Maggie Valley, North Carolina

Both falls provide ample open, flat rock right up next to the massive falls where you can picnic, take photos, or just lounge in the sun and mist. There are signs saying so, but be sure to be careful near the waters edge below the falls - swimming is not allowed as the current can be very strong....

The Wayah Bald Lookout Tower is located in Nantahala National Forest in one of the oldest part of the protected land. It was first built in the 1920s then it was rebuilt throughout the years until it was finally made out of stone and concrete. The current tower that stands offers great views of t...

A moderate to advanced 2.6 mile hike has many stairs and a lot of ascents and descents along the way. The hike may not be the easiest but the payoff is worth it. The trail is easily marked so no need to worry about getting lost. 

Whiteoak Sinks is an out-and-back trail that provides a good opportunity to view wildlife located near Townsend, Tennessee.

Leaving the Nantahala Outdoor Center, drive upriver for 6.5 miles until you see a pull off on the right. Walk past the picnic tables, cross the railroad tracks, then follow the trail to arrive at the creek. Once you're there, it's up to you on what to do next.One of the most popular activities he...

The Appalachian Trail does not need a lot of hype beyond its existing legendary status.  However, there are certain parts of it that do stand out as being a little extra special.  Siler Bald is one of those spots.  A large clearing starting from Snowbird Gap and going all the way up to Siler Bald...

Fawn Lake sits on the backside of DuPont State Forest, about a 15 minute drive from the High Falls Parking/ Visitor Center as well as Hooker Falls parking lots. With easy access and easy terrain, this is a must see to add to the list. While sometimes the main parking lots and trails of DuPont can...

Winding Stair Gap on Highway 64 is the starting point for this spectacular backpacking trip through the Nantahala National Forest. It's right outside the hiker friendly town of Franklin, NC, so the town is your last chance for a hot meal and any last minute supplies. There is a parking lot at the...

Spoonauger 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...

The 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...

For Caesar's Head State Park access, head North from Pickens on HWY 178 until it intersects with HWY 11. Turn right onto HWY 11 North and continue for 10 miles until the 276 intersection where you veer off to the left. Follow 276 to the top of the mountain. 1 miles past the Caesars Head Visitors ...

The 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...

Location: From the intersection of US276 & SC11, head Northwest on US276.  Drive to the top of the mountain, 1 mile past the visitor's center, and The Raven Cliff Falls Parking Area and trail head will be on your right.  After parking in the Raven Cliff Falls Parking Area, the trailhead is l...

Start your hike at Anthony Creek Trailhead (elevation 1,800 ft), in the Cade’s Cove area. The trailhead is located at the far end of the day-use picnic area near Cade’s Cove campground. There are a few parking spots right at the trailhead, but note that the picnic area closes at dusk (a gate clos...

Rocky Top is known to be the spot that inspired the famous fight song of the University of Tennessee, which is also an official song for the state of Tennessee.  The trailhead for this hike begins in the Cade’s Cove picnic area parking lot towards the back side. There are a few parking spots ri...

Once you get to the destination there should be a small parking area. At the end of this parking area you will see the start of the Twin Falls trail that will be mostly a flat walk. Follow this trail approximately 0.5 miles  to the falls. You will know you are in the right place if the creek is r...