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4 Frozen Waterfall Hikes in Western North Carolina

While subzero temperatures and dwindling daylight can really put a damper on our motivation to hit the trail, the Blue Ridge Mountains are never quite as dramatic and ethereal as they are in the depths of winter. Familiar trails are transformed as bare trees unlock long-range views, the balds sparkle under a thick feathering of frost, and visitors are few and far between. But perhaps the most powerful offering of the winter landscape are the waterfalls: sheaths of ice, rainbows suspended in frozen mist, the cascade slowed or suspended entirely. See for yourself at these four waterfalls in the North Carolina mountains to explore this winter. (Check out Frugal Backpacker’s Winter Hiking Basics.)

1. Trashcan Falls

Waterfalls in Asheville, Trashcan falls
Trashcan Falls is more beautiful than the name may suggest.
Justin Fincher

No WNC outdoor enthusiast should let a winter pass them by without spending a weekend in the High Country. Between skiing, cold-weather bouldering, and endless miles of pristine hiking trails, there is no shortage of frozen adventure to be found just two hours north of Asheville. Boone’s old fashioned downtown has enough pubs, college eateries, and cozy cafes to keep you warm and dry after a day out in the snow.

Located on Laurel Creek, a tributary of the Watauga River, Trashcan Falls is a beautiful place to explore. Don’t be put off by its mysterious name — this 15 foot cascade is perfectly pristine. Just a quick dash down a wooded trail from the parking area, this waterfall is quickly and easily accessible. Allow yourself plenty of daylight to explore because the falls and the gorge downstream are irresistibly wild and alluring in the winter. Ice swirls in the eddies, flowers in patterns on the boulders, and chokes the current where the creek narrows. Winter offers a striking new perspective on this pocket of wilderness that is often crowded with swimmers and sunbathers during the summer.

2. Looking Glass Falls

Waterfalls in Asheville, Looking Glass Falls.
Looking Glass Falls in winter is a dazzling landscape.
Sarah Zucca

Looking Glass Rock, the pluton dome that rises from within Pisgah National Forest to an elevation of nearly 4,000 feet, got its name because of the way sunshine reflects off its shining granite face. In the wintertime, this “looking-glass effect” is sharply enhanced as a sheen of ice coats the sides of the rock. A visit to Looking Glass as it lies sparkling under the winter sun should be on the top of every hiker’s cold-weather bucket list.

One of the few roadside waterfalls in the Blue Ridge, the 60-foot Looking Glass Falls can gather some crowds during the summer months. In the winter, however, you’ll most likely be exploring the cascade alone. The ice formations that bloom alongside the veil and the rugged landscape of whipped, frozen whitewater that lays just downstream is a spectacular site. The sounds of falling water and cracking ice ring throughout the still, bare forest.

If you’re looking to make a day of exploring the marvelous ice formations around Looking Glass, nearby waterfalls nearby include Daniel Ridge Falls, Cove Creek Falls and Sliding Rock, just to name a few.

3. Crabtree Falls

Icicle collects in a curtain beneath Crabtree Falls, one of Asheville's waterfalls.
Icicle collects in a curtain beneath Crabtree Falls.
Jdshepard

Thick with wildflowers in the spring and blazing with color in the fall, Crabtree Falls is a lovely site in any season. The diamond clear water of Big Crabtree Creek sifts 70 feet down mottled black rock, creating a gauzy veil as thin and fine as white lace. When the temperature dips below zero, ice glazes the edges of the rock and daggers of icicles cling to every surface in the dark emerald pool below. With the striking atmosphere of a leafless hardwood forest and the quiet solitude of the freezing mountains, this waterfall may be most enchanting in the winter. Just 45 minutes outside of Asheville on the Blue Ridge Parkway, this moderate 3.5-mile (roundtrip) hike is the perfect remedy for a case of cabin fever.

