☀️November 2024 

🥾Bridal Veil Falls, 0.2 miles, moderate

✨It’s the largest national forest in NC 🌲—spanning over 500,000 acres of lush greenery, waterfalls, and mountain landscapes. Its name comes from the Cherokee word “Nantahala,” meaning “Land of the Noonday Sun,” because some gorges only get sunlight at midday.

✨Home to epic outdoor adventures 🏞️—from hiking sections of the Appalachian Trail to whitewater rafting on the Nantahala River, this forest is an adventurer’s paradise.

✨Diverse wildlife 🐻🦅—it’s a haven for black bears, bald eagles, and even salamanders, as it’s located in one of the most biodiverse regions in the country. Perfect for wildlife enthusiasts!

🌊 Bridal Veil Falls is a stunning roadside stop in North Carolina that offers a picturesque waterfall right off the road! 

🌟 At 120 feet, the falls cascade over a cliff, and what makes it even more special is that you can actually drive under it (yes, you read that right!). 🚗💦

This easy-access stop is perfect for a quick photo op or a moment to take in the beauty of the falls. The surrounding area is peaceful and scenic, making it a great place to stretch your legs and soak in the natural beauty. 🌲✨

Pro tip: Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and catch the falls in the softest light.

☀️November 2024 

🥾Dry Falls, 0.2 miles, moderate

✨It’s the largest national forest in NC 🌲—spanning over 500,000 acres of lush greenery, waterfalls, and mountain landscapes. Its name comes from the Cherokee word “Nantahala,” meaning “Land of the Noonday Sun,” because some gorges only get sunlight at midday.

✨Home to epic outdoor adventures 🏞️—from hiking sections of the Appalachian Trail to whitewater rafting on the Nantahala River, this forest is an adventurer’s paradise.

✨Diverse wildlife 🐻🦅—it’s a haven for black bears, bald eagles, and even salamanders, as it’s located in one of the most biodiverse regions in the country. Perfect for wildlife enthusiasts!

🌟 Dry Falls Trail in North Carolina is a must-see for waterfall lovers! 💦 This short, 0.3-mile loop offers an incredible up-close experience with a 75-foot waterfall—you can even walk behind the falls without getting soaked (hence the name!). 🌈✨

The paved trail is well-maintained and accessible, making it perfect for all ages and skill levels. It’s a quick hike but leaves a big impression with its sheer beauty and the thunderous sound of the water. 🌊

Pro tip: Visit early or on a weekday to avoid crowds, and don’t forget your camera—this spot is picture-perfect. 📸

☀️November 2024 

🥾Secret Falls Trail, 1.4 miles, moderate

✨It’s the largest national forest in NC 🌲—spanning over 500,000 acres of lush greenery, waterfalls, and mountain landscapes. Its name comes from the Cherokee word “Nantahala,” meaning “Land of the Noonday Sun,” because some gorges only get sunlight at midday.

✨Home to epic outdoor adventures 🏞️—from hiking sections of the Appalachian Trail to whitewater rafting on the Nantahala River, this forest is an adventurer’s paradise.

✨Diverse wildlife 🐻🦅—it’s a haven for black bears, bald eagles, and even salamanders, as it’s located in one of the most biodiverse regions in the country. Perfect for wildlife enthusiasts!

🌿 Secret Falls Trail in North Carolina is a hidden gem that feels like your own private oasis! 🏞️ The 1.3-mile out-and-back hike is short and sweet, taking you through a peaceful forest to a stunning 50-foot waterfall. 💦✨

The trail is fairly easy, with some rocky and root-filled sections, but it’s totally manageable for most hikers. Once you reach the falls, you’re rewarded with a serene spot perfect for a picnic or even a refreshing dip in the swimming hole below. 🌊🏊‍♀️

Pro tip: Wear sturdy shoes, as the trail can get slippery near the water, and visit early to beat the crowds. This spot is worth the trek for anyone seeking a peaceful nature escape! 🌟

☀️November 2024 

🥾Cullasaja Falls, 0.1 miles, moderate 

✨It’s the largest national forest in NC 🌲—spanning over 500,000 acres of lush greenery, waterfalls, and mountain landscapes. Its name comes from the Cherokee word “Nantahala,” meaning “Land of the Noonday Sun,” because some gorges only get sunlight at midday.

✨Home to epic outdoor adventures 🏞️—from hiking sections of the Appalachian Trail to whitewater rafting on the Nantahala River, this forest is an adventurer’s paradise.

✨Diverse wildlife 🐻🦅—it’s a haven for black bears, bald eagles, and even salamanders, as it’s located in one of the most biodiverse regions in the country. Perfect for wildlife enthusiasts!

🌊 Cullasaja Falls in North Carolina is a breathtaking roadside gem that packs a lot of beauty into a short stop! 🌟 While there’s no official trail to the falls, you can enjoy stunning views of this 250-foot cascade from the roadside along the scenic US 64 (Cullasaja Gorge Road). 🚗💦

For the adventurous, there are steep and unofficial paths leading closer to the base, but they can be challenging and slippery—hike with caution! 🥾 The best time to visit is after rainfall, when the waterfall is roaring.

Pro tip: Pull-offs along the road can be tight, so take your time and drive carefully. The views are so worth it!

☀️November 2024 

🥾Whitewater Falls Overlook Trail, 0.6 miles, moderate

✨It’s the largest national forest in NC 🌲—spanning over 500,000 acres of lush greenery, waterfalls, and mountain landscapes. Its name comes from the Cherokee word “Nantahala,” meaning “Land of the Noonday Sun,” because some gorges only get sunlight at midday.

✨Home to epic outdoor adventures 🏞️—from hiking sections of the Appalachian Trail to whitewater rafting on the Nantahala River, this forest is an adventurer’s paradise.

