Sylva, North Carolina
Sylva, North Carolina is a great destination for outdoor adventures! From scenic hikes to must-visit attractions, there's something for everyone. For the hikers, the area offers plenty of trails to explore, including the popular Tuckasegee River Trail and the Cullowhee Mountain Trail. For those looking for a more leisurely experience, the area also offers several parks and gardens, such as the Jackson County Park and the Balsam Mountain Preserve. For a truly unique experience, visitors can explore the area's many caves, such as the Bearwallow Mountain Cave and the Big Witch Cave. For a more traditional activity, visitors can take a stroll through the downtown area to explore the many shops and restaurants. No matter what type of activity you're looking for, Sylva, North Carolina has something to offer!
Top Spots in and near Sylva
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Newport, North Carolina
Hike to Mouse Creek Falls
5.04.2 mi / 605 ft gainFollow Big Creek Trail on a moderate climb to this 45-foot waterfall. Around 1.3 miles in, you will begin to hike alongside Big Creek, and shortly afterwards you will pass Midnight Hole, a particularly deep pool. There are a number of other small falls en route. In spring you should see a number ...Read more -
Otto, North Carolina
Hike to and Climb Pickens Nose
4.81.5 mi / 200 ft gainFrom 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 -
Cosby, Tennessee
Maddron Bald - Albright Grove Loop
6.72 mi / 1500 ft gainHidden in the eastern reaches of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Cosby region receives a fraction of the visitation of Gatlinburg or Cherokee. This section of the park preserves some of the best deciduous old-growth forest in the eastern United States. Individual tulip trees and eastern ...Read more -
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Hike the Cucumber Gap and Little River Loop
4.05.5 mi / 800 ft gainThis loop offers a scenic 2.5 mile hike next to the river before looping back around via the Cucumber Gap Trail. At the tail end, you'll connect with the Jakes Creek Trail for about 0.7 miles to return you back to the parking lot. Many people hike this trial clockwise, but if it's a hot day, it...Read more -
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Cataract Falls, Smoky Mountains
4.41.09 miYou will find the trailhead to this gravel path just to the left of the Sugarlands Visitor Center. The easy walk along Fighting Creek is scenic and tends not to be crowded, either. At the end of the hike you will find a beautiful 25-foot waterfall. Please refrain from climbing on or around the f...Read more -
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Twin Creeks Trail
4.04.54 mi / 879 ft gainTwin Creeks Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a river located near Gatlinburg, Tennessee.Read more -
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Gatlinburg Trail
5.03.8 mi / 351 ft gainGatlinburg Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Gatlinburg, Tennessee.Read more -
Sevier County, Tennessee
Little River Trail to Backcountry Campsite #30
5.012.34 mi / 412 ft gainThe trailhead parking area is large but if no spaces are available additional parking can be had at the Jake's Creek trailhead at the top of the hill and to the right of the Little River trail parking lot. After parking, the trailhead itself will be to the left of the parking area. Parking Lot Co...Read more -
Clyde, North Carolina
Photograph the Smokies from Buzzards Roost
This is an awesome place to check out if you are driving Interstate 40 or if you are visiting the area for awhile. The access point for Buzzards Roost is located on the same exit as the well known Max Patch Mountain, just in the other direction. Once off the exit, you will travel down a gravel Fo...Read more -
Dillard, Georgia
Hike to Rabun Bald
5.03 mi / 4696 ft gainStarting 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 -
Mountain Rest, South Carolina
Hike along the Chattooga River to Spoonauger Falls
1 mi / 100 ft gainSpoonauger falls housed in Sumter National Forest, received its name after the Spoonauger family which historically lived above the falls. From Walhalla SC, drive north on Highway 28 until it meets SC 107 (right under 10 miles). Take a slight right onto SC 107 and drive another 10 miles until yo...Read more -
Mountain Rest, South Carolina
Hike to Kings Creek Falls
4.80.5 miThe trail to Kings Creek begins behind the bulletin board in the Burrells Ford primitive campground parking lot. It is an easy .5 mile trail to the falls. The falls are only 70ft high but they are beautiful, there is an area to the side of the falls with some nice sitting rocks and the area under...Read more -
Mountain Rest, South Carolina
Hike to King Creek Falls
0.6 miVery nice dog-friendly and family-friendly adventure! The hike is not long at all and the end result is a beautiful 70 ft waterfall with a pooled area at the bottom! Old logs are around for sitting on and relaxing while enjoying your lunch or snacks...Read more -
Mountain Rest, South Carolina
Hike to Big Bend Falls
5.06.5 miThe hike to Big Bend Falls begins on the Chattooga River Trail at the Burrell's Ford Campground. To get here you take Burrell's Ford Road off of SC 107. There will be a good sized gravel parking area off to the left about 3 miles down Burrell's Ford Road. When you park the car you can walk down t...Read more -
Sevierville, Tennessee
Laurel Falls Trail
4.32.45 mi / 314 ft gainThis straightforward, yet scenic hike follows a paved trail to the falls, which is among the most popular in the park. This trail can be especially crowded during the summer, so be sure to arrive early. Keep an eye out for a few steep drop-offs on either side of the trail along the way. There ha...Read more -
Brevard, North Carolina
Art Loeb Trail
4.830.07 mi / 7467 ft gainStart at The Davidson River Campground just outside of Brevard, NC (276 Pisgah Ranger District). Have a shuttle car or a friend waiting at the Daniel Boone Boy Scout camp for the finish line. Hop on the 30.1 mile long Art Loeb Trail at the trailhead in the Davidson River Campground. Pull into th...Read more
