All Destinations

Hiking: 1. Pinnacle Park. 3-4 hrs, 6-7 mile strenuous unmarked trail, uphill on the way out, downhill on return, with a spectacular 270-degree view of Cullowhee, Webster and Sylva from the Pinnacacle (beware of sharp drop-off). From Sylva (Exit 85) Drive East on US 23/74 for 0.5 miles turn left on Steeple Road for 0.2 miles until dead-end at Old Asheville Highway. Turn left, continue for 0.6 miles, turn right on Fisher Creek Road. Continue 5 miles until dead-end at Park entrance. Hike straight up the trail behind the iron gate. Stay on main trail, and cross creek twice early on. After an hour or so, cross numerous feeder streams and pass cascading waterfall on left. 5-10 minutes after waterfall, take trail to left. Trail bears left again at a small clearing on Pinnacle Ridge leading out to overlook. 2. Waterrock Knob. 2.4 mile round trip. Fairly steep hike to 6,292 ft peak. Extraordinary view of the Smokies along trail and at summit. From Sylva (Exit 85) drive East on US 23/74 for 8.9 miiles, turn left, enter the Blue Ridge Parkway, proceed in direction of Great Smoky Mountain National Park, go 0.8 miles past Milepost 450, turn right into Waterrock Knob parking area. Trail begins at right rear corner of parking lot and is paved at start. 3. Mountains-to-Sea Trail. From Sylva (Exit 85) drive East on US 23/74 for 8.9 miles turn left enter the Blue Ridge Parkway, proceed in direction of Asheville. Trail parallels Blue Ridge Parkway, enter trail at small sign just East of the intersection of US 23/74 and Balsam View Drive near the Balsam Ranger Station or at numerous overlooks along Parkway. 4. Richland Balsam. 1.5 mile loop to 6,410 ft summit, highest in Balsam Mountains and among loftiest in eastern US. Cool, refreshing hike through a remnant spruce-fir forest. From Sylva (Exit 85) drive East on US 23/74 for 8.9 miles turn left enter the Blue Ridge Parkway, proceed in direction of Asheville. At Milepost 431 turn left into Haywood-Jackson parking overlook. (If traveling West on Blue Ridge parkway, at Milepost 431 turn right into Haywood-Jackson parking overlook.) Trail begins at left rear corner of parking lot and is paved at start. 5. Devils Courthouse. 0.8 mi, round trip, paved but steep trail to top of rock promontory with spectacular panoramic view. From Sylva (Exit 85) drive East on US 23/74 for 8.9 miles, turn left enter the Blue Ridge Parkway, proceed in direction of Asheville. Drive 0.6 miles past Milepost 423, turn right into Devils Courthouse parking overlook. (If traveling West on Blue Ridge Parkway, drive 0.4 miles past Milepost 422, turn left into Devils Courthouse parking overlook.) Take sidewalk to the East along Parkway, and turn right into woods just before tunnel. Trail is paved at start. 6. Graveyard Fields. 0.3 mile easy trail to first waterfall or 2.3 mile roundtrip (easy to moderate) along stream to two waterfalls. From Sylva (Exit 85) drive East on US 23/74 for 8.9 miles turn left enter the Blue Ridge Parkway proceed in direction of Asheville. Drive 0.2 miles past Milepost 419, turn left into Graveyard Fields parking lot. Go past first stairway to mapboard at far end of parking lot in direction you were driving and descend second stairway. (If traveling West on Blue Ridge Parkway, drive 0.8 miles past Milepost 418, turn right into Graveyard Fields parking lot. Go to first stairway by mapboard and descend stairway.) Trail is paved at start. 7. Yellow Mountain. 4.8 mile steep ascents and descents, 3-5 hours, to old stone and wood fire tower at 5,127 foot elevation. Beautiful views and a diversity of plant life. From Cashiers (intersection of NC 107 and US 64), drive 7.3 miles West on US 64, turn right on Buck Creek, go 2.2 miles passing Chestnut Hill on right. Look for steep path on right with small wooden sign and steps leading to trail. park on left in gravel. If you pass Cole Mountain Circle you have gone too far. 8. Whiteside Mountain. Easy 2 mile loop along the Eastern Continental Divide to 4,930 ft and highest vertical drop (750 ft) in Eastern US. From Cashiers (intersection of NC 107 and US 64), drive 4.7 miles West on US 64, turn left on Whiteside Mountain Road (SR 1690) at brown "Whiteside Mountain Trail" sign. Continue 1.1 miles passing Wildcat Cliffs Country Club on right, turn left into gravel parking lot. 9. Three Trails at High Hampton Inn & Country Club (open to public). A. Rock Mountain Trail - 0.8 miles, 800 ft climb to 4,400 feet. B. Chimney Top Trail - 1.6 miles to 4,618 feet. C. Lake Trail - 1.5 miles around 35 acre Hampton Lake. From Cashiers (intersection of NC 107 and US 64), drive 1.8 miles South on NC 107, turn left into High Hampton entrance. 