Mars Hill, North Carolina

Top Spots in and near Mars Hill

  • Linville, North Carolina

    Hike the Flat Rock Trail (NC)

    5.0
    0.6 mi
    Flat Rock Trail is located off the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 308. There is a pull-off from the Parkway with a sign designating the location. There are several picnic tables around the pull-off, but I would recommend taking your lunch up to Flat Rock. The wide, clear trail is practically flat...
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  • Saluda, North Carolina

    Hike Bradley Falls

    4.8
    2.3 mi / 312 ft gain
    This is a really nice hike along Cove Creek that leads to a beautiful, 100 foot waterfall. While most of the trail is a relaxing stroll, the end of the hike provides a little adventure for those who feel up for it. Starting from the parking lot, follow the main trail into the woods. Early in the ...
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  • Sylva, North Carolina

    Abandoned Cessna 414A at Waterrock Knob (Removed)

    3.7
    1.72 mi / 430 ft gain
    NOTE: The wreckage has now been removed. Please see the press release on NPS.gov for more details.  Ever hiked to an abandoned plane in the middle of the woods? Yeah me neither until I heard of this gem. This is an AWESOME day hike for anyone looking to get outside for a few hours and see some ...
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  • Sylva, North Carolina

    Waterrock Knob Trail

    5.0
    1 mi / 407 ft gain
    The trail begins paved and quickly climbs up into a heavily forested area. Once at a 1/4 of a mile in, you will come to a nice overlook that will give you your first real good view of the surrounding mountains. The trail then continues on, though now unpaved, with great views off to your left as ...
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  • Maggie Valley, North Carolina

    Soco Falls

    5.0
    0.09 mi / 0 ft gain
    This double waterfall is located a mile and half off of the Blue Ridge Parkway in the Cherokee Indian Reservation. From the parking area, it's a short walk down a well-established trail to the viewing area of the falls. For an even closer view of the falls, you can follow a roped, steep path dow...
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  • Collettsville, North Carolina

    South Harper Creek Falls

    5.0
    3.46 mi / 564 ft gain
    South Harper Creek Falls is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Collettsville, North Carolina.
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  • Johnson City, Tennessee

    Kayak or SUP at Picken’s Bridge

    5.0
    Picken's Bridge has a parking area and boat drop that is accessible to place kayaks or paddle boards. From the boat drop there is a large open area of the lake to paddle around and explore. Northwest from the boat drop there are some cliffs that can easily be climbed up to cliff jump. Please rem...
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  • Elizabethton, Tennessee

    Kayak at Wilbur dam

    Great spot for kayaking! There is a small waterfall across the lake. The water is very still. Great for kayaking. The spot is somewhat hidden so not many people know about it. There are never many people there. It is a beautiful lake with amazing views. There is also a small picnic area in front ...
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  • Hendersonville, North Carolina

    Hooker Falls

    4.5
    0.92 mi / 282 ft gain
    Hooker Falls is located in Dupont State Forest in southern North Carolina. The hike is a great hike for kids to go on and to have a picnic. The waterfall is a beautiful waterfall that offers a great place to swim. Along the hike there are also other places you can see the river and you can swim a...
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  • Little River, North Carolina

    High Falls & Triple Falls

    4.5
    2.38 mi / 502 ft gain
    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....
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  • Balsam Grove, North Carolina

    Hike to Courthouse Falls

    4.7
    0.07 mi / 40 ft gain
    First off, I want to say although the road is gravel it is accessible for 2WD cars you do not need a 4WD car to access this hike. The trail begins just over the bridge that crosses Panther Branch Creek. Just over the bridge there is a pullout where you can park that should fit at least 3 cars. Th...
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  • Bureau of Indian Affairs Highway 506, North Carolina

    Barrett Knob Fire Tower

    5.0
    1.21 mi / 344 ft gain
    Your hike will start at the base of the Blue Ridge Parkway just a few miles from the start in Cherokee. The trail starts right off of the parkway in a very small easy to miss dirt road. There is a small area to park that then you start your hike up the dirt road right after the gate. The hike to ...
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  • Tuckasegee, North Carolina

    Hike to Dill Falls

    0.4 mi / 400 ft gain
    The drive to this waterfall can be a little muddy when there is a lot of rain and can need an AWD or 4WD in the rain. The road has some new gravel laid in parts so it could be improved in a few months. In the summer there is also a chance of seeing large dump trucks and logging trucks, but the ro...
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  • Linville, North Carolina

    Rough Ridge via the Tanawha Trail from Beacon Heights

    5.0
    7.49 mi / 1280 ft gain
    If 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...
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  • Newland, North Carolina

    Beacon Heights Overlook

    5.0
    0.71 mi / 105 ft gain
    Beacon Heights is the perfect hike when you're on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Linville and Grandfather Mountain, Milepost 305.2. The trail is a steady climb uphill for less than a half mile. The last section being fairly steep and rocky. Once at the top, there are several rock outcroppings, but...
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  • Seven Devils, North Carolina

    Calloway Peak via Profile Trail

    7.11 mi / 2493 ft gain
    Calloway Peak via Profile Trail is an out-and-back trail with waterfall views located near Banner Elk, North Carolina in Grandfather Mountain State Park.
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