Sylva, North Carolina

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

Top Hiking Spots in and near Sylva

  • Lake Toxaway, North Carolina

    Hike to Raven Rock Falls

    5.0
    0.5 mi
    If you want to see a great waterfall without hiking all day, this is the perfect trail for you.  Getting there - The trailhead is about 2 miles from the intersection of Cold Mountain and Panther Ridge Road (exact coordinates: 35.1594, -82.9801). There is a small grassy pull out where you can park...
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  • Cashiers, North Carolina

    Hike to Chimney Top

    3.3
    1.7 mi / 1000 ft gain
    Upon entering High Hampton Inn, follow the entrance road past the registration building, cart shed and parking lot. Take a right down a gravel road that follows alongside Hampton Lake. This gravel road continues for half a mile, even winding through part of the golf course and crossing over the c...
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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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  • Gatlinburg, Tennessee

    Appalachian Trail: Charlie's Bunion and Kephart Loop

    5.0
    16.84 mi / 4429 ft gain
    Appalachian Trail: Charlie's Bunion and Kephart Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Cherokee, North Carolina.
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  • 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 ...
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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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  • Highlands, North Carolina

    Dry Falls

    4.6
    0.35 mi / 26 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...
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  • Brevard, North Carolina

    Hike the Toxaway River Trail

    5.0
    1.25 mi
    This easy 1.25 mile hike is located within the Lake Toxaway community. The trail itself follows a small creek as it winds through the valley. Be warned - there are numerous stream crossings. Most of the crossings are fairly easy at normal water levels, but can be difficult if the water is high. S...
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  • 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...
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  • Canton, North Carolina

    Graveyard Ridge Trail and Mountains to Sea Trail Loop

    3.89 mi / 623 ft gain
    Graveyard Ridge Trail and Mountains to Sea Trail Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Canton, North Carolina.
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  • Canton, North Carolina

    Graveyard Fields-Black Balsam Knob Circuit

    4.4
    9.83 mi / 1522 ft gain
    When the weather is in your favor, these treeless mountain tops will have your jaw on the floor with layers upon layers of Blue Ridge Mountains. This hike can be done in one day, but with panoramic views at multiple points, you'll want to take your time along this link of trails. This ~10-mile l...
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  • 35.629385,-83.450994

    Camp out at Mt. LeConte Lodge via Alum Cave

    5.0
    9.97 mi / 0 ft gain
    At the summit of Mt. LeConte in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the lodge sits at a elevation of 6400 feet. It is the only "accommodations" inside the park boundaries. It is the highest lodge in the eastern United States.   Accessible only by hiking one of the five trails to the summit,...
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  • Gatlinburg, Tennessee

    Mt. LeConte via Alum Cave Bluff

    5.0
    10.68 mi / 3543 ft gain
    The Alum Cave trailhead is on Newfound Gap Road, 8 miles from the Sugarlands Visitor Center. Mt. LeConte is the third highest peak in the Smokies, and this is an extremely popular hike, so arrive early to get a parking spot and beat the crowds. Starting from the parking lot the trail gently wind...
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  • Highlands, North Carolina

    Satulah Mountain

    5.0
    Just a stone’s throw from downtown Highlands, North Carolina, the Satulah Mountain Trail offers a rewarding hike to one of the most iconic vistas in the southern Blue Ridge Mountains. This moderately challenging route leads hikers to a rocky summit with sweeping views of Georgia, South Carolina...
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  • Gatlinburg, Tennessee

    Hike the Chimney Tops

    4.9
    4.03 mi / 1306 ft gain
    The Chimney Tops Trail is one of the most visited trails in the Smokies, which is why I recommend going up just before sunset to beat the crowd! During the summer and fall months, it's common to see a hundred people taking in the views on the same trail, but if you scramble on out after hours, y...
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  • Canton, North Carolina

    Skinny Dip Falls

    4.8
    1.03 mi / 148 ft gain
    Park at the Looking Glass Rock Overlook. After enjoying the view of Looking Glass Rock, gear up and head to the right side of the parking area (right side if your back is to the overlook). On the opposite side of the road you'll see a mile marker and a little trail to the left of the marker. Foll...
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