Outbound Collective logo

Otto, North Carolina

Top Spots in and near Otto

  • Otto, North Carolina

    Hike to and Climb Pickens Nose

    4.8
    1.5 mi / 200 ft gain
    From the parking area (fits about 6 cars) follow the trail on the same side of the road up the ridge through dense rhododendron. Several spur trails branch off of the main trail and lead to rock outcroppings with excellent views. Getting to the parking area is slow. The narrow gravel road winds...
    Read more
  • Highlands, North Carolina

    Explore Cullasaja Falls

    5.0
    0.3 mi / 200 ft gain
    This is an awesome waterfall that offers views from several different spots along the road as well as a quick hike down to the base! The small pull-off area is located towards the top of the falls. There isn't much space (3 maybe 4 cars at a time), but there are additional pull-off areas further ...
    Read more
  • Dillard, Georgia

    Hike to Rabun Bald

    5.0
    3 mi / 4696 ft gain
    Starting at the trailhead you begin by following the yellow blazes. The trail isn't well marked so keep an eye out for the blazes you see. The trailhead starts at the dead end of Kelsey Mountain Trail. The path immediately starts to incline and doesn't stop. A few minutes in you will come to a fo...
    Read more
  • Franklin, North Carolina

    Backpack the Standing Indian Loop on the Appalachian Trail

    24 mi
    Begins at the parking lot for the Standing Indian Campground. (No permits are needed to park here) For the first 3.7 miles, take Kimsey Creek Trail, which runs along the water, until you meet up with the AT at Deep Gap. Rolling hills and lots of foliage throughout, leading up to Standing Indian M...
    Read more
  • Highlands, North Carolina

    Explore Dry Falls, North Carolina

    4.6
    0.42 mi / 95 ft gain
    Dry Falls is located off of Hwy. 64, which has been designated as the Mountain Waters Scenic Byway, and the road does not disappoint. Hwy. 64 is a two lane road which hugs the northern side of Cullasaja Gorge, which has been carved by the Cullasaja River. Besides Dry Falls, Hwy. 64 leads you past...
    Read more
  • Highlands, North Carolina

    Photograph and Explore Bridal Veil Falls

    Bridal Veil Falls is located directly off of the road and is about a 100 feet tall in total. The falls makes for a great place to take pictures under the water falls. The falls itself is small and flows constant all year long getting to the bottom of the falls is not recommended because it is dan...
    Read more
  • Franklin, North Carolina

    Nantahala National Forest via the Appalachian Trail

    4.0
    27.11 mi / 5420 ft gain
    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...
    Read more
  • Clayton, Georgia

    Hike the James E. Edmond trail to Lookoff Mountain Overlook

    4.0
    7.5 mi / 2378 ft gain
    Black Rock Mountain State Park is Georgia's highest elevation State Park.  It is adorned with several waterfalls, sweeping overlooks, blooming Rhododendron's, and plenty of miles of trail.  The James E. Edmond trail is the longest and by far most challenging hike in the park.  Its medium-long dis...
    Read more
  • Clayton, Georgia

    Hike to Martin Creek Falls

    5.0
    0.6 mi
    There are two different ways to get to this waterfall.The easiest way is through a trail in the Warwoman Wildlife Management Area. To get to this trail head, drive east on Warwoman Road from Clayton, GA. At approximately 3.5 miles, take a left onto Finney Creek Road (FS 152). You will see a sign ...
    Read more
  • Cullowhee, North Carolina

    Hike to Yellow Mountain Fire Tower via Cloud Catcher Lane

    5.0
    1.5 mi / 700 ft gain
    Yellow Mountain Fire Tower features some of the best views, looking out over both the Northern Georgia mountains as well as seeing the flat-lands of South Carolina past the mountain ranges. This hike is pretty well known for its 12-mile round trip trek, starting in Cashiers, NC, however, there's ...
    Read more
  • Franklin, North Carolina

    Siler Bald from Wayah Gap

    5.0
    3.66 mi / 1060 ft gain
    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...
    Read more
  • Clayton, Georgia

    Camp at Tallulah River Campground

    Tallulah River Campground is located in the Chattahoochee-Oconee national forest. It is just outside of Clayton, Georgia. The campground has about 15 spots that are big enough for a small to medium sized RV. Each camping spot also has a nice tent pad for a big tent. Most spots are also on the riv...
    Read more
  • Franklin, North Carolina

    Photograph Wayah Bald Lookout Tower

    0.1 mi / 0 ft gain
    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...
    Read more
  • Highlands, North Carolina

    Hike the Whiteside Mountain Loop

    5.0
    2 mi / 595 ft gain
    Whiteside Mountain is simply breathtaking, there is no way around it.  Views of the mountain from the South expose its sheer granite face, which runs almost its entire length East-to-West.  However, the views of the mountain are just the beginning, as this hike climbs to higher heights than just ...
    Read more
  • Highlands, North Carolina

    Bouldering Granite City

    5.0
    0.3 mi / 96 ft gain
    At the foot of Blackrock Mountain just outside of Highlands, North Carolina, lies one of the most unique and secluded natural playgrounds around.  Granite City is composed of several massive granite boulders, ranging between 10-40 feet tall.  This spot is most popular for bouldering (mostly V0-V2...
    Read more
  • Highlands, North Carolina

    Explore Cashiers Sliding Rock

    0.2 mi / 70 ft gain
    This waterfall is located just outside of Cashiers, NC. The trailhead to the waterfall is right off of the road and has a good amount of parking. The trial itself is very nice and has new steps at the beginning of the trail. The trail is very wide and is mostly flat the entire way there. Once you...
    Read more

Camping and Lodging in Otto

Van Hook Glade
14014 Highlands Road

Van Hook Glade

Standing Indian Campground
Franklin, North Carolina

Standing Indian Campground

Willis Knob Horse Camp
Clayton, Georgia

Willis Knob Horse Camp

Whetstone Horse Camp
Mountain Rest, South Carolina

Whetstone Horse Camp

Cherry Hill Campground
Tamassee, South Carolina

Cherry Hill Campground

Cheoah Point Cabin 1
Bryson City, North Carolina

Cheoah Point Cabin 1

Guides, Insights and Stories from Otto

The 5 Best Fall Hikes in the Blue Ridge Mountains

The 5 Best Fall Hikes in the Blue Ridge Mountains

Christian Murillo

Indulge in Adventure at this Base Camp Near the Great Smoky Mountains

Indulge in Adventure at this Base Camp Near the Great Smoky Mountains

The Outbound Collective

20 Must-Do Hikes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

20 Must-Do Hikes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The Outbound Collective

The Smokies Are Still Alive!

The Smokies Are Still Alive!

Merritt McKinney

6 Inspiring Photos from the Smoky Mountains

6 Inspiring Photos from the Smoky Mountains

Nick Spicer