Andrews Bald Hike, Great Smoky Mountains

Andrews Bald in the Great Smoky Mountains has an elevation of 5,920 feet, making it the highest grassy bald in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The mountain is one of two grassy balds maintained in the range by the park service. The other is Gregory Bald, in the western Smokies. The hike is about … Continue reading Andrews Bald Hike, Great Smoky Mountains

Looking Glass Rock Hike

The Looking Glass Rock Trail climbs about 1,700 ft. in just over three miles (6.5 miles round-trip, allow 4 hours). The many switchbacks along the way help make for a long and moderately difficult climb. A strong hiker can make it to the top in 1.5 hours and down in one hour. The views from … Continue reading Looking Glass Rock Hike

Bradley Falls Trail

From Spartanburg head west on I-26. At the Saluda exit (28) take a right and head north approximately 3 miles. At the bottom of the incline is a gate on the left hand side. On the other side of the gate is the start of the trail. The road down to the trailhead is paved. … Continue reading Bradley Falls Trail

Turkey Pen road into Pisgah National Forest

Once you’ve parked, make sure you set your GPS if you have one and begin! The trail starts downward and Rooty, shady and fairly easy. Soon you’ll hear water to your left and you’ll come up on S. Mills river, look for the first footbridge to cross it and bear left at the next intersection … Continue reading Turkey Pen road into Pisgah National Forest

Glen Falls Hike – Highlands

We have been to Highlands numerous times! We’ve done a bunch of hikes including waterfall hikes up there. I say up there because it’s 4100 feet in elevation in town! However, this hike and the 106 west was the first time we stumbled on this. And a restaurant I’ll tell you about later. It was … Continue reading Glen Falls Hike – Highlands

Panthertown 8 Waterfall Hike

We will do 7 waterfalls and be 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 mile or so then veer off … Continue reading Panthertown 8 Waterfall Hike

Fontana Dam & Lake-shore Trail

If you’ve never been to Fontana Lake – it’s a must see! For this hike we will drive take 23/74 W towards Bryson city for about 40 miles to the turn or street of Fontana Dam. I stopped in the dam parking area and read the signs, learned about the area and plan to return … Continue reading Fontana Dam & Lake-shore Trail

Ranger Falls Waterfall Hike

Ranger Falls is a 30 ft set of falls on Skitty Creek. It’s a short 2.4 mile round trip hike worthy of your time! After .4 mile you’ll come to a fork in the trail, take the Left fork (downhill) to the falls. In approx. .6 miles the trail splits again, stay to the Right … Continue reading Ranger Falls Waterfall Hike

Dry Falls Hike

Dry Falls, a popular waterfall located a few miles outside of Highlands gives you the rare treat of walking safely behind a waterfall. This 75-foot tall waterfall in the Nantahala National Forest flows over an overhanging cliff, allowing you to walk behind the falls and stay dry (hence the name). During rainy spells when the water volume is higher, the spray will prevent you from staying totally dry. Continue reading Dry Falls Hike