Transylvania County, North Carolina
Transylvania County, North Carolina is a great destination for outdoor adventures, offering a wide range of activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy. From scenic hikes to exciting water activities, there is something for everyone to explore. The Pisgah National Forest and DuPont State Recreational Forest both provide visitors with the opportunity to experience the beauty of nature, while Gorges State Park offers a great spot for hiking, biking, swimming, canoeing, and kayaking. Transylvania County, North Carolina is an ideal destination for those who appreciate the great outdoors.
Top Spots in and near Transylvania County
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35.556724,-83.495827
Forney Creek Loop
4.519.04 mi / 4957 ft gainThis is an overnight loop hike that is built around one night in the back country. It can be done as an ambitious day hike. Be advised that permits are required by the NPS for all overnight stays in Great Smoky Mountain National Park. The hike begins at the Clingman's Dome parking lot at the For...Read more -
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Hike to the Ramsey Cascades
4.97.83 mi / 2254 ft gainThis multi-tiered waterfall is known as the tallest in the park – a worthwhile reward for the steep and sometimes tricky terrain you'll face on the way up. The popular route to the falls also passes through an impressive old-growth forest, which apparently boasts some of the tallest trees in the...Read more -
Bryson City, North Carolina
Clingmans Dome
4.51.23 mi / 338 ft gainThe drive to Clingmans Dome is miles of scenic overlooks that provide endless views of ridges and valleys. Clingmans Dome Road comes to a parking lot from which you follow a .5 mile paved trail to the summit. There are also several trails that start on Clingmans Dome Road. Most notably The Appal...Read more -
Bryson City, North Carolina
Andrews Bald
5.03.55 mi / 912 ft gainThe trail begins at the Clingmans Dome parking lot, just to the left of the paved walkway up to Clingmans Dome. You will start the hike at an elevation of 6130 feet which is only 334 feet less than Clingmans Dome which is the highest point in The Great Smoky Mountain National Park, and the second...Read more -
Bryson City, North Carolina
Clingmans Dome Loop
25.75 mi / 5686 ft gainThe first day of the hike is either 12.3 miles or 10.5 miles (depending on the campsite) almost all downhill, and the second half of the loop is 13.3 miles or 11.5 miles, again depending on the campsite, almost exclusively uphill. Just as a reference the first day took us about 6 and a half hours...Read more -
Cosby, Tennessee
Maddron Bald - Albright Grove Loop
6.72 mi / 1670 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 -
35.629385,-83.450994
Camp out at Mt. LeConte Lodge via Alum Cave
5.09.97 mi / 0 ft gainAt 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,...Read more -
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Mt. LeConte via Alum Cave Bluff
5.010.68 mi / 3543 ft gainThe 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...Read more -
Burnsville, North CarolinaBalsam Nature Trail to Mount Mitchell
5.00.94 mi / 92 ft gainBalsam Nature Trail to Mount Mitchell is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Burnsville, North Carolina.Read more -
Burnsville, North Carolina
Deep Gap Trail at Mt. Mitchell State Park
5.08.24 mi / 2310 ft gainI personally find this trail to be more difficult and have more rewarding views than the Mt. Mitchell summit trail. The Deep Gap Trail starts near the Mount Mitchell summit and heads into a forest of spruce and balsam fir trees. The trail then climbs along the ridgeline to neighboring summits. E...Read more -
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Fern Branch Falls
5.03.7 mi / 794 ft gainTake Porters Creek Trail, a gravel road alongside Porters Creek. You will pass by an old farmstead and cemetery, as well as lots of wildflowers if you're out during the spring. In a mile, keep left, then in another half mile or so you should cross over a small (and somewhat harrowing) footbridge...Read more -
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Porters Creek Trail
5.07.19 mi / 1614 ft gainPorters Creek Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Gatlinburg, Tennessee.Read more -
Clayton, Georgia
Camp at Tallulah River Campground
Tallulah River Campground is located in the Chattahoochee-Oconee national forest. It is just outside of Clayton, Georgia. The campground has about 15 spots that are big enough for a small to medium sized RV. Each camping spot also has a nice tent pad for a big tent. Most spots are also on the riv...Read more -
Marshall, North Carolina
Laurel River Trail
5.07.23 mi / 1447 ft gainLaurel River Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a river located near Marshall, North Carolina.Read more -
Tallulah Falls, Georgia
Camp at Tallulah Gorge State Park
4.7Tallulah Gorge is a must-see feature of Georgia. Campers can lay low and experience the gorge from its floor, engaging in river activities such as kayaking or swimming. Those seeking a thrill can hike the rim trails of the gorge, and even cross an 80' high suspension bridge. (Hikers who may be fe...Read more -
Tallulah Falls, Georgia
Hurricane Falls Loop
4.41.85 mi / 564 ft gainThe trail is located in Tallulah Gorge State Park which is about 1 ½ hours northeast of Atlanta, off of Highway 441. There is a $5 per car entry fee into the park and they prefer the use of cash. From there, follow the signs to the Jane Hurt Yarn Interpretive Center, where there is parking and pl...Read more
