Vineyard Gap and Riverside Trails, Pisgah National Forest

Get ready for an easy summer hike where you can get wet! At 7.3 miles it may take about 4 hours to complete. Make it a loop trail with both trails follow the Yellow Blaze. The Riverside Trail along the South Fork of Mills River in Pisgah National Forest fords the river several times. You’ll … Continue reading Vineyard Gap and Riverside Trails, Pisgah National Forest

Hike to the Swag

Overflowing with wildflowers in the Spring and Summer seasons and offering great views of Fall colors in October, this hiking area offers a variety of adventures in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Family friendly exploring can be done in the meadow around the Science Education Center that sits at 4840′ with Purchase Knob just … Continue reading Hike to the Swag

Silver Run Falls

Silver Run Falls in the Nantahala National Forest is just four miles south of Cashiers in Jackson County. This 25-ft. waterfall cascades into a tranquil pool with a small beach area. So it’s a popular swimming spot in the North Carolina mountains. It’s safe for small children to enjoy the water. There’s a forest service … Continue reading Silver Run Falls

Hike four Waterfalls! Rainbow Falls, Stairway Falls, Turtle-back Falls, and Bust-yo-butt Falls!

These four waterfall hikes are only 4 miles intotal located near Lake Toxaway, NC. The trail is primarily used for hiking, and camping and is accessible year-round. This short hike along the Horse pasture River features outstanding views of 4 large waterfalls and good camping. Start the trail by descending on a moderate grade downhill. … Continue reading Hike four Waterfalls! Rainbow Falls, Stairway Falls, Turtle-back Falls, and Bust-yo-butt Falls!

Secret Falls and Fishing Hole

At the main stop light in downtown Highlands, take the turn for Main Street. If you are coming from Cashiers heading west on Hwy 64, turn left at the light. If you are on Hwy 64 east, go straight at the light. And if you are approaching the light from Hwy 28 you will turn … Continue reading Secret Falls and Fishing Hole

Panthertown Waterfall hike

I actually lost count! We did 7 or 8 waterfalls and made it home for dinner! Starting with Raven Rock, then Shower Falls, Mac’s, Pothole, Schoolhouse, Par and Glove falls in no order – you’ll have to discover them! Start with Raven Rock Falls: To get to Raven Rock Falls take 281 north from Hwy 64 a … Continue reading Panthertown Waterfall hike

Pink Beds Loop Hike

This 7 mile loop hike is all about water. You’ll see rare mountain bogs, including glimpses of some rare and endangered species of plants if you’re lucky. You’ll pass through a forest in transition, as beavers have dammed the South Fork Mills River to form their ponds, which are drowning out the trees. You’ll also … Continue reading Pink Beds Loop Hike

Hike to Smoky Mountains Plane Crash – Now Removed and Closed! Official link below:

I heard there were a lot of plane crashes into the Smokey Mountains and I decided to find one and hike to it! However, not anymore – It’s gone! Fortunately, the Forest service has removed the plane and is providing protection of resources and rare plants in the area after years of being trampled by … Continue reading Hike to Smoky Mountains Plane Crash – Now Removed and Closed! Official link below:

Camp at Historic site #47 in the Smokey Mountain National Park

This location started out in search of a waterfall for me – Enloe Creek Falls. After much research and second hand accounts I finally found the location and how to get into the seldom-visited reaches of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, just outside the Cherokee Indian Reservation, you’ll be hard-pressed to find this waterfall on … Continue reading Camp at Historic site #47 in the Smokey Mountain National Park

Panthertown Blackrock Overlook with Granny Burrell Falls Hike

Our hike will start at the Salt Rock Gap parking area (bulletin board) at the end of Breedlove Road in Cashiers. We plan to hike up Blackrock Trail starting at 9:am, across Overlook Trail, down Carlton’s Way, and back up Panthertown Valley Trail. It’s about 3 miles each way and has some wonderful views from … Continue reading Panthertown Blackrock Overlook with Granny Burrell Falls Hike