Top Adventures in Sylva
Hike to the Pinnacle in Pinnacle Park
Heading out from the parking area, head north on this challenging hike. For the majority of the hike, you'll have a pretty steady uphill charge. There are some flat parts between climbs, so be sure to catch your breath and get some water in during...
Hike to Cowee Bald Fire Tower
The Cowee Bald Fire Tower is located in the Nantahala National Forest near Bryson City North Carolina. To get there you can either drive almost all the way to the top about .2 miles from the top but to get there you will need to have a 4WD or a hi...
4.4 miles
400 ft gain
Hike to Waterrock Knob
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 ...
1.2 miles
412 ft gain
Hike to Abandoned Cessna 414A
This is an AWESOME day hike for anyone looking to get outside for a few hours and see some special views of the blue ridges, as well as check out the abandoned plane crash of a Cessna 414A that happened back in 1983. The remains of the plane are s...
2.5 miles
Exploring two legendary Cherokee sites: Judaculla Rock and Devil's Courthouse, North Carolina
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 J...
0.9 miles
258 ft gain
Taking in Soco Falls
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 t...
Hike to Alarka Falls
To visit the falls, take US-74 west from Bryson City to exit 64 . Take a left at the exit and drive on Alarka Road for about 10 miles. Follow the road all the way to the end where you will find a turnaround. Don't make the mistake of following th...
1 miles
100 ft gain
Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway
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...
Hike to Barrett Knob Fire Tower
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 u...
1 miles
400 ft gain
Paddling The Slab and Eternity Hole
The Slab and Eternity hole, located on the East Fork of the Tuckasegee River, are two of Western, NC's best play spots for kayakers of all levels. Paddle down only yards from the public boat launch to The Slab where you can perfect your surfing in...
Photograph Mingo Falls
Although it is not much of a hike at just 0.3 miles, it is accessible to people of all fitness levels. A climb up a series of stairs leads you to a trail overlooking Mingo creek. You will then find a 20 foot wide bridge which serves as the viewi...
0.3 miles
100 ft gain
Hike to Cedar Cliff Rock
Cedar Cliff Rock is one of those local places that exemplifies the Blue Ridge mountains oh-so-well. From the top you can see the Tuckaseegee River along with both Cedar Cliff and Bear Creek Reservoirs. While there are a few homes in between, much ...
2.4 miles
830 ft gain
Nearby camping, hotels, and more
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Bryson City, North Carolina
Cheoah Point Cabin 1
Overview Located in the Cheoah Point Recreation Area in the Nantahala National Forest, this cabin is part of a campground that includes tent and RV sites. The campground is situated on a peninsula... -
Bryson City, North Carolina
Cheoah Point Cabin 2
Overview Located in the Cheoah Point Recreation Area in the Nantahala National Forest, this cabin is part of a campground that includes tent and RV sites. The campground is situated on a peninsula... -
Cherokee, North Carolina
Tow String Horse Camp
Overview Saddle up your horses for a camping trip in the stunning Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Located in the North Carolina portion of the park, this campsite offers miles of horse trails ... -
Bryson City, North Carolina
Deep Creek Group Camp
Overview Located next to one of the most popular creeks in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Deep Creek Group Camp provides traditional primitive camping with the stunning backdrop of the mo... -
Bryson City, North Carolina
Deep Creek Picnic Pavilion
Overview Deep Creek Picnic Pavilion, surrounded by pristine mountain streams and clear blue skies, is the perfect mountain backdrop for your party or family get-together. Whether blanketed in brigh...
