Highlands, North Carolina
The beautiful and picturesque Highlands, North Carolina is an outdoor lover's heaven and a treasure trove of attractions. From awe-inspiring trails with stunning views to must-visit attractions, Highlands has something to offer for everyone - no matter if you're looking for an adventure or just a peaceful getaway. Popular attractions worth visiting include Whiteside Mountain, Dry Falls, and the Highlands Nature Center. To truly explore the beauty of Highlands, don't miss the White Mountain Trail, the Cullasaja Gorge Trail, and the Whiteside Mountain Trail Loop. Experience the breathtaking scenery and all the outdoor activities Highland has to offer.
Top Spots in and near Highlands
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35.675929,-83.485764
Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
5.05.83 miThis 6 mile drive is a great way to spend a scenic day in the Smokies. The road is open to cars only (no trucks or RVs) and runs one-way. There are no visitors centers after you head out, so be sure to bring everything you need along. The drive begins at the historic Ogle farmstead, which is als...Read more -
Blairsville, Georgia
Blood Mountain via Byron Reece Trailhead
4.74.34 mi / 1447 ft gainThe Chattahoochee National Forest and Cohutta Wilderness make up the wild and scenic southern tip of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Blood Mountain trail offers the day hiker a taste of the Appalachian Trail that does not disappoint. The hike starts at the Byron Reece trailhead at Neels Gap where ...Read more -
Blairsville, Georgia
Appalachian Trail from Blood Mountain to Cowrock Mountain
4.014 mi / 2907 ft gainNorth Georgia is packed with awesome mountain trails, but few boast the beauty and magnitude of the Appalachian Trail. The hike from Blood Mountain to Cowrock Mountain is one of the more scenic sections of the AT in Georgia, in terms of mountain views. Do this hike as a full day hike, or spread ...Read more -
Greenville, South Carolina
Hike Swamp Rabbit Trail to Reedy River Falls
4.53 mi / 100 ft gainSwamp Rabbit Trail is a 21 mile-long paved walkway that closely follows the Reedy River in Downtown Greenville. Over a half-a-million people visit the trail each year, but few ever walk the whole thing. What most people don’t know, is that it begins on a different river: the Enoree river and wind...Read more -
Robbinsville, North Carolina
Hike Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest Loop
5.02 miThe beauty of this trail starts at the parking lot. Before you start the trail, you will find a picnic table near the parking lot and go down to the edge of the rolling stream. Its a great spot to hear the stream and take some pictures. If you are feeling adventurous you can try to hop from rock ...Read more -
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Hike the Cucumber Gap and Little River Loop
4.05.5 mi / 800 ft gainThis loop offers a scenic 2.5 mile hike next to the river before looping back around via the Cucumber Gap Trail. At the tail end, you'll connect with the Jakes Creek Trail for about 0.7 miles to return you back to the parking lot. Many people hike this trial clockwise, but if it's a hot day, it...Read more -
Sevier County, Tennessee
Little River Trail to Backcountry Campsite #30
5.012.34 mi / 412 ft gainThe trailhead parking area is large but if no spaces are available additional parking can be had at the Jake's Creek trailhead at the top of the hill and to the right of the Little River trail parking lot. After parking, the trailhead itself will be to the left of the parking area. Parking Lot Co...Read more -
Cleveland, Georgia
Hike to Desoto Falls, Georgia
3.72 miThe Chattahoochee National Forest is another kind of jungle. On hot summer days well over 95 degrees, the forest canopy provides a shelter for human and wildlife alike. Here adventurers can enjoy hiking the Desoto Falls trail(s), try their luck at fishing, or take in the solitude of the North Ge...Read more -
Upper Tremont Road, Tennessee
Hike to Indian Flat Falls via Middle Prong Trail
4.57.21 mi / 1140 ft gainOne of the best trails in the Smokies is the Middle Prong Trail. The trail passes three major waterfalls, in addition to numerous smaller falls, cataracts and cascades. Once you've parked, you'll start at the trail head and immediately see your first cascade. From the trailhead hikers will cro...Read more -
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Cataract Falls, Smoky Mountains
4.41.09 miYou will find the trailhead to this gravel path just to the left of the Sugarlands Visitor Center. The easy walk along Fighting Creek is scenic and tends not to be crowded, either. At the end of the hike you will find a beautiful 25-foot waterfall. Please refrain from climbing on or around the f...Read more -
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Gatlinburg Trail
5.03.8 mi / 351 ft gainGatlinburg Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Gatlinburg, Tennessee.Read more -
Robbinsville, North Carolina
Gregory Bald via Twentymile
4.015.42 mi / 3694 ft gainGregory Bald via Twentymile is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Robbinsville, North Carolina.Read more -
Sevierville, Tennessee
Laurel Falls Trail
4.32.45 mi / 314 ft gainThis straightforward, yet scenic hike follows a paved trail to the falls, which is among the most popular in the park. This trail can be especially crowded during the summer, so be sure to arrive early. Keep an eye out for a few steep drop-offs on either side of the trail along the way. There ha...Read more -
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Twin Creeks Trail
4.04.54 mi / 879 ft gainTwin Creeks Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a river located near Gatlinburg, Tennessee.Read more -
Lake Santeetlah, North Carolina
Huckleberry Knob
4.81.77 mi / 295 ft gainHuckleberry Knob is the highest point in the Cheoah Ranger District at 5,560 feet, and it offers expansive views of the surrounding Cherokee and Natahala National Forest. The hike is 2.4 miles roundtrip and begins at the parking lot between mile 8 and 9 up an old dirt road. You will go up the di...Read more -
Newport, North Carolina
Hike to Mt. Sterling's Fire Tower
4.012 mi / 4200 ft gainOn 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...Read more