10. Bad Creek. 7 mile strenuous round trip in Ellicott Wilderness Area to a tranquil spot on the Chattooga River. From Cashiers (intersection of NC 107 and US 64), drive 7 miles South on NC 107, turn right on Bull Pen Road, a gravel road opposite an unmarked storage building. (If you pass the NC/SC State line, you have gone too far). Continue on Bull Pen Road for 2.7 miles. Park on right in gravel area (brown gate) just after Fowler Creek Bridge. Walk back over and slightly past bridge, trailhead is on opposite side of road from parking area. Multiple Use Trails: 1. Tsali Biking/Riding Trails. Four trails varying from 6.5 to 11 miles. Hikers can use all trails any day. Mountain bikers and horseback riders alternate trails daily; check posting at trailheads. From Sylva (Exit 85); drive West on US 74 for 23 miles, turn right on US 28N, continue for 3.5 miles, turn right onto gravel road at sign for "Nantahala National Forest- Tsali Campground & Fishing Access Area." Continue for 1.6 miles to Mountain Bikers parking area. 2. Roy Taylor ATV area. Closed to ATV's, motorcyclists and four wheelers Dec 15-Mar 15. Hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking permitted all year around. Thirteen trails varying from 0.5 to 4 miles with most difficult having grades up to 50%. From intersection of US 23 Business & NC 107 in Sylva, drive South on NC 107, turn left on Old Cullowhee Road (SR 1200), continue for 2.7 miles and just before bridge, turn left on River Road (SR 1732) continue for 0.8 miles, turn left on Wayahutta Rd (SR 1731). Pavement ends after 3.3 miles, continue on unpaved road 0.5 miles to gate. Park here if gate closed, or continue straight to parking area. 3. Panthertown Valley. Hiking and mountain biking permitted year around. 6,700 acres of high mountain valley, sheer rock, waterfalls, quiet streams and diverse vegetation. Trails, from old logging trails to foot paths, criss-cross the area. It takes at least 1/2 a day to appreciate the valley's beauty. A trail map available at outdoor stores, the Jackson County Visitors Center or the Cashiers Chamber of Commerce will enhance your visit. From Cashiers (intersection of US 64 and NC 107); drive East on US 64 for 2 miles, turn left on Cedar Creek Road, continue for 2.3 miles, turn right on Breedlove Road (gravel then blacktop then gravel) for 4 miles (last 0.2 miles are rough) to entrance to Panthertown Valley. Breathtaking Vistas: Wayah Bald For a breathtaking 360' view from the old stone firetower, drive South from Dillsboro on US 23/441, which joins US 64. Continue West on US 64 for 3.8 miles after the US 23/441 Exit (South). Turn right at Wayah Bald sign onto a two lane road. Continue 0.3 miles and turn left on Wayah Road (NC #1310). Continue West on Wayah Road for 9 miles to the "Wayah Bald" sign. Turn right onto gravel road. Continue until the parking lot is reached at end of the gravel road (approximately 2 miles). To return the way you came turn left on Wayah Road, or turn right for a scenic drive past Nantahala Lake and then into the Nantahala Gorge on US 19/74.). Waterfalls: 1. Lower Cullasaja Falls. 2. Upper Cullasaja Falls. 3. Dry Falls. 4. Bridal Veil Falls. From Dillsboro drive South on US 23/442. Take US 64/NC 28 Exit. Turn left at bottom of exit ramp and continue Southeast (toward Highlands) for 8.3 miles. After passing sign for "Nantahala National Forest - Cullasaja River Gorge," pull off to right onto blacktop for view of Lower Cullasaja Falls. Continue on US 64/NC 28 for 2.4 miles. Pull off to right onto gravel for a view of the Upper Cullasaja Falls. Continue on US 64/NC28 for 3.3 miles. Ater passing sign for "Dry Falls," turn right into parking lot. Go down stone staircase to Dry Falls, which roars overhead. Exit parking lot to right, still following US 64/NC28. Continue 0.9 miles, Bridal Veils Falls is on left. 5. Glen Falls. Take US 64 to Highlands, then turn Southwest on NC 106 for 1.8 miles to "Glen Falls" sign, turn left and take gravel road 1 mile. Park. Take trail straight ahead - view the valley then the cascades. Hiking down the mountain you pass three strikingly different 80 foot falls and travel 1.4 miles . The return hike is uphill and strenuous. 