Grayson Highlands State Park

Grayson Highlands State Park

Massie Gap

We parked at Massie Gap and hiked the Rhododendron trail to the Horse Trail North.  This was about 3 miles roundtrip.  There are lots of spurs and you don't have to necessarily go to the end to see the horses.  There are some boulder outcroppings that are fun to climb on and offer amazing views.  This is a moderate trail and be aware that the weather can be very drastic.  I have been when it was very windy and chilly when the weather at home was warm and sunny.  Then, I have been when there is not a breeze at all and the sun was 

Cabin Creek Falls

This is a loop trail that is just over 3 miles roundtrip and is considered strenuous.  The waterfall offers a fun place to play in the water.

 

Norton, VA

Flag Rock

There are several trails to chose from for this park.  We just did part of the Magnolia Trail that took you to Flag Rock, which overlooks Norton and by the Wood Booger Statue (yes, it's a thing and The Wood Booger Grill is supposed to have good hamburgers also).  This part of the trail was an easy walk and there were large rocks to explore and climb around as well.  The entire trail is 1.3 and is considered moderate.  

 

Mount Mitchell, NC

** Trails are currently closed due to storm damage **

Mount Mitchell State Park

While there are several trails that you can hike around the park - you can park near the summit and walk up a 1/4 mile paved path to an observation deck. I wouldn't really count this as much of a hike, but the views are amazing on a clear day.  Just know, clouds can roll in at anytime, but be patient as they can leave just as quickly. 

 

Morganton, NC

This was a day of hikes that did not really go as planned....

Raven Cliff Falls

    Unfortunately we did not find this one.  We hiked in about 2 miles and realized that we had probably missed the trail down to the river.  We thought it would be easy enough to find, but it was more of a bushwhack and after finding a yellow jackets nest and still unsure it was the right way, we decided to turn around.  The hike is a tough one and has some very steep parts.  Very overgrown in places and lots of ticks!  There also isn't a lot of information on this one out there.  

Steeles Creek [Big] Falls

    This was another tough hike and again, quite overgrown in places.  The trail was easy to follow but at one point, I walked with my arms above my head to avoid the stinging nettle and there were a lot of ticks.  I would advise an early spring or late fall for this one.  It is a little over 1.5 miles roundtrip, but to get to where you can view the falls from the middle requires some careful footing down some rock - these can be VERY slick so please be careful.  There was a rope to help you climb in and out.  You can avoid that part by hiking a little further up the trail and seeing the falls from above.  

There is a path that leads to the lower portion of the falls and there is another waterfall on past this one - both of which we missed (like I said, this one didn't go as planned).

Bonus Falls

No, that's not the actual name.  We caught a glimpse of this one on the drive out from another set of falls that we were going to attempt to find, that again didn't work out.  We thought it would be easy enough to get to, but with all the downed trees, it made it quite the challenge.  However, we were able to at least get a couple of pics before scrambling back out.  

 

Blowing Rock, NC

Crab Orchard Falls

These falls are closer to Valle Crucis, NC but are only about 20 minutes or so from the other falls in this post, so I put them together since you could easily do them the same day.

This trail is a short 1 mile roundtrip and is rated as moderate.  It is up hill almost the whole way - until you get to the falls and then you have to hike down a bit.  It's a lot of fun to climb up the rocks and the view of the upper portion is just as good if not better than the lower.  

A note about parking - You will park behind an old church and ministry.  After parking, follow the gravel path behind the buildings and there is a sign for the falls (and a port-a-potty).

Hebron Falls

I have to confess this one disappointed me a little and I wish my kids had been with me because they would have LOVED to climb on the rocks!  It really was a neat place - you just can't see most of the falls from where the trails takes you.  We spoke to some people on the way back and they said if the water is low enough, you can hike up the bank and see more of the falls or find a path through the rhododendrons on the way back.  We also did not park at the trailhead I had planned on (thanks Google).  There are several ways in, so make sure you look up the trail you want to take before heading out.

We ended up hiking about 4.5 miles and thought it was only going to be about 3.  It was definitely a more strenuous moderate hike.  We hiked in on the Mountains to Sea Trail, which connected to the Old John's Road trail.  There are lots of spurs and other trails so watch your signs and trail markers.  The trail branches off at the bridge and if you're not careful, you'll miss it.  

There is another smaller waterfall on the way in which is a pretty area, so don't miss that one!

 

Blue Ridge Parkway, NC

Rough Ridge Overlook

Tanawha Trail

This section of the Blue Ridge Parkway is open!  There is still some road work being done, but this overlook is open.

This trail is only about 2 miles roundtrip, but the trail continues past the overlook and (from what I understand) comes out at the Wilson Creek Overlook.  So, there are several options for making a longer hike out of this stop.  It is considered moderate, but the entire trail is rocky.  It's not difficult to navigate unless you have a hard time with that type of terrain.  The views are amazing!!  

 

Table Rock State Park, SC

Carrick Creek Nature Trail

       This is an easy to moderate 2 mile loop trail.  This would be a great one for kids since it is not strenuous and because there are some easy creek crossings on rocks, several foot bridges, lots of places to play in the water, and cascades along the way.  In late April the Mountain Laurel are in bloom are beautiful!  

There is a fee to enter the park and hikers must register at the nature center.  There is a lake and other activities to enjoy.  You can continue past the main parking lot to an overlook of Table Rock.

There is quite a bit of flood and fire damage, however the park is open as are the trails and it is still a beautiful place to explore.  

Wildcat Wayside

    If you are in the area, Wildcat Falls is very close to Table Rock.  It's a neat place to stop at and look around.  You can see it from the road and there are always several cars in the pull off area and often road side stands with food, produce or boiled peanuts.  You can continue on the trail and do the 1 mile loop.