4. Dry Falls

Waterfalls around Asheville, Dry Falls.
Ice feathers the rocks at Dry Falls.
Jenjazzygeek

Just about 80 miles outside of Asheville, the vast wilderness of Jackson County, North Carolina, makes for an epic winter day trip. The rivers become a maze of ice and rock with the current coursing beneath the surface, and the steep, cliff-studded hillsides are bright and quiet after a snowfall. Driving the Mountain Waters Scenic Byway, which twists and turns past several waterfalls in Cullasaja Gorge, is a particularly dramatic experience in winter.

One of the most famous sites in the region, 75-foot Dry Falls, can be viewed from the byway. In the summer, it’s possible to explore behind the veil without a single drop of water landing on you. This becomes a decidedly dicier mission during the winter months, as that space is slick with frozen spray and decorated with icicles that could break off at any moment. Still, it’s worth descending the staircase that leads from the viewing platform and examining the walls of ice and frost formations up close.

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Featured image provided by Justin Fincher

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4 WNC Winter Hikes + Their Perfect Beverages

Among the many perks of winter hiking (fewer people, the sweet silence that a blanket of fresh snow brings to the mountains, the diamond sparkle of frost on the grass), none can compare to the bright taste of a well earned hot toddy, the rich indulgence of a hot buttered rum, or that first sip of a toasty winter ale. There’s simply no time to hibernate when there are so many trails to explore and so many cozy pubs to hole up in afterwards. Cheers to these four Western North Carolina mountain hikes, perfectly paired with a libation!

1. Devil’s Courthouse & Hot Buttered Rum

Windblown and snow-covered trees from the Devil's Courthouse.
Windblown and snow-covered trees from the Devil’s Courthouse.
Alex Ford

Sometimes, the winter days of frost and weak sunlight demand an indulgent activity with little effort involved. For some, this might mean ducking under the covers for a movie marathon, but for outdoor enthusiasts whose sanity depends on escaping to the wilderness regardless of the plunging temperatures, the hike to Devil’s Courthouse fits the bill. The trail to the top of this somewhat sinister rock outcrop is only half a mile long, but the views from the top are simply decadent. North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee are all visible from the 5,719-foot summit, which is as steeped in folklore as it is in raw beauty.

Such a quick and rewarding adventure should be followed by an equally satisfying cocktail. Cover a pat of soft butter with brown and powdered sugar, tempered with the earthy-sweet flavors of freshly ground cinnamon and nutmeg. Spiced rum and a float of homemade vanilla ice cream round out this rich winter favorite.

2.  John Rock Loop & Salted Caramel Hot Toddy

A hot toddy is the ultimate cold weather cocktail.
A hot toddy is the ultimate cold weather cocktail.
Timothy Krause

John Rock Loop is a WNC classic that concludes with sensational views of the sprawling Pisgah Wilderness, Looking Glass Rock, and the Southern Appalachians fading into a blue haze on the horizon. At the beginning of the hike, set your sites on the rock face in the distance, as you’ll eventually be standing on its summit. A rugged 5.5-mile loop trail will lead you through a forest of tulip trees, white pines, and hemlock, past a small waterfall sheathed in sparkling ice and (eventually) the exposed brow of John Rock.

In the evening, seek out the Salted Caramel Hot Toddy, made with caramel moonshine, fresh lemon juice, and black lava salt. This classic winter cocktail (and cold remedy, they say) pairs remarkably well with the traditional distilled spirits of the Appalachian Mountains. And after your strenuous cliffside excursion, you’re entitled to a little extra sweetness!

3. Chimney Tops & Highland’s Black Mocha Stout

Approaching the rocky summit of Chimney Tops.
Approaching the rocky summit of Chimney Tops.
Shannon McGee

Reaching the rugged, dual-pronged summit of Chimney Tops, one of the few bare rock summits in the Smokies, is not for the faint of heart. This adventure is perfectly suited for anyone looking to spike their winter weekend with a healthy dose of adrenaline.

