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Robbinsville, North Carolina

Robbinsville, North Carolina is a must-visit for anyone looking to explore the outdoors. Top attractions include the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest, the Great Smoky Mountains, and the Nantahala National Forest. The Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest is a great place to explore nature, offering beautiful views and plenty of trails to explore. The Great Smoky Mountains is another popular attraction, offering a range of outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and camping. The Nantahala National Forest is a great spot for outdoor adventurers, offering plenty of trails, stunning views, and plenty of wildlife. Whether you're looking for a peaceful walk in nature or an adrenaline-filled adventure, Robbinsville, North Carolina has something for everyone.

Top Spots in and near Robbinsville

  • Robbinsville, North Carolina

    Paddle The Cheoah River

    5.0
    The Cheoah River is a dam controlled section of whitewater that has become one of the "bucket runs" for Western, North Carolina. Located near Robbinsville, NC, the Cheoah is a non-stop class IV+ classic of constant gradient that delivers a Southeastern whitewater experience like no other. There ...
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  • Robbinsville, North Carolina

    Hike Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest Loop

    5.0
    2 mi
    The beauty of this trail starts at the parking lot. Before you start the trail, you will find a picnic table near the parking lot and go down to the edge of the rolling stream. Its a great spot to hear the stream and take some pictures. If you are feeling adventurous you can try to hop from rock ...
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  • Bryson City, North Carolina

    Hike Ledbetter Creek

    5.0
    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...
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  • Fontana Dam, North Carolina

    Hike to Shuckstack Fire Tower

    5.0
    7 mi / 2100 ft gain
    Your Shuckstack adventure starts at the Fontana Dam outside of Bryson City, NC. As the highest dam East of the Rocky Mountains, it's a sight on its own. This will be your last chance to fill up water bottles and use the restroom so take advantage.You can leave on foot from the dam and continue al...
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  • Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness, North Carolina

    Backpack Slickrock Creek Trail #42

    30 mi / 3700 ft gain
    8:30 a.m. and we’re winding our way down Highway 129 near Robbinsville, NC. The fog is still thick over the Little Tennessee River as we slow down crossing the bridge into Graham County. “I think we missed it,” I say as we continue onward. Within minutes the Tapoco Lodge comes into view. My pre-h...
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  • Lake Santeetlah, North Carolina

    Huckleberry Knob

    4.8
    1.77 mi / 295 ft gain
    Huckleberry Knob is the highest point in the Cheoah Ranger District at 5,560 feet, and it offers expansive views of the surrounding Cherokee and Natahala National Forest. The hike is 2.4 miles roundtrip and begins at the parking lot between mile 8 and 9 up an old dirt road. You will go up the di...
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  • Robbinsville, North Carolina

    Gregory Bald via Twentymile

    4.0
    15.42 mi / 3694 ft gain
    Gregory Bald via Twentymile is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Robbinsville, North Carolina.
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  • Robbinsville, North Carolina

    Hike Hooper Bald

    1 mi / 250 ft gain
    Hooper bald is one of the highest points in Graham County so the views from the top can be spectacular year round.  The trail-head starts at mile marker 8 on the Cherohala Skyway. From the trail-head you start your accent on a semi-paved trail and walk about a half-mile before reaching the edge o...
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  • Robbinsville, North Carolina

    Hike the Big Fat Gap Trail

    12 mi / 3000 ft gain
    There are many trailheads leading into the wilderness on either the Tennessee or North Carolina side. My favorite is the Big Fat Gap trail on the North Carolina side at an elevation of 3,060'. To see the best of what this area has to offer take the Hangover Lead South Trail to the 5,180' Hangover...
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  • Tellico Plains, North Carolina

    Hike to Whiggs Meadow

    3 mi / 700 ft gain
    You will start your hike off of the Cherohala Skyway. The trail-head is a small asphalt pull-off on the right if you are coming from Tellico Plains. From the trail-head the trail starts up and almost all of the trial is an uphill incline on the way there with about 700 feet of elevation change ov...
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  • Franklin, North Carolina

    Wesser Bald Fire Tower

    4.7
    2.36 mi / 807 ft gain
    The road leading to the trailhead is rough the last mile, but doable in any car. Just make sure to take it easy going up and be careful, especially if there has been any rain or snow. You will have reached the parking area for the hike once you see a large green Appalachian trail sign and a few...
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  • Tellico Plains, Tennessee

    Hike to Falls Branch Falls

    5.0
    2.6 mi / 540 ft gain
    To get to the trailhead, drive 22.5 miles on the Cherohala Skyway from Tellico Plains, Tennessee. If you are coming from the North Carolina side, drive 20.5 miles to the trailhead. The trailhead parking area is marked by a large green sign saying West Rattlesnake and is surrounded by a low stone ...
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  • Vonore, Tennessee

    Camp at Citico Creek

    5.0
    There are a few options for getting to Citico Creek, you can either go up the windy gravel road from US 411 or get off of the Cherohala Skyway and go down the mountain past the Indian Boundary campground. The Citico Creek campground has about 5 or 6 spots but is rarely full because it is very sec...
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  • Townsend, Tennessee

    Gregory Bald via Gregory Ridge Trail

    5.0
    11.3 mi / 3020 ft gain
    The Gregory Bald summit is indisputably picturesque – the 10-acre meadow at the top hosts magnificent azalea blooms in June, wild blueberries in August, and views of Cades Cove, Rich Mountain, Fontana Lake, Thunderhead Mountain, and Clingmans Dome, year-round. Start this hike at the Gregory Ridg...
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  • 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...
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  • 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...
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Camping and Lodging in Robbinsville

Swan Cabin
Cheoah, North Carolina

Swan Cabin

Cheoah Point Campground
Robbinsville, North Carolina

Cheoah Point Campground

Rattler Ford Group Campground
Robbinsville, North Carolina

Rattler Ford Group Campground

Murphy / Peace Valley KOA Holiday
Marble, North Carolina

Murphy / Peace Valley KOA Holiday

Donley Cabin
North River Road

Donley Cabin

Mcnabb Creek Group
North River Road

Mcnabb Creek Group

Guides, Insights and Stories from Robbinsville

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

The 5 Best Fall Hikes in the Blue Ridge Mountains

The 5 Best Fall Hikes in the Blue Ridge Mountains

Christian Murillo