Waynesville, North Carolina
Waynesville, North Carolina is a great destination for outdoor adventurers! With its lush forested areas and steep mountain peaks, it’s a perfect place to explore and create lifelong memories. Visitors can savor the fresh mountain air and admire the beautiful views while they take in the best nature has to offer. From gentle walks to more physically challenging expeditions, Waynesville offers something for all types of outdoor activity. Whether you’re looking for a serene escape or exciting exploration, Waynesville is an ideal spot for an unforgettable experience.
Top Spots in and near Waynesville
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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 -
Sapphire, North Carolina
John's Jump Falls and DEW Falls
4.00.59 mi / 39 ft gainJohn's Jump Falls and DEW Falls is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Sapphire, North Carolina.Read more -
Asheville, North Carolina
Photograph Haw Creek Valley Overlook
The Haw Creek Valley Overlook is only 8 miles from downtown Asheville. If you're in the downtown area, it's a rather easy place to zip on over to if you're in need of some time away from urban life. This overlook is a hot spot for sunset watching and picture taking. If you plan on seeing what th...Read more -
Highlands, North Carolina
Explore Cashiers Sliding Rock
0.2 mi / 70 ft gainThis 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...Read more -
138 Silver Mine Road, North Carolina
Hike the Lovers Leap Loop Trail
5.01.8 mi / 472 ft gainLovers Leap Loop trail is a 1.8 mile loop in Hot Springs, NC. The address of the trailhead is 138 Silver Mine Rd, Hot Springs, NC 28743. Once you arrive at the parking lot, you will see a trail leading up into the mountain with a post next to it. This is where you want to begin. It is part of the...Read more -
Cashiers, North Carolina
Hike to Silver Run Falls
0.25 mi / 100 ft gainThe hike to this waterfall is very short and well worth it. The waterfall is about 40 feet tall and has a large volume of water. This makes for a great place to swim. The bottom of the pool is about 15 feet deep and offers cool mountain water. To get there it is just outside of Cashiers, North C...Read more -
Highlands, North Carolina
Hike the Whiteside Mountain Loop
5.02 mi / 595 ft gainWhiteside 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 ...Read more -
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Grotto Falls Trail
5.01.83 mi / 577 ft gainThis is an intermediate hike along Trillium Gap Trail. There are four stream crossings on your way to the falls as you hike through an idyll, often wildflower-sprinkled landscape. Late spring is best for catching blooms. Once at the waterfall, you can walk behind the cascade of water. This is a ...Read more -
Highlands, North Carolina
Explore Cullasaja Falls
5.00.3 mi / 200 ft gainThis is an awesome waterfall that offers views from several different spots along the road as well as a quick hike down to the base! The small pull-off area is located towards the top of the falls. There isn't much space (3 maybe 4 cars at a time), but there are additional pull-off areas further ...Read more -
Bryson City, North Carolina
Southern Smokies: Fontana Lake to Clingman's Dome
4.520.39 mi / 7083 ft gainThis is a strenuous (though not technical) hike that really showcases the forests, creeks, and (eventually) the highest point of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. As this is a point-to-point route, you will want to have two vehicles - one that you can leave at Clingman's Dome and one that you ...Read more -
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Mount LeConte-Cliff Tops via Rainbow Falls Trail
4.513.37 mi / 4255 ft gainBegin at the Rainbow Falls trail parking lot. This is very popular area especially in the summer. If the parking area at the trail head is full there is additional parking located just past the main lot. From here the Rainbow Falls trail is just under 14 miles to the summit of Mount Leconte. Elev...Read more -
35.675929,-83.485764
Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
5.05.83 mi / 797 ft gainThis 6 mile drive is a great way to spend a scenic day in the Smokies. The road is open to cars only (no trucks or RVs) and runs one-way. There are no visitors centers after you head out, so be sure to bring everything you need along. The drive begins at the historic Ogle farmstead, which is als...Read more -
Cedar Mountain, North Carolina
Hike to Fawn Lake
1 mi / 100 ft gainFawn Lake sits on the backside of DuPont State Forest, about a 15 minute drive from the High Falls Parking/ Visitor Center as well as Hooker Falls parking lots. With easy access and easy terrain, this is a must see to add to the list. While sometimes the main parking lots and trails of DuPont can...Read more -
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Quilliam Cave via Courthouse Rock Trail
2.85 mi / 1404 ft gainQuilliam Cave via Courthouse Rock Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a river located near Gatlinburg, Tennessee.Read more -
Highlands, North Carolina
Bouldering Granite City
5.00.3 mi / 96 ft gainAt the foot of Blackrock Mountain just outside of Highlands, North Carolina, lies one of the most unique and secluded natural playgrounds around. Granite City is composed of several massive granite boulders, ranging between 10-40 feet tall. This spot is most popular for bouldering (mostly V0-V2...Read more -
Cashiers, North Carolina
Explore Whitewater Falls
4.00.5 mi / 100 ft gainWhitewater Falls is the highest waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains with the upper falls alone dropping over 400 feet. The walk to the falls is very short and friendly for all ages and abilities - the path is paved so the falls are wheelchair accessible. The falls are beautiful in all seasons b...Read more