The trail begins with a series of freshly constructed bridges that crisscross over the cascading waters of  Walker Camp Prong, before jutting upward for a steep and sustained climb to the ridge line. The journey is relatively short, but it packs a punch: in two miles, you’ll ascend 1,700 feet over an elaborate network of stone and log steps until you reach the even terrain and rewarding views of the ridgeline. The final leg of the hike is a highly exposed scramble to the top of the chimney, a nearly technical section of rock that is reminiscent of Colorado’s fourteeners.

Once you’ve returned to solid ground, treat yourself to a local beer that is just as bold and daring as the summit you so recently stood upon. Highland Brewing Company’s Kinsman Black Mocha Stout is part of their innovative Kinsman Project, where seasonal brews are infused with fresh and local ingredients. This warming winter ale is flavored with cacao nibs, cinnamon sticks, vanilla beans, and chipotle peppers for a finished product that is chocolatey-smooth with a kicky finish.

4. Biltmore Trails & Spiked Hot Chocolate

Sunset in the Biltmore forest.
Sunset in the Biltmore forest.
Jonathan Goforth

Biltmore’s exquisite blend of open space and luxe amenities is especially festive when it’s decked out for the holidays. But even when the lights and trimmings are through for the season, 8,000 acres of meadows, forests, and gardens remain a lovely landscape throughout the winter, stark and dramatic or polished with snow. Although the micro-villages within the estate’s boundaries are always a hive of activity, there is solitude to be claimed along the 22 miles of hiking trails, particularly on the Deer Pond Trail and at the Lagoon.

Late afternoon is a lovely time to explore Biltmore, which is located so close to Downtown Asheville that you’ll never have to face a long drive home or navigate a tricky descent in darkness. Experience the peace and serenity of a winter twilight alongside the French Broad River or stroll through the walled gardens as the sky deepens with the colors of sunset.

When you’re ready to warm up, duck into the Biltmore Inn for a Pillow Mint, a decadent hot chocolate triple-spiked with Jameson’s Irish Whiskey, Bailey’s, and crème de menthe and topped with a pillow of whipped cream. As you sip your minted coco next to the roaring fireplace, descending into a state of sublime relaxation, you may find yourself wishing that winter never ends.

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Featured image provided by Alexandre Normand

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6 Reasons to Be Thankful You Live in Western North Carolina

Although it feels like we were jumping into swimming holes and running through green mountain trails yesterday, the trees are bare, the earth is hard with frost, and the holidays are upon us.

Although our gratitude is never limited to one season, those of us lucky enough to live in Western North Carolina — encompassed by the beauty of the Blue Ridge — should take this time as an opportunity to slow down and appreciate all that we have at our fingertips. Here are six wild and adventurous reasons to be thankful that we live in the North Carolina mountains.

1. The Highest Highs

Sunrise at Mt. Mitchell.
Sunrise at Mt. Mitchell.
Kolin Toney

So we’re all aware that we live just 19 miles northeast of Mt. Mitchell, the highest mountain east of the Mississippi. But how often do we stop to consider how truly awesome it is to be able to stand on the observation deck, 6,684 feet above sea level, and bask in the assurance that everyone on the East Coast is below us? How surreal it is that we can sit and enjoy a picnic atop the very throne of eastern North America? Then we ride back into town for coffee, catch a movie, or continue with our backpacking trip on the Mountains to Sea Trail — knowing that for one moment we stood hundreds of feet above everything and everyone, even those in the highest skyscrapers in New York City.

Mt. Mitchell was one of America’s very first state parks and it remains one of the most spectacular. It casually encompasses Mt. Craig, the second highest peak on the East Coast, and several other peaks that reach over 6,000 feet. The trail options range from short summit jaunts to challenging ridgeline treks to drive by vistas and the views are sensational.

2. The Lowest Lows

If on Saturday you stood atop the highest point on the East Coast, then why not round out the weekend by spending Sunday exploring the lowest?  Linville Gorge, the deepest canyon in the east, is an adventurer’s paradise. Linville Gorge Wilderness is the third largest swath of wilderness in North Carolina and boasts 11,786 acres of hiking, top-roping, multi-pitches, bouldering, backpacking, backcountry camping, swimming holes, extremely difficult whitewater, and phenomenal views.

