Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of America’s most visited national parks. It offers endless opportunities for exploring natural and cultural history. These ancient mountains are filled with a variety of plant and animal life. The Alum Cave Trail has moderate elevation gain. Some of the highlights along the trail are Arch Rock and Inspiration Point. Alum Cave is not a cave but a concaved bluff about 80 ft. tall. During the summer water drips from the ledges and during the winter the water droplets turn into icicles.

Amicalola Falls Loop features Georgia’s highest and most popular waterfall. Amicalola Falls cascades down a dizzying 721 foot rock-face, the third highest waterfall in the eastern United States. The trail runs above the falls offering spectacular views of the falls, Allatoona Mountains, as well as the surrounding Georgia piedmont. Because it is so popular there are roads to the reflecting pools and to the top of the falls, making this adventure relatively crowded. Be aware that there is a parking fee.

The most popular trail in Umstead State Park, Company Mill Trail leads to Crabtree Creek and through a mixed hardwood forest. Along Crabtree Creek are the remains of the old Company Mill and a great resting or picnic spot. The trail then climbs to Sycamore Creek and then after a gradual descent and a nice meadow, Reedy Creek. This is a beautiful park near that is a refuge from the nearby large cities. Mountain bikes are prohibited on hiking trails.

Located at the Buckeye Recreation Center, this is a nice, easy trail with pretty views.

Located in the northeastern side of Umstead State Park, this is an easy and nice trail that makes a loop. Great for kids to explore or to take a quick walk.

Climbing to the highs point in the Sauratowns, Moore Wall has gorgeous views from Virginia to Winston-Salem and from Blue Ridge to Greensboro, especially on a fall day when the leaves are colorful. This hike is in Hanging Rock State Park and is a loop trail that begins along Hanging Rock Park Lake, goes through the campground and then begins climbing to the top of the wall. There is an old fire tower on top that you are able to climb for better views. This is a very popular park, but this is one of the less-visited trails in the park.

An awesome hiking to some beautiful waterfalls.

Sycamore trail accessed from a different parking lot. Good hiking and trail running. Nice views and break points.

Starting at the visitor's center in Linville Falls Recreation Area, this trail leads to a small section of Linville Gorge to Linville Falls. There are two waterfalls along the route, the 12 foot Upper Falls and the 60 foot Lower Falls. Both are extremely beautiful and there are overlooks to view both as well. This is a popular area and there are 39 miles of trails at the recreation area. The gorge is over 2,000 feet deep and is one of the deepest natural gorges in the country.

Located in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Deep Creek Trail is a loop trail following Deep Creek to Tom's Branch, to Indian Creek and then through the hills for beautiful views of the park. Where both Tom's Branch and Indian Creek respectively join Deep Creek, there are waterfalls. Tom's Branch Falls is a phenomenal 80 foot waterfall that drops in multiple tiers. Indian Creek Falls is a 35 foot waterfall with a beautiful pool at the base perfect for swimming. Mountain bikers can take advantage of this trail, one of the few park trails where bicycles are permitted.