Cherokee, North Carolina
Cherokee, North Carolina offers some of the best outdoor activities and attractions in the area. Explore the top trails and outdoor adventures in the area, such as the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tsali Recreation Area, Nantahala National Forest, and Oconaluftee Indian Village. Visit the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway and Great Smoky Mountains Railroad for magnificent views and unique experiences. For a must-visit place, check out the Oconaluftee Islands Park for an intimate and calming day. With plenty of outdoor activities and attractions, Cherokee, North Carolina is the ideal destination for those seeking an outdoor adventure.
Top Spots in and near Cherokee
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Hendersonville, North Carolina
Hike to Hooker Falls
4.00.8 mi / 100 ft gainHooker Falls is located in Dupont State Forest in southern North Carolina. The hike is a great hike for kids to go on and to have a picnic. The waterfall is a beautiful waterfall that offers a great place to swim. Along the hike there are also other places you can see the river and you can swim a...Read more -
Little River, North Carolina
High Falls & Triple Falls
4.52.38 mi / 502 ft gainBoth falls provide ample open, flat rock right up next to the massive falls where you can picnic, take photos, or just lounge in the sun and mist. There are signs saying so, but be sure to be careful near the waters edge below the falls - swimming is not allowed as the current can be very strong....Read more -
Asheville, North Carolina
Take in the Sights at Pack Square Park
If you're in Asheville, it'll be quite difficult to miss out on going to or at least hearing about Pack Square Park. The park is bustling with activity as it's a common, middle ground place for people to meet up, to take a lunch break, or to catch some rays of sun on a warm day. It's also a commo...Read more -
Asheville, North Carolina
Relax at Martin Luther King Jr Park
The Martin Luther King Jr Park includes a large multi-purpose field as well as a playground that's great for kids. It's the perfect place to go solo to clear your head and chill with a book or with family and friends for an outdoor game. Right at the entrance to the Park stands a statue of Mart...Read more -
Tiger, Georgia
Hike to Glassy Mountain
5.01 mi / 3415 ft gainIn order to find this hidden gem, you'll have to drive quite a ways up the mountain first, otherwise it is a very steep incline. There will be limited parking at the gate that stops you from driving the whole way up. You will turn onto a road called "Glassy Mountain Rd" and that will be the road ...Read more -
Knoxville, Tennessee
Forks of the River Wildlife Management Area
This park is located in south Knoxville. The wildlife management area is very popular in the sunflower season. This area offers many activities including biking, hiking and photography. There are several trails that run through the area but some of them are closed in hunting season so make sure t...Read more -
Knoxville, Tennessee
Mead's Quarry Park
3.0This quarry is located near the Ijams Nature Center in South Knoxville. The quarry is right off of Island Home rd and has a large parking lot. The parking lot has about 30 spaces and about 50 spaces in overflow parking. There is a lot activities to do at the quarry. In the summer there is kayak a...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 -
Knoxville, Tennessee
River Boardwalk Trail
1.5 mi / 200 ft gainThis trail is located at the Ijams Nature Center. Ijams Nature Center is only 10 minutes from downtown Knoxville and is a great place to escape city life and enjoy the outdoors. The parking lot here is quite large and in the busy season it has an overflow lot too. Ijams Nature Center has many hik...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 -
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 -
Clarkesville, Georgia
Paddle Lake Burton
3.0Lake Burton is, in my opinion, Georgia's most scenic large lake. It is completely surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains and has some of the clearest water in the state. Moccasin Creek State Park is a great launching point for all of your paddling adventures, whether you own your own vessel or ...Read more -
Pickens, South Carolina
Hike to Table Rock Mountain
4.57.2 mi / 2433 ft gainWhile the Piedmont Foothills may sound deceptive, this is no easy trail. The first two miles of the Table Rock Trail take you soaring through the trees at a rapid pace. The trail is extremely well kept, but harsh and tough. A little before the two mile marker is a wooden shelter which is a great ...Read more -
Pickens, South Carolina
Backpack the Foothills Trail through the Southeastern Appalachian Mountains
5.076.2 mi / 11036 ft gainStarting at Table Rock State Park (South Carolina) and working your 76.2 miles way towards Oconee State Park (South Carolina) is the most popular route, with a few spur trails that lead to places like Raven Cliff Falls in Cesar's Head State Park. The trail gains ~11,036 feet in elevation with ano...Read more -
Pickens, South Carolina
Summit Sassafras Mountain
5.017.2 mi / 5041 ft gainPinnacle Trail begins by the Nature Center in Table Rock State Park. Keep left at the first three splits in the trail. You will make some creek crossings, gain elevation through the forest, and pass by Mills Creek Falls (25 ft). At Bald Rock Overlook, you can catch some nice views of Table Rock M...Read more -
Knoxville, Tennessee
Will Skelton Greenway
7 mi / 300 ft gainThis greenway starts at the Island Home Park and goes through Ijams Nature Center and the Forks of the River Wildlife Management Area. The trail is almost 4 miles one way so it makes for a great half day trip. From start to finish it is 8 miles long. The trail is mostly paved with only a small bi...Read more