Catch a sunset at Wiseman’s View, one of the most breathtaking vistas in the Southeast. Be home in time to make dinner and watch a little Netflix before bed. That’s just a typical day for the Ashevillian. If you need just one reason to feel thankful this season, let it be the Linville Gorge — the “Grand Canyon of the East” — just over an hour away.

3. You Never Have to Leave

A winter ride through Richmond Hill City Park.
A winter ride through Richmond Hill City Park.
Melina Coogan

Those of us who live in the mountains of Western North Carolina never need to know the agony of the glacial, day-by-day countdown toward that one coveted vacation each year, nor the bleak return to work after your one week of freedom has passed. There are swimming holes in the summer. Foliage in the autumn. Skiing (and paddling and bouldering) in the winter. Hiking in the spring. Asheville is a year-round vacation destination for those inclined toward joyful pursuits in the wilderness.

We have our share of dreary February days, but there’s never a shortage of adventure. Why plan a pricey tropical trip when the rivers are pumping, the mountains are sparkling in white, and the cold holds at Rumbling Bald are grippy as ever? And if you do find yourself in need of a weekend away, just burrow away in a farm cabin or country cottage for a few nights.

4. Variety

If variety is the spice of life, then Asheville has a five-star rating. We can barely keep track of all our ranks, ratings, and raves. Singletrack says Asheville is “a beer town with a mountain bike problem.” Outside voted us one of America’s Best River Towns. We’re also included in Yoga Journal‘s Top 10 Most Yoga Friendly Cities in the Country. Diamond Brand Outdoor is frequently ranked among the top outdoor stores in the country.

Start your day with a brisk trail run through Bent Creek, sneak in a little afternoon SUP on your lunch break, and hit the nearby boulders for a post-work session. As for weekends, the broad range of adventurous opportunities can be overwhelming — whether you’re hoping for a relaxing float, a casual hiking loop, the white-knuckled gory glory of intense mountain biking, or the off-the-charts pucker factor whitewater.

This season, every time you see a Subaru Outback loaded down with a boat and a mountain bike, the trunk overflowing with ropes and harnesses, take a moment to be grateful that as adventure loving “multi-potentialites” in WNC, we can have it all.

5. Our Commute is in a National Park

The Blue Ridge Parkway in Autumn.
The Blue Ridge Parkway in Autumn.
Brian Leon

There’s nothing quite so frustrating as being trapped in traffic on the way out to the mountains. The irony of being stuck in gridlock when you’re trying to get off the grid is enough to make some city dwellers forgo their weekend plans all together. Asheville is the biggest city in Western North Carolina and, sure, we see a bit of stop-and-go at rush hour. But we never have to wallow in traffic too long. In fact, many of our favorite outdoor destinations are found alongside the Blue Ridge Parkway, America’s longest national park. Orbitz Travel ranked taking a scenic drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway as number one on their list of Seven Things You Absolutely Must Try in a National Park. No big deal, that’s just our daily commute.

6. Romance

It doesn't get more romantic than Black Balsam Knob.
It doesn’t get more romantic than Black Balsam Knob.
Melina Coogan

Can we all take a moment and be grateful of how completely effortless it is to find wild and adventurous romance in the Blue Ridge Mountains? Nothing is more beautiful than watching the morning mist rise over the Shining Rock Wilderness or viewing the lights of the city from Elk Mountain. There’s no quarrel that can’t be cured by sharing a sunset somewhere along the Blue Ridge Parkway, no deal that can’t be sealed by a box of local chocolate truffles and a picnic at Max Patch. From active dates in the great outdoors to funky neighborhoods filled with weird neighbors, love is always in the air in WNC. Love and gratitude — the two essential ingredients to a life well-lived.

