hike is a bit tricky to find so make sure you have your GPS to help a little, its a gravel road that winds up the mountain for a about a mile. The dirt trail winds down throug...
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  • Newport, North Carolina

    Hike to Mouse Creek Falls

    5.0
    4.2 mi / 605 ft gain
    Follow Big Creek Trail on a moderate climb to this 45-foot waterfall. Around 1.3 miles in, you will begin to hike alongside Big Creek, and shortly afterwards you will pass Midnight Hole, a particularly deep pool. There are a number of other small falls en route. In spring you should see a number ...
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  • Newport, North Carolina

    Hike to Mt. Sterling's Fire Tower

    4.0
    12 mi / 4200 ft gain
    On your way in, stop at the ranger station parking lot to use the outhouses and grab a map for $1. Once at the Baxter Creek trailhead you have two options: 1. The Out and Back (12.2 miles) 2. The Loop (17 miles)Out and Back: Start on the Baxter Creek Trail and continue up for 6.1 miles until you...
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  • Tiger, Georgia

    Hike to Glassy Mountain

    5.0
    1 mi / 3415 ft gain
    In order to find this hidden gem, you'll have to drive quite a ways up the mountain first, otherwise it is a very steep incline. There will be limited parking at the gate that stops you from driving the whole way up. You will turn onto a road called "Glassy Mountain Rd" and that will be the road ...
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  • Sautee Nacoochee, Georgia

    Unicoi Gap and Indian Grave Gap Loop

    5.0
    5.04 mi / 1765 ft gain
    The Unicoi Gap and Indian Grave Gap Loop in Sautee Nacoochee, Georgia, is a moderately challenging hiking trail. Spanning approximately 5.04 miles, the loop offers a variety of terrain, including forested areas, open fields, and rocky paths. The trail is known for its two significant landmarks: U...
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  • Copperhill, Tennessee

    Explore Ocoee Whitewater Center

    This location showcases the Ocoee river and the area used in the 1996 Olympics. This area is beautiful and has some amazing views. The drive to the whitewater center is called the Ocoee Scenic Byway and is the first national forest byway. The drive is gorgeous and features some amazing mountain v...
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  • Highlands, North Carolina

    Hike the Whiteside Mountain Loop

    5.0
    2 mi / 595 ft gain
    Whiteside 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 ...
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  • Corryton, Tennessee

    Hike House Mountain, TN

    5.0
    3 mi
    House Mountain is a short, at times strenuous hike that is doable in all weather conditions. Going at different times of year can be a treat due to the unique beauty of each season adding some spice to this quick trip. There are 5-7 switchbacks to push through, but the view atop House Mountain am...
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  • Blairsville, Georgia

    Hike to Horsetrough Falls

    5.0
    0.4 mi / 10 ft gain
    To get to the trail head you will follow Wilks road five miles to Upper Chattahoochee River Campground. The five miles down the gravel road should be doable for a majority of cars as the gravel road is in good condition. Pretty much if you feel comfortable driving your car on a regular gravel roa...
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  • Clayton, Georgia

    Hike to Martin Creek Falls

    5.0
    0.6 mi
    There are two different ways to get to this waterfall.The easiest way is through a trail in the Warwoman Wildlife Management Area. To get to this trail head, drive east on Warwoman Road from Clayton, GA. At approximately 3.5 miles, take a left onto Finney Creek Road (FS 152). You will see a sign ...
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