Balsam Grove, North Carolina
Looking for the best hiking in Balsam Grove? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Balsam Grove. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.
Top Hiking Spots in and near Balsam Grove
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Franklin, North Carolina
Photograph Wayah Bald Lookout Tower
0.1 mi / 0 ft gainThe Wayah Bald Lookout Tower is located in Nantahala National Forest in one of the oldest part of the protected land. It was first built in the 1920s then it was rebuilt throughout the years until it was finally made out of stone and concrete. The current tower that stands offers great views of t...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 -
Franklin, North Carolina
Wesser Bald Fire Tower
4.72.36 mi / 807 ft gainThe road leading to the trailhead is rough the last mile, but doable in any car. Just make sure to take it easy going up and be careful, especially if there has been any rain or snow. You will have reached the parking area for the hike once you see a large green Appalachian trail sign and a few...Read more -
Clyde, North Carolina
Hike to Little Fall Branch falls
0.3 mi / 300 ft gainThe trailhead to this hike is easy to find but the gps is hard to match so it might try to take you through the middle of the trees but its easy to follow the road. The best way to get here is to go off of I-40 at the Harmon Den exit and then go up the road towards Max Patch. To get to the trailh...Read more -
Franklin, North Carolina
Siler Bald from Wayah Gap
5.03.66 mi / 1060 ft gainThe Appalachian Trail does not need a lot of hype beyond its existing legendary status. However, there are certain parts of it that do stand out as being a little extra special. Siler Bald is one of those spots. A large clearing starting from Snowbird Gap and going all the way up to Siler Bald...Read more -
Bryson City, North Carolina
Southern Smokies: Fontana Lake to Clingman's Dome
4.520.39 mi / 5750 ft gainThis is a strenuous (though not technical) hike that really showcases the forests, creeks, and (eventually) the highest point of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. As this is a point-to-point route, you will want to have two vehicles - one that you can leave at Clingman's Dome and one that you ...Read more -
Newport, North Carolina
Hike to Mt. Sterling's Fire Tower
4.012 mi / 4200 ft gainOn your way in, stop at the ranger station parking lot to use the outhouses and grab a map for $1. Once at the Baxter Creek trailhead you have two options: 1. The Out and Back (12.2 miles) 2. The Loop (17 miles)Out and Back: Start on the Baxter Creek Trail and continue up for 6.1 miles until you...Read more -
Newport, North Carolina
Hike to Mouse Creek Falls
5.04.2 mi / 605 ft gainFollow Big Creek Trail on a moderate climb to this 45-foot waterfall. Around 1.3 miles in, you will begin to hike alongside Big Creek, and shortly afterwards you will pass Midnight Hole, a particularly deep pool. There are a number of other small falls en route. In spring you should see a number ...Read more -
Greenville, South Carolina
Hike Swamp Rabbit Trail to Reedy River Falls
4.53 mi / 100 ft gainSwamp Rabbit Trail is a 21 mile-long paved walkway that closely follows the Reedy River in Downtown Greenville. Over a half-a-million people visit the trail each year, but few ever walk the whole thing. What most people don’t know, is that it begins on a different river: the Enoree river and wind...Read more -
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Hike to the Jump-Off
4.36.2 mi / 1079 ft gainThis trail starts at the Newfound Gap parking lot. Newfound Gap is situated on the border of Tennessee and North Carolina. The views from Newfound Gap overlook North Carolina and are worth the trip in their own right. The restroom facilities are clean and have flushing toilets. Follow the crowds ...Read more -
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Hike to Clingman’s Dome via Newfound Gap
4.516.6 mi / 1600 ft gainThis route to Clingmans Dome is available throughout the year. But during the winter months from December 1 through March 31, the 7-mile Clingman’s Dome Road that branches off Highway 441 at Newfound Gap, stays closed. This means the usual drive to the parking area located just a half mile below ...Read more -
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Mount LeConte Lodge via the Boulevard Trail
15.95 mi / 3000 ft gainBegin your adventure by arriving at the Newfound Gap parking lot - before first light. Why? Because you won't want to miss the incredible sunrise from the parking lot - even before you step foot on the trail! It is said that a hiker will never get overly warm hiking the Boulevard to Leconte due ...Read more -
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Charlies Bunion via Appalachian Trail
5.04.32 mi / 1640 ft gainFrom the Sugarlands Visitor Center near Gatlinburg, drive approximately 13 miles south on Newfound Gap Road to reach the Newfound Gap Parking Area (it'll be on your left). The parking area is free and there are bathrooms. Follow the Appalachian Trail towards Katahdin, Maine (1972 miles away, woah...Read more -
35.610235,-83.426410
Myrtle Point via Alum Cave
5.015.43 mi / 3100 ft gainThis hike can be started at the Alum Cave trailhead or the Boulevard Trailhead. For this particular adventure, the starting point is Alum Cave. If you're lucky enough to stay the night at the backcountry shelter on top of Mt. LeConte, (add 0.2 miles if coming from the Lodge), head east on the Bou...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 -
35.556724,-83.495827
Forney Creek Loop
4.519.04 mi / 3500 ft gainThis is an overnight loop hike that is built around one night in the back country. It can be done as an ambitious day hike. Be advised that permits are required by the NPS for all overnight stays in Great Smoky Mountain National Park. The hike begins at the Clingman's Dome parking lot at the For...Read more