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Featured image provided by Melina Coogan

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Hiking Devil’s Courthouse

Intro

Devil’s Courthouse towers ominously above the beautifully delicate pink beds of Pisgah National Forest. At its summit, a sinister looking rock formation is the stage for a devilish local legend. Folklore tells of a cave at the cliff’s base which the Devil himself used as a cliffside courthouse. He certainly did miss a heavenly view from the top, a view so grand it showcases four states! The Blue Ridge Parkway skirts the ridgeline near the Courthouse and gives view seekers a chance to access its summit by ascending a steep half mile trail. The paved trail begins at the Devil’s Courthouse overlook and ascends through lush mountaintop forestry on its way to the 5,720 foot summit.

What Makes It Great

The eastern side of Pisgah Ledge drops precipitously into the flat and sprawling expanse of River Valley. The gnarled rock formation that makes up the Courthouse’s summit juts out from the side of the ridgeline, providing uninterrupted views. From the peak, lucky on lookers can see South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee. A plaque on the mountain’s summit commemorates this notable sight-seeing opportunity with directional arrows point to each of the states.

Who is Going to Love It

Devil’s Courthouse is a canvas that a photographer’s dreams are made of. This quick-hit is literally right off the side of the Parkway. Only a half mile walk gives way to long-range summit views of sunrises and sunsets, as well as lunar and stellar phenomena. Weather rolls up and over Pisgah Ledge with ferocity. The rapidly moving cloud cover and ever changing light at the tail end of a storm make for incredible photo-ops from the Parkway Overlook.

Directions, Parking, & Regulations

Reaching Devil’s Courthouse from Asheville involves a one hour scenic drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Take the Parkway south from Diamond Brand Outdoors’ Parkway Center location. After passing through Devil’s Courthouse Tunnel, a parking area will appear on your left at milepost 422.4. The trail to the Courthouse’s summit begins from the overlook.

There is no fee for use of the trail, but special regulations do apply to this area. A fragile, high altitude ecosystem exists on the rock face: rock gnome lichen, spreading avens, and peregrine falcons call Devil’s Courthouse their home. Please respect the delicate plant and animal life by staying on the trail at all times and restricting your summit experience to the pedestrian overlook.

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Featured image provided by Joe Giordano

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Hiking Sam Knob

Intro

Sam Knob stands tall above a high country meadow. The 6,050 foot summit is located near the confluence of the Western North Carolina “holy trinity:” Pisgah National Forest, Middle Prong Wilderness, and Shining Rock Wilderness. Views from the top of this semi-heath bald are expansive and interrupted only by the surrounding giants of the Great Balsam Mountains. Sam Knob Summit Trail leads hikers through a charming meadow before winding its way up the sides of the peak and rewarding ramblers with panoramic views.

What Makes It Great

Begin your journey on Sam Knob trail which will gain 570’ in elevation on its way to the summit. The first mile of trail brings you through a small patch of fragrant balsam firs and then gently downhill to the edge of a pristine mountain meadow. Spring and fall offer spectacular color shows through this section of trail with wildflowers and fall color abound. Saunter through this section, taking your time to enjoy the views and appreciate the aromatic wonder of a mountain meadow. After 1.1 miles, Sam Knob Summit Trail will branch off to your right. Wind your way up the trail through a series of switchbacks and a set of fortuitously placed wooden stairs. As you reach the summit plateau, the trail will split in two directions. If you choose left, you will be rewarded with views of the Middle Prong Wilderness and the Nantahala National Forest. The trail to the right offers views of the Shining Rock Wilderness, Black Balsam Knob, and a birds-eye view of the meadows below.

Who is Going to Love It

Want to embark on an overnighter in the North Carolina mountains? Bring your camping gear to enjoy a night amongst the stars on the summit. A few prized camp sites can also be found at Mt. Pisgah campground near Flat Laurel Creek on the lower edge of the meadow. These sites have easy access to water and ample trees to hang hammocks.

Love is always in the air in Appalachia. Bring a blanket, some nourishing food, and that special someone for a picnic in the picturesque meadow blow Sam Knob. Take along all the goods, but take extra care to pack them out!

