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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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 -
Gatlinburg, TennesseeRainbow Falls Trail
5.34 mi / 1781 ft gainRainbow Falls Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Gatlinburg, Tennessee.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 -
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 -
Highlands, North Carolina
Photograph and Explore Bridal Veil Falls
Bridal Veil Falls is located directly off of the road and is about a 100 feet tall in total. The falls makes for a great place to take pictures under the water falls. The falls itself is small and flows constant all year long getting to the bottom of the falls is not recommended because it is dan...Read more -
Sunset, South Carolina
Virginia Hawkins Falls (Double Falls)
4.02.6 mi / 456 ft gainA moderate to advanced 2.6 mile hike has many stairs and a lot of ascents and descents along the way. The hike may not be the easiest but the payoff is worth it. The trail is easily marked so no need to worry about getting lost.Read more -
Sunset, South Carolina
Kayak to Laurel Fork Falls
4.0This stunning waterfall tumbles down 80 feet before spilling into Lake Jocassee between a slot of shear rock cliffs. However, the catch is not many people see this beautiful location unless you have a boat or are willing to hike a streneous 8-mile hike one-way along the Foothills Trail.But I am s...Read more -
Hot Springs, North Carolina
Rich Mountain Fire Tower
5.0Rich Mountain fire tower is located in the Cherokee National Forest just outside of Hot springs North Carolina. Getting there is pretty easy once you get off of US 25W you drive up a gravel road for about 5 miles until you get to the tower. Once you get to the top its about a 100 foot walk until ...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 -
Highlands, North Carolina
Dry Falls
4.60.35 mi / 26 ft gainDry 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...Read more -
Cleveland, South Carolina
Hike to Jones Gap Falls
8.2 mi / 1200 ft gainFor Caesar's Head State Park access, head North from Pickens on HWY 178 until it intersects with HWY 11. Turn right onto HWY 11 North and continue for 10 miles until the 276 intersection where you veer off to the left. Follow 276 to the top of the mountain. 1 miles past the Caesars Head Visitors ...Read more -
Cleveland, South Carolina
Raven Cliff Falls
4.57.76 mi / 2185 ft gainLocation: From the intersection of US276 & SC11, head Northwest on US276. Drive to the top of the mountain, 1 mile past the visitor's center, and The Raven Cliff Falls Parking Area and trail head will be on your right. After parking in the Raven Cliff Falls Parking Area, the trailhead is l...Read more -
Highlands, North CarolinaSatulah Mountain
5.0Just 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...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 -
Cleveland, South Carolina
Photograph Fred W. Symmes Chapel (Pretty Place)
Getting there Fred W. Symmes (aka Pretty Place) Chapel is perched near the top of Standing Stone Mountain at 3000 feet above sea level. That being said, expect a long and winding drive up the mountain. It takes about 30 minutes starting from the bottom of the mountain to arrive to the chapel. Th...Read more
