Horse Shoe, North Carolina
Horse Shoe, North Carolina is a great destination for outdoor adventurers and nature lovers. From scenic trails to awe-inspiring attractions, the area is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Popular attractions include Chimney Rock State Park, which offers picturesque views and thrilling hiking trails, and the DuPont State Recreational Forest, a 10,000-acre forest treasure trove with over 80 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. For those looking for a more relaxed outdoor experience, the nearby Pisgah National Forest offers camping, fishing, and kayaking. No matter what your preference, Horse Shoe, North Carolina is an outdoor haven that is sure to be adored. With its top trails and outdoor activities, it's the perfect place to explore the great outdoors.
Top Spots in and near Horse Shoe
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Micaville, North Carolina
Crabtree Falls
4.92.83 mi / 525 ft gainStarting from the old store parking area at MP 339.5 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, follow the trail through a meadow past the campground amphitheater. After crossing the paved road to the campground, the trail will come to a T-intersection. Take the trail to the right for the shortest way to the fal...Read more -
Bureau of Indian Affairs Highway 506, North Carolina
Barrett Knob Fire Tower
5.01.21 mi / 344 ft gainYour hike will start at the base of the Blue Ridge Parkway just a few miles from the start in Cherokee. The trail starts right off of the parkway in a very small easy to miss dirt road. There is a small area to park that then you start your hike up the dirt road right after the gate. The hike to ...Read more -
Burnsville, North Carolina
Backpack the Black Mountain Crest Trail
12 mi / 5390 ft gainThe Black Mountain Crest Trail is legendary among hikers in the southeast. It is the highest trail east of the Mississippi, as it traverses the summit of several peaks over 6,000 feet. It is also widely acknowledged as one of the premier hikes on the east coast. To whit, the trail immediately asc...Read more -
Mountain Rest, South Carolina
Hike along the Chattooga River to Spoonauger Falls
1 mi / 100 ft gainSpoonauger falls housed in Sumter National Forest, received its name after the Spoonauger family which historically lived above the falls. From Walhalla SC, drive north on Highway 28 until it meets SC 107 (right under 10 miles). Take a slight right onto SC 107 and drive another 10 miles until yo...Read more -
Mountain Rest, South Carolina
King Creek Falls
4.81.45 mi / 256 ft gainThe trail to Kings Creek begins behind the bulletin board in the Burrells Ford primitive campground parking lot. It is an easy .5 mile trail to the falls. The falls are only 70ft high but they are beautiful, there is an area to the side of the falls with some nice sitting rocks and the area under...Read more -
138 Silver Mine Road, North Carolina
Hike the Lovers Leap Loop Trail
5.01.8 mi / 472 ft gainLovers Leap Loop trail is a 1.8 mile loop in Hot Springs, NC. The address of the trailhead is 138 Silver Mine Rd, Hot Springs, NC 28743. Once you arrive at the parking lot, you will see a trail leading up into the mountain with a post next to it. This is where you want to begin. It is part of the...Read more -
Marshall, North Carolina
Laurel River Trail
5.07.23 mi / 1447 ft gainLaurel River Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a river located near Marshall, North Carolina.Read more -
Greenville, South Carolina
Lake Conestee Nature Park Loop
2.39 mi / 194 ft gainLake Conestee Nature Park Loop is a family-friendly loop trail located near Greenville, South Carolina. This trail makes for a great stroll and opportunity to do some birdwatching along the route. There are plenty of insects in the warmer months, so you may want to consider packing repellent.Read more -
Marion, North Carolina
Tom's Creek Falls
5.00.7 mi / 148 ft gainThe hike to Tom's Creek Falls is a short but enjoyable hike right off the side of the road. The hike is on a wide and mostly flat gravel road that goes right up to the waterfall and a viewing platform that makes for a perfect place for pictures. This hike is a great hike for families and young ki...Read more -
Mountain Rest, South Carolina
Hike to Big Bend Falls
5.06.5 miThe hike to Big Bend Falls begins on the Chattooga River Trail at the Burrell's Ford Campground. To get here you take Burrell's Ford Road off of SC 107. There will be a good sized gravel parking area off to the left about 3 miles down Burrell's Ford Road. When you park the car you can walk down t...Read more -
Highlands, North Carolina
Satulah Mountain
5.0Just a stone’s throw from downtown Highlands, North Carolina, the Satulah Mountain Trail offers a rewarding hike to one of the most iconic vistas in the southern Blue Ridge Mountains. This moderately challenging route leads hikers to a rocky summit with sweeping views of Georgia, South Carolina...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 -
Highlands, North Carolina
Photograph and Explore Bridal Veil Falls
4.0Bridal Veil Falls is located directly off of the road and is about a 100 feet tall in total. The falls makes for a great place to take pictures under the water falls. The falls itself is small and flows constant all year long getting to the bottom of the falls is not recommended because it is dan...Read more -
Cherokee, North Carolina
Mingo Falls
4.20.22 mi / 148 ft gainAlthough it is not much of a hike at just 0.3 miles, it is accessible to people of all fitness levels. A climb up a series of stairs leads you to a trail overlooking Mingo creek. You will then find a 20 foot wide bridge which serves as the viewing platform of the falls. If you care to advent...Read more -
Hot Springs, North Carolina
Rich Mountain Fire Tower
5.0Rich Mountain fire tower is located in the Cherokee National Forest just outside of Hot springs North Carolina. Getting there is pretty easy once you get off of US 25W you drive up a gravel road for about 5 miles until you get to the tower. Once you get to the top its about a 100 foot walk until ...Read more