Directions, Parking, & Regulations

From Asheville catch the Blue Ridge Parkway near Diamond Brand Outdoors’ Parkway Center location. Stop in and pick up your last-minute supplies and then head south on the Parkway. Your path will wind up a beautiful mountain grade until the Parkway begins to parallel a towering ridgeline with expansive views of Pisgah National Forest below. Just after mile marker 420 there will be a sign on your right for Black Balsam. Take a right on this road (816) and follow it two miles until you reach the trailhead for Sam’s Knob.

There is no fee and rudimentary restroom facilities are available at the trailhead. The ecosystem around Sam Knob is highly visited and extra sensitive. Leave No Trace principles should be followed at all times in this fragile environment.

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Featured image provided by Steven Reinhold

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Hiking Mt. Cammerer

Intro

Your journey to the top of Cammerer will begin on Chestnut Branch Trail, which runs beside a picturesque creek plunging its way through a rhododendron filled holler for the first mile and half. You will share this section of trail with a group of stoic, old-growth oak trees which were lucky enough to survive the pre-park logging rush of the 1930s. Turning right, and leaving the creekside, the trail gains in elevation towards the ridge line and its intersection with the Appalachian Trail.

What Makes It Great

This intersection is clearly signed and from here you’ll follow the AT south for three miles to the Mt. Cammerer spur trail. After two miles on the AT, there’s a photo-worthy rock outcropping on your left that overlooks the Big Creek water shed. Continue to climb through a fragrant grove of large hemlocks and balsam fir. Upon gaining the ridge line, you’ll will see a clearly-marked intersection for the spur trail that leads to the summit of Mt. Cammerer and the lookout tower. Take your time and relish the last .6 mile of easy trail to the summit as you capture sneak peeks of the views through a tunnel of mountain laurel. A short scramble up an easy rocky section allows your first glimpse of the lookout tower and its 360 degree views.

Who is Going to Love It

Hiking to the lookout tower at Mt. Cammerer is for people who like burly climbs and big views.

What to Bring:

Trekking Poles: The Smokies are notorious for rocky terrain that is perpetually slick from the area’s rain forest like climate. Throughout the hike, your eyes will wander from the beautiful flora to the long range views. Bring your sticks to avoid a slip whilst distracted by such beauty.

Time Lapse Camera: The lookout tower was positioned to have expansive views of the area. A clear view to the east and west make this a prime location for sunrises and sunsets.

One Extra Hour: Start your trip a little early, pack a quality lunch, and take your time to drink in the views from this airy perch.

Tips from a Local:

Climbing Cammerer during the weekdays or in the winter months will give you a chance at solitude on the summit of this highly visited peak.

The giant hemlocks of Appalachia are quickly disappearing due to climate change and an invasive species known as the wooly adelgid. Several large, healthy trees are still living along this trail. Give one a hug and take a picture; one day you can show your grandkids how magnificent these trees once were.

Directions, Parking, & Regulations

The most scenic access point to this peak from Asheville begins from the Big Creek Ranger Station.

From Asheville, drive west on Interstate 40 to the North Carolina/Tennessee line and take exit 451 for Waterville. At the stop sign take a left, cross the large concrete bridge over the Pigeon River and veer left onto Waterville Rd.

Enjoy the close up views of the Pigeon River and be entertained by throngs of rafters in the summer months as you drive on Waterville Road for two miles towards a 4-way stop.

Follow the signs for Big Creek as you continue straight through this intersection. In .2 mile, the Big Creek Ranger Station and your trailhead will be on your right.

Bathroom facilities, trail maps ($1 donation), and overnight permits are available at the Big Creek Ranger Station.

