Elk Park, North Carolina

Located just inside the park entrance of Grayson Highlands State Park in Virginia, Sugarland Overlook provides an outstanding easterly view of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains.  The Sugarland Overlook is located about a mile up from the ranger station and is on the righthand side of the road....

Bays Mountain Trail Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Kingsport, Tennessee.

Bay's Mountain Firetower overlooks the city of Kingsport, the South Fork Holston River, and the surrounding Tennessee mountains. Part of Bay's Mountain State Park, this is the most popular hike of the 25 miles of trails. The hike to the fire tower passes the Kingsport Reservoir which is essential...

Bays Mountain Reservoir Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Kingsport, Tennessee.

Bays Mountain Fire Tower Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Kingsport, Tennessee.

This 6.2-mile total trip will take you through the highlights of South Mountains State Park with an overnight stay in one of the drier campsites.  OPTIONAL: You can get a warm-up in by starting with a 2.5-mile loop to High Shoal Falls that you can do without packs before picking up with a 3-mile...

From the Jacob Fork parking area in South Mountains State Park, it is a short 1 mile walk over the Jacob River to the High Shoals Waterfall (80'). If you choose to continue past the observation deck, High Shoals Falls Trail (blue circle) climbs up above the waterfall, crossing the river. Keep rig...

High Shoals Waterfall and H.Q. Loop Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Connelly Springs, North Carolina.

Stamper's Branch Trail is an out-and-back trail that provides a good opportunity to view wildlife located near Mouth of Wilson, Virginia.

The journey begins at the Cicero Branch Parking Area along South Mountain Road, following Jacob Fork River Trail. The trail runs along the Fork before ascending Chestnut Knob. After completing the trail, you will find yourself on the highest peak of the South Mountain chain, where there are breat...

Geitner Rotary Park Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Hickory, North Carolina.

Laurel Run Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Church Hill, Tennessee.

The Haw Creek Valley Overlook is only 8 miles from downtown Asheville. If you're in the downtown area, it's a rather easy place to zip on over to if you're in need of some time away from urban life. This overlook is a hot spot for sunset watching and picture taking. If you plan on seeing what th...

Before you head out, check the status of the Blue Ridge Parkway (it periodically closes during the winter).  The entire Bluff Mountain Trail is a 7.1 mile trail that traverses the Doughton Park Area along the Blue Ridge Parkway.  To do this particular hike, park at the bathrooms in the Doughton P...

A treasure in North Carolina that doesn't get as much attention as it should, Doughton Park has some of the best trails around. It is the largest park operated by the Blue Ridge Parkway and has over 30 miles of trails available.  The parking area for the Basin Creek Trail is small, but rarely cro...

Rich Mountain fire tower is located in the Cherokee National Forest just outside of Hot springs North Carolina. Getting there is pretty easy once you get off of US 25W you drive up a gravel road for about 5 miles until you get to the tower. Once you get to the top its about a 100 foot walk until ...