Townsend, Tennessee
Looking for the best hiking in Townsend? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Townsend. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.
Top Hiking Spots in and near Townsend
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Maggie Valley, North Carolina
Soco Falls
5.00.09 mi / 0 ft gainThis double waterfall is located a mile and half off of the Blue Ridge Parkway in the Cherokee Indian Reservation. From the parking area, it's a short walk down a well-established trail to the viewing area of the falls. For an even closer view of the falls, you can follow a roped, steep path dow...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 -
Sylva, North Carolina
Pinnacle in Pinnacle Park
5.05.98 mi / 2142 ft gainHeading out from the parking area, head north on this challenging hike. For the majority of the hike, you'll have a pretty steady uphill charge. There are some flat parts between climbs, so be sure to catch your breath and get some water in during these times. Once you reach the fork, where you'...Read more -
Tellico Plains, Tennessee
Hike to Conasauga Falls
4.51.5 mi / 400 ft gainGetting to the trailhead can be a challenge if there has been any heavy precipitation or icy conditions due to the fact the last two miles are one mile of broken pavement and the last mile a dirt road. You should be fine in good conditions in any car; however, just make sure to take it easy on th...Read more -
Newport, Tennessee
Explore Halls Top Fire Tower
4.01 mi / 200 ft gainHalls Top Fire Tower is a special untouched spot in the Cherokee National Forest. The road that leads you into the CNF is known as Halls Top Road just a few miles off of Interstate I-40. This road will take you 4.4 miles to the next turn onto Stone Mountain Road this road is 2.1 miles to the gat...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 -
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 -
Sylva, North Carolina
Abandoned Cessna 414A at Waterrock Knob (Removed)
3.71.72 mi / 430 ft gainNOTE: The wreckage has now been removed. Please see the press release on NPS.gov for more details. Ever hiked to an abandoned plane in the middle of the woods? Yeah me neither until I heard of this gem. This is an AWESOME day hike for anyone looking to get outside for a few hours and see some ...Read more -
Sylva, North Carolina
Waterrock Knob Trail
5.01 mi / 407 ft gainThe trail begins paved and quickly climbs up into a heavily forested area. Once at a 1/4 of a mile in, you will come to a nice overlook that will give you your first real good view of the surrounding mountains. The trail then continues on, though now unpaved, with great views off to your left as ...Read more -
Franklin, North Carolina
Nantahala National Forest via the Appalachian Trail
4.027.11 mi / 5420 ft gainWinding Stair Gap on Highway 64 is the starting point for this spectacular backpacking trip through the Nantahala National Forest. It's right outside the hiker friendly town of Franklin, NC, so the town is your last chance for a hot meal and any last minute supplies. There is a parking lot at the...Read more -
Andersonville, Tennessee
Norris Dam State Park Campground Trail
14.6 mi / 2310 ft gainNorris Dam State Park Campground Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Rocky Top, Tennessee.Read more -
Franklin, North Carolina
Backpack the Standing Indian Loop on the Appalachian Trail
24 miBegins at the parking lot for the Standing Indian Campground. (No permits are needed to park here) For the first 3.7 miles, take Kimsey Creek Trail, which runs along the water, until you meet up with the AT at Deep Gap. Rolling hills and lots of foliage throughout, leading up to Standing Indian M...Read more -
Murphy, North Carolina
Hike to Panther Top Fire Tower
1.5 mi / 450 ft gainThe Panther Top fire tower is located in the Nantahala National Forest outside of Murphy, NC. To get there you get off of US 74 then turn onto panther top rd and continue till you see the signs for the tower. Once you get there the hike is about .75 there mostly up on the way to the top of the to...Read more -
Farner, Tennessee
Turtletown Falls Trail
3.45 mi / 377 ft gainTurtletown Falls Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Farner, Tennessee.Read more -
Cullowhee, North Carolina
Exploring two legendary Cherokee sites: Judaculla Rock and Devil's Courthouse, North Carolina
5.00.9 mi / 258 ft gainJudaculla was an ancient Cherokee spirit being and giant. He ruled in western North Carolina in the traditional Cherokee homeland. Once while chasing some hunters, when he jumped to the ground, his hand hit a rock. You can still see the print on Judaculla Rock. It is the most elaborate piece of r...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