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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Sevier County, Tennessee
Little River Trail to Backcountry Campsite #30
5.012.34 mi / 1273 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 / 1102 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
4.31.09 mi / 92 ft gainYou 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 -
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Sugarland Mountain Trail
12.02 mi / 4715 ft gainStarting on the AT at just under 6,000 feet and ending at Fighting Creek Gap, just under 2,300 feet in elevation, the Sugarland Mountain Trail is a grand descent from the high divide of the Smokies. The spruce-fir forest where the trail begins is a remnant of the last ice age, when a cooler clima...Read more -
Sevierville, Tennessee
Laurel Falls Trail
4.32.45 mi / 400 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 -
Newport, North Carolina
Mouse Creek Falls
5.04.04 mi / 551 ft gainFollow 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 ...Read more -
Cosby, Tennessee
Mount Cammerer Lookout Tower
4.510.99 mi / 2877 ft gainMost visitors have a vision of how they'd like to see Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and it typically involves climbing to the top of a mountain like 4,928-foot Mount Cammerer. This is a very strenuous hike involving a breathtaking amount of elevation gain along the rugged Low Gap and Appal...Read more -
Robbinsville, North Carolina
Hike Hooper Bald
1 mi / 250 ft gainHooper bald is one of the highest points in Graham County so the views from the top can be spectacular year round. The trail-head starts at mile marker 8 on the Cherohala Skyway. From the trail-head you start your accent on a semi-paved trail and walk about a half-mile before reaching the edge o...Read more -
Cosby, Tennessee
Hen Wallow Falls
5.04.57 mi / 988 ft gainStart your adventure by parking in the Cosby Picnic Area Parking Lot near the entrance of the Cosby Campground. (127 Cosby Picnic Area Rd, Cosby, TN 37722.) Then backtrack through the parking lot about 100 yards until you see the sign marking the start of Gabes Mountain Trail. The trek to Hen W...Read more -
Clyde, North Carolina
Photograph the Smokies from Buzzards Roost
This is an awesome place to check out if you are driving Interstate 40 or if you are visiting the area for awhile. The access point for Buzzards Roost is located on the same exit as the well known Max Patch Mountain, just in the other direction. Once off the exit, you will travel down a gravel Fo...Read more
