Trails and Waterfalls
Hit the trails and discover the natural beauty surrounding you. Whether you're looking for an easy walk or a challenging hike, our recommended trails offer stunning views and unforgettable experiences. Lace up your boots and start your adventure today!
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Hemp Hill Road Trail. Moderate
Discover this 3.9-mile loop trail near Maggie Valley, North Carolina. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 58 min to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking and running, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring.
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Boogerman Trail
Enjoy this 7.3-mile loop trail near Maggie Valley, North Carolina. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 16 min to complete. This is a popular trail for hiking and trail running, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day.
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Mount Sterling Overnight Loop
Get to know this 16.9-mile loop trail near Maggie Valley, North Carolina. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 9 h 21 min to complete. This is a popular trail for backpacking, camping, and hiking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day.
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Gorges State Park
Gorges State Park is the access point to hike to one of our favorite waterfalls, Rainbow Falls, and nearby Turtleback Falls. It's home to rugged river gorges, sheer rock walls and one of the greatest concentrations of rare and unique species in the eastern United States. An elevation that rises 2,000 ft. in only four miles combined with rainfall in excess of 90
Spectacular Waterfalls
Waterfalls continue to be the most asked for feature of Maggie Valley.
There are some spectacular water features that are a close drive from the valley. Though you won't find any near the Valley floor, you won't have to go far. Here are some of our favorites:
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SOCO FALLS
Located a short drive from Cherokee, Soco Falls' is one of the few double waterfalls you will find in Western North Carolina. This hidden gem featuring a 120-foot cascade is stunning as the sun rises and sets through the foliage behind it.
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MINGO FALLS
Mingo Falls is on the Cherokee Indian Reservation (Qualla Boundary), just outside Great Smoky Mountains National Park. No special permits are required for access to the reservation. At 120 feet tall, the waterfall is one of the tallest and most spectacular in the southern Appalachians.
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GRAVEYARD FIELDS WATERFALLS
Just off the Blue Ridge Parkway heading north, the hiking area includes two beautiful waterfalls, the multi-tiered second falls and the tall cascades of the upper falls. The trails meander through valley that was once used for grazing cattle around the turn of the last century. The hikes are moderate. SAFETY - As will any water feature, the trails, rocks and surrounding aresa are often wet and slippery. Use caution when ever hiking around water.
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Abrams Falls, Cades Cove TN
If you're venturing into the Great Smokies and on to Cades Cove in the park, you'll want to stop by Abrams Falls. It is a heavy flowing 25 foot, and beautiful waterfall. The hike out is 2.5 miles, and is very nice and well worth the hike
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Bridal Veil Falls Highlands NC
Just off highway 64 is this 60 foot roadside waterfall. One of the most popular falls in Western NC. It only 20' off the highway and is handicap and disabled friendly
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Courthouse Falls
A spectacular and remote 50' waterfall surrounded by step cliffs. It's a little bit of a hike, though an easy 1.4 mile round trip. The falls are located in Pisgah National Forest, near the
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Dry Falls NC
You can actually walk behind this 75' beautiful roadside waterfall near Highlands, NC. You'll find easy access parking, restrooms and a viewing platform, all handicap accessible. There is a paved trail down to and behind the falls.
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Looking Glass Falls
Located immediately roadside on Highway 276 near Brevard NC, the falls are visible from the road, making it handicap accessible. After dropping 50 feet, the pool at the bottom is a popular summer swing hole.
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Dill Falls
A remote and scenic waterfall located in the Nantahala National Forest near Highway 215 and The Blue Ridge Parkway. The fall is accessible via a short trail and moderate trail.