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Mountain Rest, South Carolina

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

Top Hiking Spots in and near Mountain Rest

  • Franklin, North Carolina

    Nantahala National Forest via the Appalachian Trail

    4.0
    27.11 mi / 5420 ft gain
    Winding Stair Gap on Highway 64 is the starting point for this spectacular backpacking trip through the Nantahala National Forest. It's right outside the hiker friendly town of Franklin, NC, so the town is your last chance for a hot meal and any last minute supplies. There is a parking lot at the...
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  • Cullowhee, North Carolina

    Exploring two legendary Cherokee sites: Judaculla Rock and Devil's Courthouse, North Carolina

    5.0
    0.9 mi / 258 ft gain
    Judaculla was an ancient Cherokee spirit being and giant. He ruled in western North Carolina in the traditional Cherokee homeland. Once while chasing some hunters, when he jumped to the ground, his hand hit a rock. You can still see the print on Judaculla Rock. It is the most elaborate piece of r...
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  • Easley, South Carolina

    Doodle Trail

    5.0
    7.64 mi / 358 ft gain
    Doodle Trail is a point-to-point trail that takes you through a nice forest located near Easley, South Carolina.
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  • Tuckasegee, North Carolina

    Hike to Dill Falls

    0.4 mi / 400 ft gain
    The drive to this waterfall can be a little muddy when there is a lot of rain and can need an AWD or 4WD in the rain. The road has some new gravel laid in parts so it could be improved in a few months. In the summer there is also a chance of seeing large dump trucks and logging trucks, but the ro...
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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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  • Franklin, North Carolina

    Siler Bald from Wayah Gap

    5.0
    3.66 mi / 1060 ft gain
    The Appalachian Trail does not need a lot of hype beyond its existing legendary status.  However, there are certain parts of it that do stand out as being a little extra special.  Siler Bald is one of those spots.  A large clearing starting from Snowbird Gap and going all the way up to Siler Bald...
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  • Franklin, North Carolina

    Photograph Wayah Bald Lookout Tower

    0.1 mi / 0 ft gain
    The Wayah Bald Lookout Tower is located in Nantahala National Forest in one of the oldest part of the protected land. It was first built in the 1920s then it was rebuilt throughout the years until it was finally made out of stone and concrete. The current tower that stands offers great views of t...
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  • Sautee Nacoochee, Georgia

    Anna Ruby Falls

    4.0
    1 mi / 374 ft gain
    The hike to Anna Ruby Falls located in the Chattahoochee National Forest, bordering and often mistaken for being located in Unicoi State Park, begins at the Anna Ruby Falls Visitor Center. There is a $3 per person fee (16 years and under are free) to access the parking lot of the visitor center a...
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  • Hiawassee, Georgia

    Blue Hole and High Shoals Creek Falls

    4.8
    2.45 mi / 479 ft gain
    Located just a few miles north of Helen, Georgia is this hidden gem. The road that leads up to the starting point of the hike is a bit tricky to find so make sure you have your GPS to help a little, its a gravel road that winds up the mountain for a about a mile. The dirt trail winds down throug...
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  • 150 Asbury Drive, South Carolina

    Hike the Asbury Trail to Moonshine Falls

    5.5 mi / 800 ft gain
    The trail to the Matthews Creek cable bridge crossing is easy. The cable crossing is fine - fun for some and a do-able challenge for others.  After the creek, to get to Moonshine Falls, turn RIGHT at the post which indicates a trail both left and right. This is the Naturaland Trail in Caesars Hea...
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  • Sylva, North Carolina

    Hike to Cowee Bald Fire Tower

    4.4 mi / 400 ft gain
    The Cowee Bald Fire Tower is located in the Nantahala National Forest near Bryson City North Carolina. To get there you can either drive almost all the way to the top about .2 miles from the top but to get there you will need to have a 4WD or a higher clearance vehicle to cross a small stream. Ho...
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  • Balsam Grove, North Carolina

    Devil's Courthouse

    4.7
    0.85 mi / 246 ft gain
    The Devil's Courthouse Overlook and Trail can be one of the best places to see the entire Blue Ridge countryside. Even though it is a short hike, there is a fairly steep incline halfway through, so be prepared to huff and puff a little. It takes anywhere from 15 to 20 minutes depending upon your ...
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  • Sautee Nacoochee, Georgia

    Unicoi Gap and Indian Grave Gap Loop

    5.0
    5.04 mi / 1765 ft gain
    The Unicoi Gap and Indian Grave Gap Loop in Sautee Nacoochee, Georgia, is a moderately challenging hiking trail. Spanning approximately 5.04 miles, the loop offers a variety of terrain, including forested areas, open fields, and rocky paths. The trail is known for its two significant landmarks: U...
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  • Canton, North Carolina

    Hike to Bubling Spring Falls

    0.1 mi / 50 ft gain
    The road to get to this waterfall is right off of NC 215 which comes right off of the Blue Ridge Parkway and is only about 3 miles away from parkway. The parking area is very small and does not offer many parking spots but since it is not that popular of an area parking is usually not a problem. ...
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  • Cleveland, South Carolina

    Raven Cliff Falls

    4.5
    7.76 mi / 2185 ft gain
    Location: 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...
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  • Cleveland, South Carolina

    Hike to Jones Gap Falls

    8.2 mi / 1200 ft gain
    For 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 ...
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