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.

                                                  

Great Smoky Mountain National Park

 Hen Wallow Falls

*Currently Closed due to Helene damage

    This is a moderate 4.25 mile trail that leads to a waterfall.  You need to park at the Cosby Campground to access this trail - at least the 4 mile one.  Make note of where your GPS routes you.  When we went, we took the Gabes Mountain Trail, which is the correct trial - however, we were at the wrong end...we could have gotten there, but it would have taken about 7 miles.  So, we turned around and drove to the campground and hiked the other end of the trail to the falls.

Great Smoky Mountain National Park

 Midnight Hole, Mouse Creek Falls

    This trail is on the North Carolina side of the Smokies.  It is an easy 4 mile hike and a very popular swimming hole.  At Midnight Hole which is about a mile in, people bring picnics and even coolers and lawn chairs to set up for the day.  If possible, I would try to go during the week if you want to avoid crowds.  The water is icy, but it's also very popular for jumping off the large boulders into the water.  If you continue up the trail, you don't pass quite the number of people and you may even have Mouse Creek Falls to yourself.  

Erwin, TN

 Rock Creek Falls

        This is a moderate to hard hike because of the elevation gained.  It has been a few years since we have been here and I would love to go back and see if it is really as intense as it seemed at the time.  I think if the weather was cooler, it would be a bit easier.  Anyway.....This is about a 4 - 4.5 mile hike, depending on where you have to park.  When we went, the campground was closed, so we had to park a little ways out and hike walk into the trailhead.  There is a fee for parking, so bring a few dollars with you.  This hike is uphill most of the way, so bring lots of water also.  Make sure you go to the end of the trail to see the falls.  There are a couple of small ones on the hike in, so you don't want to miss it.

Pisgah National Forest - Balsam Grove

 Courthouse Falls

    This is a short, easy hike just around 2 miles roundtrip - IF the road to the trailhead is open.  This is one that has seasonal closures and I've seen where it is even been washed out more due to the Helene storm.  But, you can still park at the gate and hike in.  The road in is a pretty easy walk with some gradual ascent, but adds about 1.25 mile each way.  It is a really pretty falls with lots of places to play in the water.

Pisgah National Forest, NC - Black Balsam

Black Balsam Knob, Tennent Mountain

    The name of this trail is Art Leob and actually leads 30 miles into the Shining Rock Wilderness area.  We only hiked a couple of miles in to Tennent Mountain and a little beyond, then turned around and came back.  This trail is considered moderate, but after you make the initial climbs, it is pretty easy and you have some beautiful views to enjoy.  

    A couple of things to keep in mind - this area can get crowded, but there are a few different trails in the vicinity that you can take.  Be sure and pack some water, especially in the warmer months - since it is a bald, you have very little shade and no water source. 

 

Gatlinburg, TN

 Abrams Falls

    

    Located in Cades Cove, this is a very popular trial.  It's about 5 miles roundtrip and is a moderate hike.  The waterfall isn't very tall, but boasts a good water flow.  There is a lot of rocks to sit and enjoy the area, trees to tie up hammocks and spots to dip your toes in the water.  This is one of the prettiest waterfalls in the Smokies because of the surrounding area.  

Dawsonville, Georgia

 Amicalola Falls

    Located in Dawsonville, this is the tallest waterfall in Georgia and claims to be the tallest cascading falls east of the Mississippi (there are lots that claim to be the tallest - so you have to look at the category).  It's close to the beginning of the Appalachian Trail and on clear days you can see the Atlanta skyline in the distance.  There is a paved trail that goes right by the falls and close to 650 stairs that go down to the bottom of the falls.  It is absolutely beautiful and totally worth it - just bring water and pace yourself.  The good news is though, is that there are several spots along the way to view the falls and you absolutely don't have to go all the way to the bottom to be able to appreciate the beauty of the falls.

Gatlinburg, TN

 Twin Creeks Trail/Fairy House

This trail starts just outside Gatlinburg and winds close to the Motor Nature Trail.  

Parking: There are several options for parking - You can park at Mynatt and walk just a little ways up the road, which will put you at the very beginning of the trail. There is a single parking place there, if it's available.  There are also several places along the Motor Nature Trail where you can pull off, park and hike any section for as long as you want.  

Trail: From beginning to the the loop end and back is about 6.5 miles.  The first part of the trail is fairly easy and not all that spectacular, but it's nice because it is not a super popular trail so you don't see the amount of people that you might encounter on other trails in the Smokies.  The loop part of the trail would be considered moderate because it is very rocky and has several stream crossings.  But there are two abandoned cabins along the trail and a smaller building near the creek.  That is another advantage of the trail....much of it follows the creek and offers several small side trails that you can get down to the creek.  

Fairy House:  The old spring house or "house of fairies" was the reason that I wanted to hike this trail.  Several of the descriptions made it sound very hidden and almost an off trail adventure.  However, after finding it, it is quite easy and you don't even have to hike to see it, but why wouldn't you?  

To get there by hiking, take the beginning of the Twin Creeks Trail until it crosses a paved road near the Resource Center.  Take the road around the back of the building and follow it til you see the log buildings.  The Fairy House is set in the hillside behind the first log building.  There is a grassy field and a path that leads beside the chain link fence up the stone stairs.  

To get there by driving, take the Nature Motor Trail until you find the side paved road on the right, there is a small parking area there and then you can walk the rest of the way.