Lake Toxaway

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. Small children may need assistance crossing.  After Fisher Falls (~.6 mile marker), the trail will cu...

Rainbow Falls is one of the most scenic waterfalls in North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains. The Horsepasture River swells in the rainy season, dumping a cascade of water 150 feet. The plume of mist at the bottom creates a distinct rainbow effect, giving the falls its name. Hike to Rainbow Falls and explore the surrounding area - Turtleback Falls, a 20 ft drop over a curved rock, is just .3 mil...

If you want to see a great waterfall without hiking all day, this is the perfect trail for you.  Getting there - The trailhead is about 2 miles from the intersection of Cold Mountain and Panther Ridge Road (exact coordinates: 35.1594, -82.9801). There is a small grassy pull out where you can park your car. Once you park, walk across the street and start walking downhill. The trailhead will be o...

Canebrake Trail and Foothills Trail is a point-to-point trail that takes you by a lake located near Lake Toxaway, North Carolina.

Dismal Falls is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Lake Toxaway, North Carolina.

Rhapsodie Falls is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Lake Toxaway, North Carolina.

Greenland Creek Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Sapphire, 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 option to continue hiking to the top of Little Green. Little Green has a great view of the Panthert...

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 falls.  If you are not familiar with the area, be sure to pick up  a copy of Burt Kornegay's map which...