Shady Valley, Tennessee

Top Spots in and near Shady Valley

  • Todd, North Carolina

    Hike the Elk Knob Summit Trail

    5.0
    3.8 mi / 1000 ft gain
    There are no bathrooms at the trailhead, so if needed, drive a little past it to the park bathrooms on the left. Park at the summit trailhead and start your hike on the new gravel path. The trail gains 1000 ft in elevation in just under 2 miles so take your time if need be - and bring plenty of w...
    Read more
  • Creston, North Carolina

    Three Top Mountain

    4.2 mi / 1260 ft gain
    Three Top Mountain sits within the same vicinity of Elk Knob. The mountain gets its name from its three prominent rock projections at its peak. The highest point, unofficially named “Big Rock”, is at an elevation of 5020 feet. Prior to the originally named rock peak, you will arrive at Huckleb...
    Read more
  • Bluff City, Tennessee

    Kayak or SUP the South Fork

    5.0
    There is a mud parking area on Lakeview Drive underneath the 11E bridges with a cleared mud parking area with access to the the South Fork of the Holston River. There is a gradual drop to the water where kayaks, canoes, or SUPs can be placed in the water. To the east, the river is more narrow at ...
    Read more
  • Hampton, Tennessee

    Hike to Laurel Fork Falls

    4.6
    2.6 mi / 600 ft gain
    From Hampton, Tennessee, take US-321S for about 3.5 miles. Turn right onto Dennis Cove Road and travel for 4 miles on this steep and very curvy mountain road.  The trailhead is where the Appalachian Trail (AT) crosses the road at a small gravel lot on the left.  Take the AT north on the trail lea...
    Read more
  • Hampton, Tennessee

    Hike and Traverse the Cables to Dennis Cove Falls

    5.0
    3.2 mi / 300 ft gain
    The Hike to Dennis Cove Falls includes three water crossings and passes several small waterfalls. Sturdy cables spanning the width of the water crossings provide a fun way of traversing the creek without wading. It is completely possible to wade through the creek while holding onto the cables for...
    Read more
  • Hampton, Tennessee

    Appalachian Trail: Dennis Cove to Watauga Lake

    8.08 mi / 1955 ft gain
    Appalachian Trail: Dennis Cove to Watauga Lake is a point-to-point trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Hampton, Tennessee.
    Read more
  • Hampton, Tennessee

    Appalachian Trail: Dennis Cove to US 19E

    21.27 mi / 4843 ft gain
    Appalachian Trail: Dennis Cove to US 19E is a point-to-point trail that takes you through a nice forest located near Roan Mountain, Tennessee.
    Read more
  • Hampton, Tennessee

    Laurel Falls via Appalachian Trail

    5.0
    2.43 mi / 449 ft gain
    Laurel Falls via Appalachian Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Hampton, Tennessee.
    Read more
  • Troutdale, Virginia

    Hike the Appalachian Trail from Elk Garden to Buzzard Rock

    5.0
    6.6 mi / 1000 ft gain
    Starting at the Elk Garden Parking Area hike the Appalachian Trail south (do not cross the road, follow the trail from the parking area). Hike along the trail following the white blazes and at 2.4 miles you'll reach a campsite on your left. This is a great place to camp overnight if you decide to...
    Read more
  • Elk Park, North Carolina

    Elk River Falls

    4.6
    0.35 mi / 62 ft gain
    The coordinates for the parking area are 36.198288, -81.970137. You'll see a parking area that's dirt/gravel on the right side of the road. At the far end of the parking lot is a sign that says Elk River Falls with an arrow pointing up the hill. From this point its about a .2 mile long walk to th...
    Read more
  • Saltville, Virginia

    Hike the Great Channels

    4.8
    6 mi / 1200 ft gain
    Park at the parking lot at the crest of Clinch Mountain at Hayters Gap on Rt. 80, and walk along the road (Raven Ridge Road) behind the gate. The trail is fairly easy with minimum elevation gain and follows an old road bed almost the whole way. Be sure to keep to the left when the road splits and...
    Read more
  • Appalachian Trail, Tennessee

    Jones Falls via Appalachian Trail

    5.0
    10.65 mi / 2484 ft gain
    Starting at the Appalachian Trail (AT) trailhead at US 19E, follow the AT north for 3.1 miles until you reach the intersection of the trail with Buck Mountain Rd. This section of the AT has an elevation gain of almost 1000 ft, and large sections of trail with significant meadows offering magnific...
    Read more
  • Mouth of Wilson, Virginia

    Mount Rogers Loop

    5.0
    15.6 mi / 1079 ft gain
    For an awesome 2-3 day trip, start hiking at the Massie Gap trailhead, which can be reached from Grayson Highlands State Park. Take the Rhododendron Trail up the ridge to connect with the AT, keeping an eye out for wild ponies in the Massie Gap area as they like to hang out here. Some of these po...
    Read more
  • Mouth of Wilson, Virginia

    Twin Pinnacles via Big Pinnacles Trail

    5.0
    2 mi / 525 ft gain
    To reach the Big Pinnacle Trail Head, park at the Massie Gap Day Parking area, and then follow the road west (away from Massie Gap) until you reach the trail head located on the left side of the road.  Follow the Big Pinnacles Trail for 0.4 miles until it intersects with the Twin Pinnacles Trail....
    Read more
  • Mouth of Wilson, Virginia

    Wilburn Ridge and Massie Gap Loop

    5.0
    2.32 mi / 318 ft gain
    To reach the trail head, park in the Massie Gap Parking Lot.  This is the parking lot for most of the trails in the park, so it can fill up very quickly, but you are able to park along the side of the road.  Massie Gap as two parking areas: one intended for overnight hikers and one for day hikers...
    Read more
  • Mouth of Wilson, Virginia

    Rhododendron Trail to Rock Croppings

    5.0
    1.77 mi / 289 ft gain
    In order to go when the Rhododendron are blooming you'll need to aim for the first three weeks of June.  Starting from the Massies Gap parking area in the Grayson Highlands State Park, follow the trail through the field and towards the base of a large hill. You will see a fence that runs along t...
    Read more