✨Diverse wildlife 🐻🦅—it’s a haven for black bears, bald eagles, and even salamanders, as it’s located in one of the most biodiverse regions in the country. Perfect for wildlife enthusiasts!

🌟 Whitewater Falls Overlook Trail in North Carolina is a quick and easy walk with a huge payoff—stunning views of the tallest waterfall east of the Rockies! 💦✨

The paved 0.6-mile out-and-back trail leads to an overlook with a panoramic view of the 811-foot Whitewater Falls. The path is well-maintained and accessible, making it perfect for families or anyone looking for a quick, scenic stop. 🥾

Pro tip: For a closer view, take the stairs down to the lower observation deck—it’s worth the extra steps! Visit during the fall for breathtaking leaf-peeping vibes. 🍂🍁

June 2024 | Moore Cove Falls Trail at Pisgah National Forest, 5 hours east of Nashville

This 1.2 mile trail is rated easy and very family friendly. Parking is along the Blue Ridge Parkway. I recommend arriving early or checking this trail out on a weekday for greater chances of finding parking.

This is a popular hike to a 50’ tall waterfall. The trail ends directly at the waterfall but you can leave the trail and go under the falls if you choose.

June 2024 | Max Patch Loop at Pisgah National Forest, 4 hours east of Nashville

This 1.5 mile loop is rated easy and very family friendly. It does require about a 30 minute drive down a gravel/dirt road - so be extra prepared if conditions are wet. 

The trail features birds, butterflies, and wildflowers. There were also warnings about rattlesnakes. I did not come across any but be mindful and aware while on the trail.

The summit offers 360 degree views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and is a perfect spot for a picnic.

June 2024 | Devil’s Courthouse Trail at Blue Ridge Parkway, 5 hours east of Nashville

This trail is only about 1 mile long and rated easy. There are steps you have to climb at the end but a portion of the trail is paved. There is ample parking at the bottom of the trail. The summit features 180 degrees of Blue Ridge views. 

June 2024 | Balsam Nature Trail to Mt. Mitchell at Mt. Mitchell State Park, 5.5 hours east of Nashville

This 1.5 mile trail is rated easy and very family friendly. The trail is a loop and can be started from the parking lot or from the paved path up to the summit. The trail is shaded and features ferns and fungi.

August 2023 | Andrews Bald Trail, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, 3.6 miles, moderate, 4.25 hours east of Nashville, TN

This trail is near Bryson City, North Carolina and is located off the parking lot for Clingmans Dome. The parking lot is likely to be crowded, as it’s a great look out spot for tourists.

The trail itself wasn’t too crowded and it’s a wide enough path to let other hikers easily pass. I highly recommend hiking poles. This trail had running water from a recent rain that crosses the trail. There are quite a few steps to climb as well.

The lookout was very cloudy (i.e. Smoky) and hard to see the mountains but the journey there was beautiful. If you’re allergic to bees, be warned that there are many at the start of the trail. There’s a lot of bee balm growing which attracts them. They weren’t aggressive at all, but be mindful. 

The trail is very well marked and easy to follow. The park requires a parking permit which can be purchased in advance online or at visitor’s centers. Additional treks in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park can be found under Tennessee Treks.

Lodging - Best Western Cades Cove, Townsend, TN

Eateries - 

Sevierville, TN - Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant 

Townsend, TN - Elvira’s Cafe

Townsend, TN - Apple Valley Mountain Village (cafe, general store, coffee shop) 

Townsend, TN - Good Vibes On the River

Townsend, TN - Trailhead Steak and Trout House

June 2023 | About 5 hours east of Nashville

I did a number of hikes along the Blue Ridge Parkway (BRP). There are tons of pull-offs along the BRP and you really can't go wrong with choosing any number of hikes but these are the trails I explored this trip. All are located south of Asheville and clustered together, making it easy to visit them all. I highly recommend hitting the tails early. Parking can be difficult to find at a few of these.

Skinny Dip Falls - 1.0 miles, Easy

This trail leads you through a forest to a small waterfall. The trail is easy and mostly flat. It's a great add-on to a more moderate hike.

Black Balsam Knob via Art Loeb Trail - 1.4 miles, Moderate

While this trail isn't overly long, it is mostly uphill. The climb takes you over rocks, into meadows with great overlooks, and up to the knob lookout. This hike was quite windy. Don't forget to take a jacket.

Sam Knob Trail - 2.5 miles, Moderate 

This trail has a slow climb up to the knob. The trail is narrow so you do brush up against quite a bit of plant life. I recommend using bug spray beforehand. The lookout is beautiful at the knob.

Graveyard Fields - 1.3 miles, Easy

I both loved and felt anxious on this hike. It's an easy path. You're in a tunnel of sorts, through trees and other plant life so seeing wildlife (like bears) would be difficult. There are signs about active bears in the area so be sure you take precautions. I hiked this trail very early in the morning. It was so dewy it felt like a rainforest. Be prepared but don't miss this one!

Looking Glass Falls - 0.3 miles, Easy

Another great add-on to a more strenuous hike. You can practically drive right up to this waterfall. A short walk down stairs and you're right at the base of the waterfall.

Grandfather Mountain - Located about 1.5 hours northeast of Asheville

Reservations are required so be sure to book tickets in advance. There are short hiking trails at the top but the real draw here is the Mile-High Swinging Bridge and the switchbacks to get to the top of the mountain. 

Eateries - 

Chestnut - Upscale, seasonal menu, located in downtown Asheville

Copper Crown - Casual but innovative dining, located in East Asheville 

Laughing Seed Cafe - Vegetarian cafe with incredible mocktails, located in downtown Asheville.