Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee
Top Spots in and near Great Smoky Mountains
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Balsam Grove, North Carolina
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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Lake Toxaway, North Carolina
Trail signs in Panthertown Valley are limited. Be sure to bring a map!
Starting at the Cold Mountain parking lot, hike to Schoolhouse Falls. This is a nice waterfall with a pool at the bottom. In the summer, you are bound to run into other fellow hikers here.
From Schoolhouse Falls, you have the...
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Lake Toxaway, North Carolina
Warden, Jawbone, and Riding Ford Falls are three waterfalls located along the headwaters of the Tuckasegee River in Panthertown Valley. Not far from the Cold Mountain trailhead, these falls are quite popular in the summer. On a weekend, you will often find people playing in the pools below the fa...
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Canton, North Carolina
4.4
9.83 mi
/ 1522 ft gain
When the weather is in your favor, these treeless mountain tops will have your jaw on the floor with layers upon layers of Blue Ridge Mountains. This hike can be done in one day, but with panoramic views at multiple points, you'll want to take your time along this link of trails.
This ~10-mile l...
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Canton, North Carolina
Graveyard Fields got it's name years ago from wind-thrown tree trunks that gave the appearance of a graveyard, until 1925 when an intense fire swept through the area, destroying the stumps. The forest has been recovering ever since.The parking area for Graveyard Fields is located at milepost 418....
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Cashiers, North Carolina
3.3
1.7 mi
/ 1000 ft gain
Upon entering High Hampton Inn, follow the entrance road past the registration building, cart shed and parking lot. Take a right down a gravel road that follows alongside Hampton Lake. This gravel road continues for half a mile, even winding through part of the golf course and crossing over the c...
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Tellico Plains, Tennessee
If you're looking to check out a secnic waterfall in East Tennessee, Bald River Falls is sure to be on your list. At 90 feet, you can't miss this roaring beauty during any season. Also, Tellico Plains is an awesome mountain town in itself; check it out before or after your hike.To get to Bald Riv...
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Canton, North Carolina
4.3
8.69 mi
/ 2569 ft gain
There are several ways to access the Shining Rock Wilderness Area, but go for the main trail head off of Hwy 276. The trail is split by the Pigeon River, providing a seemingly infinite combinations of trails and routes, keeping in mind that this area intersects often with the well known Art Lobe ...
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Canton, North Carolina
We began this trip by camping overnight in Graveyard Fields. Those camp sites are .5 miles from the car, so we kept our food there over night. Bear activity has increased, so it's strongly advised to bring a bear canister and be wise about food storage.
We woke up early the next morning made bre...
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Lake Toxaway, North Carolina
If you want to see a great waterfall without hiking all day, this is the perfect trail for you.
Getting there - The trailhead is about 2 miles from the intersection of Cold Mountain and Panther Ridge Road (exact coordinates: 35.1594, -82.9801). There is a small grassy pull out where you can park...
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Highlands, North Carolina
This 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...
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Canton, North Carolina
4.8
1.03 mi
/ 148 ft gain
Park at the Looking Glass Rock Overlook. After enjoying the view of Looking Glass Rock, gear up and head to the right side of the parking area (right side if your back is to the overlook). On the opposite side of the road you'll see a mile marker and a little trail to the left of the marker. Foll...
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138 Silver Mine Road, North Carolina
Lovers 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...
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Brevard, North Carolina
This easy 1.25 mile hike is located within the Lake Toxaway community. The trail itself follows a small creek as it winds through the valley. Be warned - there are numerous stream crossings. Most of the crossings are fairly easy at normal water levels, but can be difficult if the water is high. S...
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Highlands, North Carolina
At 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...
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Canton, North Carolina
This is an extremely easy trail with a minimal incline. The tower, built in 1941, standing 70 feet above the summit, can be nerve wracking, even for those who aren't scared of heights. However, most feel it's worth the view. Expect to see fellow hikers. On pretty days there can be a few people w...
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