Lake Junaluska, North Carolina

Trail signs in Panthertown Valley are limited. Be sure to bring a map! Starting at the Cold Mountain parking lot, hike to Schoolhouse Falls. This is a nice waterfall with a pool at the bottom. In the summer, you are bound to run into other fellow hikers here.  From Schoolhouse Falls, you have the...

Warden, Jawbone, and Riding Ford Falls are three waterfalls located along the headwaters of the Tuckasegee River in Panthertown Valley. Not far from the Cold Mountain trailhead, these falls are quite popular in the summer. On a weekend, you will often find people playing in the pools below the fa...

This easy 1.25 mile hike is located within the Lake Toxaway community. The trail itself follows a small creek as it winds through the valley. Be warned - there are numerous stream crossings. Most of the crossings are fairly easy at normal water levels, but can be difficult if the water is high. S...

Lovers 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...

Take Porters Creek Trail, a gravel road alongside Porters Creek. You will pass by an old farmstead and cemetery, as well as lots of wildflowers if you're out during the spring. In a mile, keep left, then in another half mile or so you should cross over a small (and somewhat harrowing) footbridge...

The Morton Overlook is one of the Great Smoky Mountains National Parks most well known and visited overlooks. Morton offers a wide view of the Great Smoky Mountains and is a perfect spot for some really good photography opportunities. Coming from Gatlinburg, TN it is roughly 13 miles from the vis...

This is a ~36 mile loop that goes up Clingman's Dome (the tallest point in Tennessee). Pretty challenging, not for the novice backpacker. Park at Deep Creek campground in Bryson City, NC. We did it as a 3-day, 2-night camping at sites 53 and 61. As it is a loop it could easily be done in reverse....

This trail starts at the Newfound Gap parking lot. Newfound Gap is situated on the border of Tennessee and North Carolina. The views from Newfound Gap overlook North Carolina and are worth the trip in their own right. The restroom facilities are clean and have flushing toilets. Follow the crowds ...

Newfound Gap is a mountain pass in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Newfound Gap is accessible via U.S. Route 441 from Gatlinburg, TN or Cherokee, NC. You can watch the sunrise from the parking lot at Newfound Gap or the viewing platform adjacent to the parking lot.At sunrise, layers of pink ...

This route to Clingmans Dome is available throughout the year. But during the winter months from December 1 through March 31, the 7-mile Clingman’s Dome Road that branches off Highway 441 at Newfound Gap, stays closed. This means the usual drive to the parking area located just a half mile below ...

Begin your adventure by arriving at the Newfound Gap parking lot - before first light. Why? Because you won't want to miss the incredible sunrise from the parking lot - even before you step foot on the trail! It is said that a hiker will never get overly warm hiking the Boulevard to Leconte due ...

From the Sugarlands Visitor Center near Gatlinburg, drive approximately 13 miles south on Newfound Gap Road to reach the Newfound Gap Parking Area (it'll be on your left). The parking area is free and there are bathrooms. Follow the Appalachian Trail towards Katahdin, Maine (1972 miles away, woah...

This hike can be started at the Alum Cave trailhead or the Boulevard Trailhead. For this particular adventure, the starting point is Alum Cave. If you're lucky enough to stay the night at the backcountry shelter on top of Mt. LeConte, (add 0.2 miles if coming from the Lodge), head east on the Bou...

The Haw Creek Valley Overlook is only 8 miles from downtown Asheville. If you're in the downtown area, it's a rather easy place to zip on over to if you're in need of some time away from urban life. This overlook is a hot spot for sunset watching and picture taking. If you plan on seeing what th...

To visit the falls, take US-74 west from Bryson City to exit 64 . Take a left at the exit and drive on Alarka Road for about 10 miles. Follow the road all the way to the end where you will find a turnaround. Don't make the mistake of following the forest service road (it is gated), as it is not ...

From the Deep Creek Trailhead, you can hike to both waterfalls heading up the Deep Creek Trail. You will come across Tom Branch Falls quickly, after 0.2 miles. Once you've had your fill of Tom Branch, head further along the Deep Creek Trail for another 0.5 miles. Turn right on the Indian Creek Tr...