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Newland, North Carolina

Newland, North Carolina is home to some of the best outdoor activities and attractions. From scenic trails and lush forests to must-visit parks and lakes, there are plenty of opportunities to explore the great outdoors. Popular attractions include the Newland State Park, which offers a variety of activities including hiking, biking, fishing, and camping. The nearby Nantahala National Forest is a great destination for hiking, camping, and fishing. In addition, the area is home to several lakes including the popular Lake Fontana, great for swimming, boating, and kayaking. There are also multiple trails in the area, such as the Appalachian Trail and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Whether you are seeking a peaceful day in nature or an adventure filled with thrills, Newland, North Carolina has something for everyone.

Top Spots in and near Newland

  • Connelly Springs, North Carolina

    Sawtooth Campground via Chestnut Knob Trail

    5.0
    6.18 mi / 1299 ft gain
    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...
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  • Connelly Springs, North Carolina

    High Shoals Falls

    4.6
    2.47 mi / 617 ft gain
    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...
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  • Connelly Springs, North Carolina

    High Shoals Waterfall and H.Q. Loop Trail

    4.83 mi / 1043 ft gain
    High Shoals Waterfall and H.Q. Loop Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Connelly Springs, North Carolina.
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  • Bristol, Tennessee

    Powerline Trail and Lakeside Trail Loop

    4.0
    3.77 mi / 797 ft gain
    Powerline Trail and Lakeside Trail Loop is a loop trail that takes you through a nice forest located near Bristol, Tennessee.
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  • Connelly Springs, North Carolina

    Chestnut Knob via River Trail

    4.0
    5.9 mi / 1115 ft gain
    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...
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  • Hickory, North Carolina

    Geitner Rotary Park Loop

    5.0
    2.65 mi / 354 ft gain
    Geitner Rotary Park Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Hickory, North Carolina.
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  • Damascus, Virginia

    Bike the Virginia Creeper Trail

    5.0
    17 mi
    This multi-use (hiking, biking, horseback riding) rail-trail stretches 34 miles from Abingdon, Virginia to Whitetop, Virginia, passing through forests in the Blue Ridge Mountains, small farming communities in the countryside, and small historic towns.While you can pick up the trail at any point, ...
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  • Colonial Heights, Tennessee

    Kayak Patrick Henry Reservoir

    5.0
    Patrick Henry Reservoir in Warriors Path State Park is a great location for kayaking, canoeing and stand up paddling. The reservoir is not always very clean, but it can still be very beautiful when you're on the water. In the Summer and Fall, the trees are beautiful to view. There is also a small...
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  • Troutdale, Virginia

    Hike the Appalachian Trail from Elk Garden to Buzzard Rock

    5.0
    6.6 mi / 1000 ft gain
    Starting at the Elk Garden Parking Area hike the Appalachian Trail south (do not cross the road, follow the trail from the parking area). Hike along the trail following the white blazes and at 2.4 miles you'll reach a campsite on your left. This is a great place to camp overnight if you decide to...
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  • Marshall, Tennessee

    Appalachian Trail: Jones Meadow to Jerry Cabin Shelter

    7.58 mi / 909 ft gain
    Appalachian Trail: Jones Meadow to Jerry Cabin Shelter is an out-and-back trail that provides a good opportunity to view wildlife located near Greeneville, Tennessee.
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  • Mouth of Wilson, Virginia

    Twin Pinnacles Loop

    5.0
    1.35 mi / 157 ft gain
    Park at the Visitor Center; don't stress when you get to the parking lot and can't see it, it's up the hill. From the parking lot hike across the road and find the staircase. Follow this up to the Visitor Center. If you're standing in front of the Visitor Center, the trailhead will be to the left...
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  • Greeneville, Tennessee

    Hike to Margarette Falls

    5.0
    2.7 mi / 715 ft gain
    To reach the trail head, take exit number 39 to Erwin/Jonesborough and turn onto State Route 81/107 west and stay on this for 6.5 miles. Then you will turn left to stay on Route 107 and continue on for 16 more miles. Then you will take a left on Route 351 and drive 4.5 miles. Then you will take a...
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  • Kingsport, Tennessee

    Kingsport Greenbelt

    5.0
    9.1 mi / 308 ft gain
    Kingsport Greenbelt is a point-to-point trail that takes you by a river located near Kingsport, Tennessee.
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  • Mouth of Wilson, Virginia

    Twin Pinnacles via Big Pinnacles Trail

    5.0
    2 mi / 525 ft gain
    To reach the Big Pinnacle Trail Head, park at the Massie Gap Day Parking area, and then follow the road west (away from Massie Gap) until you reach the trail head located on the left side of the road.  Follow the Big Pinnacles Trail for 0.4 miles until it intersects with the Twin Pinnacles Trail....
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  • Mouth of Wilson, Virginia

    Wilburn Ridge and Massie Gap Loop

    5.0
    2.32 mi / 318 ft gain
    To reach the trail head, park in the Massie Gap Parking Lot.  This is the parking lot for most of the trails in the park, so it can fill up very quickly, but you are able to park along the side of the road.  Massie Gap as two parking areas: one intended for overnight hikers and one for day hikers...
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  • Mouth of Wilson, Virginia

    Rhododendron Trail to Rock Croppings

    5.0
    1.77 mi / 289 ft gain
    In order to go when the Rhododendron are blooming you'll need to aim for the first three weeks of June.  Starting from the Massies Gap parking area in the Grayson Highlands State Park, follow the trail through the field and towards the base of a large hill. You will see a fence that runs along t...
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