Lake Lure, North Carolina
Lake Lure, North Carolina, offers some of the best outdoor activities and attractions in the area. From scenic hikes to water adventures, there's something for everyone. The top must-visit attractions include Chimney Rock State Park, Lake Lure Beach & Water Park, and the Hickory Nut Gorge. For those looking for a more rustic experience, the nearby Catawba Falls is a great choice. Enjoy a view of the Blue Ridge Mountains while exploring the trails. For outdoor adventurers, the best trails and outdoor activities include the Lake Lure Adventure Company, the Rocky Broad River, and the Thermal Belt Rail Trail. Make sure to check out these attractions for an unforgettable experience.
Top Spots in and near Lake Lure
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Newland, North Carolina
Big Hump Mountain via the Appalachian Trail
4.57.83 mi / 2021 ft gainTowering over Little Hump Mountain, Big Hump Mountain offers one of the clearest views on the Appalachian Trail. Big Hump Mountain is located in the Roan Highlands North of Bradley Gap. This peak is not as traveled as other popular hikes in the area despite its massive size because of the intense...Read more -
Newland, North Carolina
Hike to Bradley Gap along the Appalachian Trail
4.6 mi / 1339 ft gainBradley Gap rests along the Appalachian Trail overlooking North Carolina and Tennessee mountains. Part of the Roan Highlands, Bradley Gap can be accessed via Yellow Mountain Gap Trailhead. Follow the Roaring Fork Trail from the trailhead until you intersect the Appalachian Trail (White Blaze) app...Read more -
Lake Toxaway, North Carolina
Hike to Schoolhouse Falls and Little Green
5.03 miTrail 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...Read more -
Lake Toxaway, North Carolina
Hike to Warden, Jawbone, and Riding Ford Falls
4.5 miWarden, 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...Read more -
Clyde, North Carolina
Hike to Little Fall Branch falls
0.3 mi / 300 ft gainThe trailhead to this hike is easy to find but the gps is hard to match so it might try to take you through the middle of the trees but its easy to follow the road. The best way to get here is to go off of I-40 at the Harmon Den exit and then go up the road towards Max Patch. To get to the trailh...Read more -
Roan Mountain, Tennessee
Hughes Gap to Roan High Bluff
10.92 mi / 2986 ft gainHughes Gap to Roan High Bluff is an out-and-back trail that provides a good opportunity to view wildlife located near Bakersville, North Carolina.Read more -
Unicoi, Tennessee
Camp at Unaka Mountain Overlook
4.00.1 miUnaka Mountain Overlook is one of the highest locations in the Cherokee National Forest. Easily accessibly by vehicle, the overlook towers over the surrounding mountains, including Beauty Spot Gap, and is an ideal spot to camp overnight. Take Rock Creek Road until you meet the border of North Car...Read more -
Erwin, Tennessee
Martin's Creek Falls
3.02.06 mi / 522 ft gainMartin's Creek Falls is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Erwin, Tennessee.Read more -
Del Rio, Tennessee
Max Patch to Hot Springs, N.C. via Appalachian Trail
3.414.06 mi / 2966 ft gainMake a weekend trip from Max Patch to Hot Springs N.C., and be sure to soak in the natural hot springs at the old inn after your hike! This is an incredible, relatively easy hike with the reward at the end being hot springs on the French Broad River. You can break this up however you like, this i...Read more -
Del Rio, Tennessee
Max Patch Mountain
5.01.51 mi / 315 ft gainMax Patch Mountain was once cleared for pasture land, leaving an expansive flat summit that now serves as the ideal location for a picnic hike, flying a kite, or laying in the sun surrounded by the Great Smoky Mountains. With little elevation gain and a short distance it is also very family (and ...Read more -
Unicoi, Tennessee
Red Fork Falls Trail
3.50.68 mi / 190 ft gainRed Fork Falls Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Unicoi, Tennessee.Read more -
Linville, North Carolina
Rough Ridge via the Tanawha Trail from Beacon Heights
5.07.49 mi / 1280 ft gainIf you're feeling frisky, set your alarm for the early am and park at the Beacon Heights Parking area about 30 minutes before dawn. Put on your head lamp and hike the short trip to Beacon Heights, bask in the glory of the warm morning sun, then head back down and connect with the Tanawha Trail. A...Read more
