Wow, one of my favorite hikes was just named one of the “25 Best Fall Hiking Trails: Our Favorite Fall Hikes in the U.S.” by Conde Nast Traveler. Whiteside Mountain, in Cashiers! The online article noted, “For a small $2 parking fee, hikers on this two-mile-plus loop are rewarded with majestic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains at multiple spots. On clear days, you’ll see to South Carolina, Tennessee, and Georgia; on cloudier ones, a misty mountain fog imbues a spooky feel. Look for peregrine falcons that nest in the mountain’s cliffs.” The loop trail features a view of the highest vertical drop in the Eastern US at 750 feet. Sheer rock faces are popular for rock climbing and rappelling.
Hundreds of miles of trail winds through thousands of acres of pristine wilderness in the Smoky Mountains of Western North Carolina. The Nantahala Forest, Pisgah Forest and the Great Smoky Mountain National Park all offer trails. Some trail to waterfalls, swimming holes, and heart-stopping views. See some of the hikes in the “I’m Interested In” section above.