Mars Hill, North Carolina

Top Spots in and near Mars Hill

  • Banner Elk, North Carolina

    Explore Boone Fork Creek

    0.25 mi / 75 ft gain
    Boone Fork Bridge and creek is situated at the base of Grandfather Mountain, on the Blue Ridge Parkway, milepost 299.9. Elevation 3905'.The trailhead is at the left side of Boone Fork Creek parking area and the trail is a gentle meander through Rhododendrons and a hardwood forest.As you head tow...
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  • Cherokee, North Carolina

    Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway from the Southern Terminus

    5.0
    The pinpoint for this particular entrance starts just outside of Cherokee, North Carolina, following the Parkway North. They say the Blue Ridge Parkway is more than just a road, it's a beautiful journey. Start this journey and you will quickly find this to be true. This 469 mile gateway connects...
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  • Cleveland, South Carolina

    Photograph Fred W. Symmes Chapel (Pretty Place)

    Getting there Fred W. Symmes (aka Pretty Place) Chapel is perched near the top of Standing Stone Mountain at 3000 feet above sea level. That being said, expect a long and winding drive up the mountain. It takes about 30 minutes starting from the bottom of the mountain to arrive to the chapel. Th...
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  • Gatlinburg, Tennessee

    Fern Branch Falls

    5.0
    3.7 mi / 794 ft gain
    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...
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  • Gatlinburg, Tennessee

    Porters Creek Trail

    5.0
    7.19 mi / 1614 ft gain
    Porters Creek Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Gatlinburg, Tennessee.
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  • Cullowhee, North Carolina

    Exploring two legendary Cherokee sites: Judaculla Rock and Devil's Courthouse, North Carolina

    5.0
    0.9 mi / 258 ft gain
    Judaculla was an ancient Cherokee spirit being and giant. He ruled in western North Carolina in the traditional Cherokee homeland. Once while chasing some hunters, when he jumped to the ground, his hand hit a rock. You can still see the print on Judaculla Rock. It is the most elaborate piece of r...
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  • Bryson City, North Carolina

    Kephart Prong Trail, Great Smoky Mountains NP

    5.0
    3.92 mi / 840 ft gain
    Kephart Prong is a pretty easy hike in close proximity to the Visitor Center on the North Carolina Side of GSMNP. 2 miles up the trail, you'll arrive at Kephart Shelter, where you can rest and enjoy vies of the Kephart Prong. Once you've had your fill, head back down the way you came.  During th...
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  • Bryson City, North Carolina

    Charlies Bunion via Kephart Loop

    14.14 mi / 3671 ft gain
    Charlies Bunion via Kephart Loop is a loop trail located near Cherokee, North Carolina. This is a longer version of the Charlies Bunion hike starting from the Newfound Gap parking lot. The added benefit of this longer loop is the opportunity to see more of the Great Smokey Mountains! You'll pass ...
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  • Greenville County, South Carolina

    Hike the Jones Gap Loop

    5.0
    5.5 mi / 2000 ft gain
    Start on the Jones Gap Trail (blue), which will lead you alongside the Saluda River. After 2.5 miles, take the Old Springs Branch Trail (orange) to loop back to the lot.For a challenging, more strenuous hike, with great views of the Gap, check out Rim of the Gap Trail. It is not advised to take c...
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  • Greenville County, South Carolina

    Hike the Pinnacle Pass/Rim of the Gap Loop

    11.5 mi / 2345 ft gain
    The Trailhead: Located at Jones Gap State Park in Marietta, SC of northern Greenville County. Follow the trail across an iron bridge that crosses the Middle Saluda River, and be sure to register at the Ranger’s Station/Gift Shop on the far side of the gap. The trail head(s) are located directly o...
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  • Greenville County, South Carolina

    Rainbow Falls and Pretty Place

    5.0
    5.96 mi / 1844 ft gain
    Jones Gap State Park in the Upstate of South Carolina is one of the most beautiful parks in the state offering a good range of moderate and challenging hiking and backpacking trails through the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area. Jones Gap also provides superb primitive camping sites along the rocky...
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  • Tuckasegee, North Carolina

    Paradise Falls

    4.3
    0.74 mi / 167 ft gain
    To the north of Panthertown lies a chain of dammed lakes that are some of the most peaceful waters in Western North Carolina. These make up the headwaters of the East Fork of the Tuckasegee River. The gorges that run between the top lakes are wild, scenic, and adventurous to even the most experie...
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  • Cleveland, South Carolina

    Hike to Jones Gap Falls

    8.2 mi / 1200 ft gain
    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 ...
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  • Cleveland, South Carolina

    Raven Cliff Falls

    4.5
    7.76 mi / 2185 ft gain
    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...
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  • Lake Toxaway, North Carolina

    Rhapsodie Falls

    2.98 mi / 623 ft gain
    Rhapsodie Falls is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Lake Toxaway, North Carolina.
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  • Kingsport, Tennessee

    Kingsport Greenbelt

    5.0
    9.1 mi / 308 ft gain
    Kingsport Greenbelt is a point-to-point trail that takes you by a river located near Kingsport, Tennessee.
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