6. Cashiers Sliding Rock (An unguarded swimming hole & natural waterslide. Please supervise children!) From Cashiers (intersection of US 64 and NC107), drive South on NC 107 for 1.9 miles. Turn right (West) on Whiteside Cove Road. Continue for 2.8 miles. After crossing bridge, pull off onto dirt on right. Follow trail to the right for 100 yards to Little Sliding Rock. Swimming holes are above and below waterfall. 7. Silver Run Falls and 8. Whitewater Falls. From Cashiers (intersection of US 64 and NC107), drive South on NC 107 for 4.3 miles. Pull off onto gravel on left (with a three-trunked holly tree at the South end). If you pass a "Entering Nantahala National Forest" sign you have gone too far. Follow trail for 50 yards, cross stream on fallen log and continue 200 yards to Silver Run Falls (a 40 foot waterfall dropping into a secluded rock pool). Continue South on NC 107 for 5.3 miles into SC, passing a roadside picnic area. Turn left (East) on SC 413 - continue for 2.3 miles until it dead ends at SC 130. Turn left (North) on SC 130, continue for 1.2 miles re-entering NC. After passing the sign for "Nantahala National Forest - Whitewater Falls," turn right into parking lot. It's a short walk to the overlook for a good view of the falls. There are also trails to the top and bottom of Whitewater Falls, the highest waterfall in the Eastern US. 8. Whitewater Falls only. From Cashiers (intersection of US 64/NC 107) drive East on US 64 for 10.4 miles. Turn right (South) on NC 281. Continue for 9.9 miles, turn left into parking lot. It's a short walk to the overlook for a good view of the falls. There are also trails to the top and bottom of Whitewater Falls, the highest waterfall in the Eastern US. 9. Turtleback Falls 10. Rainbow Falls. (Not for young children or the less than physically fit). From Whitewater Falls: Exit parking lot to right (North) continue on NC 281 for 7.5 miles. Pull off to the right by a "National Forest Service - Horsepasture/Turtleback Falls" sign. Enter the woods and proceed on an old jeep trail; descend the trail (which gets progressively poorer) for approximately 1 mile until it intersects a trail which parallels the river. To your front is Turtleback Falls. Go left along the trail to view Turtleback Falls from the bottom. Continue another quarter of a mile in the same direction to Rainbow Falls, a 150 ft waterfall that boasts rainbows on sunny mornings. From Cashiers (intersection of US 64/NC 107) drive East on US 64 for 10.4 miles - turn right (South) on NC 281 continue for 0.9 miles to a "National Forest Service - Horsepasture/Rainbow Falls" sign on the left, park on the right across the road and enter the woods on an old jeep trail; descend the trail (which gets progressively poorer) for approximately 1 mile until it intersects a trail which parallels the river. To your front is Turtleback Falls. Go left along the trail to view Turtleback Falls from the bottom. Continue another quarter of a mile in the same direction to Rainbow Falls, a 150 ft waterfall that boasts rainbows on sunny mornings. 11. Sliding Rock. 12. Moore Cove. 13. Looking Glass and 14. Courthouse Falls. (Take a picnic lunch, there are numerous picnic tables along US 276 and the stream which parallel each other.) From Sylva (Exit 85): drive East on US 23/74 for 8.9 miles, turn left onto Blue Ridge Parkway and proceed in the direction of Asheville. Exit at US 276 and continue South on US 276 for 7.5 miles. Turn right into the Sliding Rock Parking area (admission fee, lifegueards on duty). Exit parking lot to the right (South) and continue on US 276 for another 1.1 miles. Immediately after crossing a concrete bridge, park on left. Cross the wood foot bridge next to the concrete bridge - it s an easy and beautiful 0.7 miles to Moore's Cove twin falls. Continue South on US 276 for another mile and park on left. View Looking Glass Falls from roadside or descend a stone staircase to the 50 foot falls. Continue South on US 276 for 5.9 miles and turn right (West) on US 64. Continue West on US 64 for 12.7 miles and