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Swannanoa, North Carolina

Looking for the best hiking in Swannanoa? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Swannanoa. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Hiking Spots in and near Swannanoa

  • Green Mountain, North Carolina

    Appalachian Trail: Indian Grave Gap to Chestoa

    4.0
    8.05 mi / 1165 ft gain
    Appalachian Trail: Indian Grave Gap to Chestoa is a point-to-point trail that takes you by a river located near Unicoi, Tennessee.
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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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  • 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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  • Unicoi, Tennessee

    Appalachian Trail: Beauty Spot to Unaka Mountain

    5.0
    6.35 mi / 1654 ft gain
    Appalachian Trail: Beauty Spot to Unaka Mountain is an out-and-back trail that provides a good opportunity to view wildlife located near Green Mountain, North Carolina.
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  • Newland, North Carolina

    Linville Falls Trail

    4.1
    0.98 mi / 177 ft gain
    Linville falls is one of North Carolina's treasures and perhaps the most photographed water fall in the state. Bring the whole family out and explore the area surrounding the falls. There are about 4 total miles of trails meandering around and through the gorge and right up to the falls. There ar...
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  • Morganton, North Carolina

    Hike to Hawksbill Mountain

    5.0
    2.1 mi / 660 ft gain
    Starting at the Hawksbill Mountain Trailhead, which is clearly marked start hiking up! The trail starts out with some easy uphill switchbacks and leads you to the first lookout point. Enjoy sometime at the lookout point, but you'll want to keep going for a more incredible view. Keep hiking uphill...
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  • Cleveland, South Carolina

    Caesars Head Overlook

    5.0
    0.27 mi / 144 ft gain
    The Drive: Head North on SC Highway 11 "Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway" towards Table Rock State Park. Follow SC 11 past Table Rock approximately 8 miles where it will merge with SC 8 at Pumpkin Town. Follow SC 8 for another 3-4 miles until you see the intersection for SC Highway 276 on the le...
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  • Erwin, Tennessee

    Martin's Creek Falls

    3.0
    2.06 mi / 522 ft gain
    Martin's Creek Falls is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Erwin, Tennessee.
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  • Morganton, North Carolina

    Hawksbill Mountain Trail

    4.9
    1.87 mi / 633 ft gain
    Hidden far above the beautiful Linville Gorge stands Hawksbill Mountain, among many other fantastic hikes. The roughly 1.7 mile hike from the dusty gravel parking lot is steep but worth every step. It took me about an hour to conquer with a few water bottle-guzzling stops. At the top, you are al...
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  • Morganton, North Carolina

    Photograph Hawksbill Mountain at Sunrise or Sunset

    5.0
    1.5 mi / 860 ft gain
    The trail to the summit of Hawksbill begins on an unpaved road for the Pigsah National Forest. In about a half a mile the trail turns left just before reaching the Jonas Ridge Trail. This turn is an clearly marked turn with a sign for "Hawksbill Summit". The trail then becomes steeper and rocki...
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  • Greeneville, Tennessee

    Hike to Margarette Falls

    5.0
    2.7 mi / 715 ft gain
    To reach the trail head, take exit number 39 to Erwin/Jonesborough and turn onto State Route 81/107 west and stay on this for 6.5 miles. Then you will turn left to stay on Route 107 and continue on for 16 more miles. Then you will take a left on Route 351 and drive 4.5 miles. Then you will take a...
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  • Unicoi, Tennessee

    Camp at Unaka Mountain Overlook

    4.0
    0.1 mi
    Unaka Mountain Overlook is one of the highest locations in the Cherokee National Forest. Easily accessibly by vehicle, the overlook towers over the surrounding mountains, including Beauty Spot Gap, and is an ideal spot to camp overnight. Take Rock Creek Road until you meet the border of North Car...
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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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  • Bakersville, North Carolina

    Hiking from Carver's Gap to Hwy. 19 on the AT

    5.0
    20.7 mi
    The AT from Carver's Gap to HWY 19 is about 14.5 miles, but with side adventures, it could be roughly 20 miles. The trail crosses the road and continues up about a 400 ft. elevation gain to the first of the balds. This section of the AT is beautiful at near 6000 ft. above sea level and you will g...
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  • Cleveland, South Carolina

    Wildcat Wayside Nature Trail

    3.0
    1.03 mi / 266 ft gain
    Wildcat Wayside Nature Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Cleveland, South Carolina.
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