Waynesville, North Carolina
Waynesville, North Carolina is a great destination for outdoor adventurers! With its lush forested areas and steep mountain peaks, it’s a perfect place to explore and create lifelong memories. Visitors can savor the fresh mountain air and admire the beautiful views while they take in the best nature has to offer. From gentle walks to more physically challenging expeditions, Waynesville offers something for all types of outdoor activity. Whether you’re looking for a serene escape or exciting exploration, Waynesville is an ideal spot for an unforgettable experience.
Top Spots in and near Waynesville
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Tamassee, South Carolina
Hike to Lee Falls
4.01.6 miThe Hike: Head out through the middle of the first of three fields, crossing creeks two times as you come to them. At the end of the last field, the trail enters the woods. Hike through the woods for 0.3 mile and take the left fork, crossing a creek , and head toward the larger branch of Tamassee...Read more -
Hendersonville, North Carolina
Hike along The World's Edge
0.7 mi / 40 ft gainPark at the end of The World's Edge Road, but be aware that parking is very limited. There is a private residence up to the right so do not block their driveway/gate. Begin your hike by going through the leftmost gate, and continue straight until you reach the first view less than half a mile in....Read more -
Franklin, North Carolina
Backpack the Standing Indian Loop on the Appalachian Trail
24 miBegins at the parking lot for the Standing Indian Campground. (No permits are needed to park here) For the first 3.7 miles, take Kimsey Creek Trail, which runs along the water, until you meet up with the AT at Deep Gap. Rolling hills and lots of foliage throughout, leading up to Standing Indian M...Read more -
Lake Lure, North Carolina
Explore Chimney Rock
4.00.5 miChimney rock is a beautiful slab of weather granite that is visible from miles around. To get to this hike you'll want to head to Lake Lure in North Carolina, a beautiful lake located in the mountains of western North Carolina. Follow the signs for Chimney Rock and take the switchback road up t...Read more -
Lake Lure, North Carolina
Exclamation Point and Skyline Trail to Hickory Nut Falls
5.02.98 mi / 1204 ft gainExclamation Point and Skyline Trail to Hickory Nut Falls is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Chimney Rock, North Carolina.Read more -
Lake Lure, North Carolina
Hike to Hickory Nut Falls
5.02 mi / 200 ft gainThis waterfall is located inside of the Chimney Rock State Park. There is a fee of 15 dollars to go to the State Park but it is very worth it because of the beautiful scenery and beautiful views. The hike to the waterfall is partially uphill on the way. When you get to the waterfall there are a f...Read more -
Black Mountain, North Carolina
Eagle Rock
0.7 mi / 151 ft gainEagle Rock is located in Chimney Rock State Park and is a hot spot for climbers and hikers! The hike to the overlook at Eagle Rock is 0.4 miles, and it's one of the most bang-for-your-buck trails in the area. We love to picnic out on the rock as it's in the sun most of the day. If you decide to...Read more -
Saluda, North Carolina
Hike Bradley Falls
4.82.3 mi / 312 ft gainThis is a really nice hike along Cove Creek that leads to a beautiful, 100 foot waterfall. While most of the trail is a relaxing stroll, the end of the hike provides a little adventure for those who feel up for it. Starting from the parking lot, follow the main trail into the woods. Early in the ...Read more -
Greeneville, Tennessee
Hike to Margarette Falls
5.02.7 mi / 715 ft gainTo reach the trail head, take exit number 39 to Erwin/Jonesborough and turn onto State Route 81/107 west and stay on this for 6.5 miles. Then you will turn left to stay on Route 107 and continue on for 16 more miles. Then you will take a left on Route 351 and drive 4.5 miles. Then you will take a...Read more -
Lake Lure, North Carolina
Boulder at Rumbling Bald
4.51.5 miLocated off of Boys Camp Rd. in Lake Lure, North Carolina, Rumbling Bald is a huge boulder yard that has been in use since the 1970's and has begun to flourish. Conveniently at the trail head is a gravel parking lot with three Port A Johns to use. Make sure you get to the parking lot early thou...Read more -
Old Fort, North Carolina
Catawba Falls
4.82.19 mi / 394 ft gainPlease note, Catawba Falls is temporarily closed. You can learn more about updates at www.fs.usda.gov. This quick and relatively easy hike is located close to Asheville, NC. If you're looking to have the trail to yourself, it can be a little tough. It's best to get there as early as possible or ...Read more -
Burnsville, North Carolina
Mount Mitchell via the Old Mitchell Trail
5.03.74 mi / 1194 ft gainAfter arriving in the park off of the beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway, park at the first parking lot you encounter on the righthand side of the road. There is a visitor's center there where you can inquire about the park and pick up a park map. Once you do that walk outside and look to the left of t...Read more -
Pickens, South Carolina
Hike Glassy Mountain
5.01.3 mi / 200 ft gainThis view never gets old and it is super easy to access. It's also only like half a mile down and then half a mile back up, so if you do watch the sunset, the walk back is easy. The trail is out by Glassy Mountain Church in Pickens, SC and it's accessible year round. The hike is very simple, and ...Read more -
Lake Lure, North Carolina
Hike to Party Rock
4.52.4 mi / 1549 ft gainThis hike is a strenuous 2.4 miles that takes about 1.5 hours to complete. The trail is not maintained--it is an old logging road--so there are lots of loose rocks and you frequently have to hop over the washout/creek. However, the difficulty on the way up is extremely rewarding at the top!The tr...Read more -
Townsend, Tennessee
Backpack to Spence Field
13.8 mi / 3100 ft gainStart your hike at Anthony Creek Trailhead (elevation 1,800 ft), in the Cade’s Cove area. The trailhead is located at the far end of the day-use picnic area near Cade’s Cove campground. There are a few parking spots right at the trailhead, but note that the picnic area closes at dusk (a gate clos...Read more -
35.604955,-83.770373
Hike to Rocky Top
5.012.8 mi / 3500 ft gainRocky Top is known to be the spot that inspired the famous fight song of the University of Tennessee, which is also an official song for the state of Tennessee. The trailhead for this hike begins in the Cade’s Cove picnic area parking lot towards the back side. There are a few parking spots ri...Read more