turn right (North) on NC 215. Continue on NC 215 for 10.7 miles. Turn right on Forest Service Service Road #140, a gravel road just before the bridge. Go 3.1 miles over the mountain and park on the right near the bridge that crosses Courthouse Creek. The trailhead for the Sumney Cove Trail is on the left next to bridge . Hike 0.2 miles and turn left on Courthouse Falls trail which descends 0.1 miles to the 60 ft falls. Return to NC 215 and turn right. Continue on NC 215 (For the adventurous, turn left onto NC1756 - a gravel road - at the sigh for "Balsam Lake" and return via Tuckasegge & Cullowhee.) for 6.9 miles to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Enter Parkway and turn South in the direction of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and exit at US 23/74 to return to Sylva. From US 64/NC 280 turn (North) onto US 276. Continue North on US 276 for 5.9 miles. Park on right, view Looking GLass Falls from roadside or descend a stone staircease to the 50 ft Falls. Continue North on US 276 for 1 mile and park on right just before the concrete bridge with the wood bridge on the right. Cross the wood foot bridge next to the concrete bridge, and it is an easy and beautiful 0.7 miles to Moore's Cove twin falls. Continue N on US 276 for another 1.1 miles and turn left into Sliding Rock parking lot (admission Fee, lifeguard often on duty). Exit parking lot to the left (North) and continue on US 276 for 7.5 miles to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Enter Parkway, turn South in the direction of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Exit at NC 215 and continue South for 6.9 miles. Turn left on Forest Service Road #140, a gravel road just after the bridge. Go 3.1 miles over the mountain and park on right near bridge that crosses Courthouse Creek. The trailhead for the Sumney Cove Trail is on the left, next to the bridge. Hike 0.2 miles and turn left on Courthouse Trail which descends 0.1 miles to the 60 foot falls. Return to NC 215 and turn left (South), continue for 10.7 miles and to return to US 64. 15. Mingo Falls. From Dillsboro (Exit 81); Drive W on US 74 for 9.7 miles. Take Exit 74, continue on US 441 N for 5.2 miles. When it dead ends at US 19 at a traffic light, turn right. Continue 0.4 miles. Turn left at next traffic light in the direction of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (staying on US 441 N). Continue for 2.3 miles. Turn right at sign for Big Cove Road and take immediate left onto Big Cove Road. Continue for 5.2 miles. Turn right, crossing bridge over river, straight ahead is a parking lot and trail. Climb 170 steps to Mingo Falls. 16. Tom Branch Falls 17. Indian Creek Falls 18. Juneywhank Falls. From Sylva (Exit 81) drive West on US 74 for 16.5 miles to Exit 67. At bottom of ramp turn right onto Spring Street. Continue through first traffic light and follow signs for "Deep Creek Campground." Enter Deep Creek Entrance of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and continue for 0.6 miles. Pass the picnic area and turn left into parking lot. The trail, an old road and easy hike to Tom Branch Falls and Indian Creek Falls, starts at the far end of the unloading area and parallels Deep Creek Tom Branch Falls is visible across Deep Creek 0.2 miles from parking lot. Continue for 0.5 miles along Deep Creek, crossing a bridge. Just before the next bridge, take the trail to the right and 200 feet on your left is Indian Creek Falls. Back at parking lot on the far right is a sign and a trail leading to Juneywhank Falls, 0.3 miles up the mountain. 19. Rufus Morgan Falls. From Dillsboro: Drive South on US 23/441, which joins US 64. Continue West on US 64 for 3.8 miles after the US 23/441 Exit (South). Turn right at Wayah Bald sign onto a two lane road. Continue 0.3 miles and turn left on Wayah Road (NC #1310). Continue on Wayah Road for 6.4 miles. Turn left onto Forest Service Road #388, a gravel road. Continue 2 miles to the Rufus Morgan Parking lot. Hike 0.5 miles up a moderate grade to Rufus Morgan Falls (For directions to a breathtaking 360' view from the old stone firetower at Wayah Bald, click on Wayah Bald Vista Icon.). To return the way you came, turn right on Wayah Road, or turn left for a scenic drive past Nantahala Lake and into the Nantahala Gorge on US 19/74.