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Hayesville, North Carolina

Top Spots in and near Hayesville

  • Young Harris, Georgia

    Hike the Miller Trek

    5.0
    6.3 mi / 1325 ft gain
    This is an awesome trek with views of both Young Harris and Hiawassee, GA! The trail starts from the parking area where there is the Miller Trek A-Frame (see photo for reference)! There are several different trails within the trail system on the mountain, but if you take 5 minutes to read the map...
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  • Arkaquah Trail, Georgia

    Hike the Arkaquah Trail to Brasstown Bald

    11 mi / 3756 ft gain
    The Arkaquah Trail is unique as far as North Georgia trails go for any reasons.  Its elevation gain and distance puts it near the top for most challenging day hikes in the Blue Ridge Mountains.  If the 11 miles round-trip sounds a bit daunting, this hike can also be done as a 5.5 mile point-to-po...
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  • Blairsville, Georgia

    Hike to the Brasstown Bald Peak

    4.3
    1.42 mi / 430 ft gain
    Once you make it to the parking area (parking fee required) to Brasstown Bald you will be at about 4284 feet elevation. From there you will have a short (0.6 mile) but steep hike to the tower that sits atop Brasstown Bald. Along the path you will see Rhododendron and various other blooms dependi...
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  • Franklin, North Carolina

    Siler Bald from Wayah Gap

    5.0
    3.66 mi / 1060 ft gain
    The Appalachian Trail does not need a lot of hype beyond its existing legendary status.  However, there are certain parts of it that do stand out as being a little extra special.  Siler Bald is one of those spots.  A large clearing starting from Snowbird Gap and going all the way up to Siler Bald...
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  • Franklin, North Carolina

    Nantahala National Forest via the Appalachian Trail

    4.0
    27.11 mi / 5420 ft gain
    Winding Stair Gap on Highway 64 is the starting point for this spectacular backpacking trip through the Nantahala National Forest. It's right outside the hiker friendly town of Franklin, NC, so the town is your last chance for a hot meal and any last minute supplies. There is a parking lot at the...
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  • Murphy, North Carolina

    Hike to Panther Top Fire Tower

    1.5 mi / 450 ft gain
    The Panther Top fire tower is located in the Nantahala National Forest outside of Murphy, NC. To get there you get off of US 74 then turn onto panther top rd and continue till you see the signs for the tower. Once you get there the hike is about .75 there mostly up on the way to the top of the to...
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  • Franklin, North Carolina

    Backpack the Standing Indian Loop on the Appalachian Trail

    24 mi
    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...
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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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  • Franklin, North Carolina

    Photograph Wayah Bald Lookout Tower

    0.1 mi / 0 ft gain
    The Wayah Bald Lookout Tower is located in Nantahala National Forest in one of the oldest part of the protected land. It was first built in the 1920s then it was rebuilt throughout the years until it was finally made out of stone and concrete. The current tower that stands offers great views of t...
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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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  • Clayton, Georgia

    Camp at Tallulah River Campground

    Tallulah River Campground is located in the Chattahoochee-Oconee national forest. It is just outside of Clayton, Georgia. The campground has about 15 spots that are big enough for a small to medium sized RV. Each camping spot also has a nice tent pad for a big tent. Most spots are also on the riv...
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  • Blairsville, Georgia

    Nottely Reservoir Trail

    2.53 mi / 335 ft gain
    Nottely Reservoir Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Blairsville, Georgia.
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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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  • Bryson City, North Carolina

    Hike Ledbetter Creek

    5.0
    Leaving the Nantahala Outdoor Center, drive upriver for 6.5 miles until you see a pull off on the right. Walk past the picnic tables, cross the railroad tracks, then follow the trail to arrive at the creek. Once you're there, it's up to you on what to do next.One of the most popular activities he...
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  • Clarkesville, Georgia

    Paddle Lake Burton

    3.0
    Lake Burton is, in my opinion, Georgia's most scenic large lake.  It is completely surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains and has some of the clearest water in the state.  Moccasin Creek State Park is a great launching point for all of your paddling adventures, whether you own your own vessel or ...
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  • Otto, North Carolina

    Hike to and Climb Pickens Nose

    4.8
    1.5 mi / 200 ft gain
    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...
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Camping and Lodging in Hayesville

Jackrabbit Mountain
Hayesville, North Carolina

Jackrabbit Mountain

Murphy / Peace Valley KOA Holiday
Marble, North Carolina

Murphy / Peace Valley KOA Holiday

Standing Indian Campground
Franklin, North Carolina

Standing Indian Campground

Swan Cabin
Cheoah, North Carolina

Swan Cabin

Rattler Ford Group Campground
Robbinsville, North Carolina

Rattler Ford Group Campground

Lake Winfield Scott Rec
Blairsville, Georgia

Lake Winfield Scott Rec

Guides, Insights and Stories from Hayesville

The 5 Best Fall Hikes in the Blue Ridge Mountains

The 5 Best Fall Hikes in the Blue Ridge Mountains

Christian Murillo

Indulge in Adventure at this Base Camp Near the Great Smoky Mountains

Indulge in Adventure at this Base Camp Near the Great Smoky Mountains

The Outbound Collective

20 Must-Do Hikes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

20 Must-Do Hikes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The Outbound Collective

The Smokies Are Still Alive!

The Smokies Are Still Alive!

Merritt McKinney

6 Inspiring Photos from the Smoky Mountains

6 Inspiring Photos from the Smoky Mountains

Nick Spicer