Featured image provided by Logan Mahan

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Cataloochee Campground

Intro

Imagine living on the untouched, beautiful lands of a national park. For centuries this was a reality for a wily community of Appalachia’s finest who called Cataloochee Valley home. At the time of the park’s inception, a community of 1,200 flourished in the lush valleys and hillsides of Cataloochee. On official orders, these settlers were forced from their homes upon the park’s coronation. Their history and heritage was frozen in time. They left behind a pristine valley surrounded by mighty mountains, rich with crystal clear streams and fertile meadows that stretch for miles. The community also left behind the rustic structures which they called home. Today, visitors flock to Cataloochee Valley to admire these historical buildings and the lush flora and fauna which still make a home in the Valley.

What Makes It Great

Cataloochee Campground is centered amidst the history and beauty of the high country valley. The campground sits on the banks of Cataloochee Creek underneath a towering canopy of Appalachian hardwoods. Camping season runs from early-April through late-October. They offer a total of 27 primitive sites, each equipped with a fire ring and picnic table. Community restrooms are available with flush toilets and access to running water. The campground is ideally located for visitors to enjoy the hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, and auto touring the Valley has to offer.

Who is Going to Love It

Hikers love the nearby access to hiking trails including: Caldwell Fork, The Boogerman Trail, Pretty Hollow Gap, Rough Fork Trail, and Little Cataloochee Trail. Kids and exercise enthusiasts love touring the flat and scenic road by bike that runs through the middle of the Valley.

Cataloochee’s remote location inside of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park gives anglers the opportunity to fish some of the most pristine waters available in the area. Spring months see large hatches of aquatic insects; the cool waters of Cataloochee Creek and its tributaries will be teeming with brook and rainbow trout. Make sure and acquire a North Carolina Fishing License before reeling in your catch.

Wildlife aficionados adore Cataloochee for its large population of elk reintroduced in 2001. The large fertile fields that carpet the Valley bottom come alive at dusk and dawn with herds of grazing elk.

Directions, Parking, & Regulations

Getting to the Valley is an adventure of its own. From Asheville, take Interstate 40 to exit 20, then travel .2 mile on Route 276 before turning right onto Cove Creek Road. Follow the signs for Cataloochee up a long and narrow winding road taht turns into gravel on its way into the Valley. Use caution and be courteous to oncoming traffic to ensure safe travels.

Reservations are required and should be made in advance before visiting this popular area. A one night stay at the campground will cost $20.

Featured image provided by Steven Reinhold

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Big Creek Campground

Intro

When we take the time to relax beside the roaring waters of an Appalachian stream, something incredible happens to our psyche. The roaring thunder of the water drowns out all the worries and doubts you carried from “real life.” The continual flow of a mountain stream ignites an innate sense of oneness with our surroundings and reminds us that time marches on.

What Makes It Great

On the Northern edge of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a stream rambles in perpetuity from the balsam covered mountains above until reaching its confluence with the mighty Pigeon River below. The headwaters of this stream are born from some of the highest peaks in the park: Mt. Sterling, Big Cataloochee and Mt. Guyot. As the tributary waters rush down these steep slopes, they are purified by the lush flora of the Smokies before combining their efforts into what is known as Big Creek.

The Big Creek Campground is peacefully located right beside the cool, rushing waters of Big Creek. A total of 12 spots are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The campground has easily-accessible and well-maintained restrooms that also provide drinking water. All of the sites at Big Creek Campground are considered walk-in, meaning you will have to leave your car in the parking lot and walk a short distance to a tent-only campsite. Each site is conveniently outfitted with a leveled tent pad, charcoal grill, and picnic table. The sites are strikingly beautiful and surprisingly serene considering Big Creek’s popularity.

The true beauty of the Big Creek Campground lies in its location. From the campground parking lot, visitors have easy access to one of the area’s most popular swimming destinations, Midnight Hole, via a 1.5-mile hike up the gently graded Big Creek Trail. Baxter Creek Trail also starts from the parking area and leads to stunning views from the fire tower atop Mt.Sterling. Also within striking distance from the campground is the Chestnut Branch Trail which climbs to the famous lookout tower atop Mt. Cammerer. The bold can take their kayaks down Big Creek and families can enjoy a guided rafting trip on the nearby Pigeon River.

Who is Going to Love It

Adventurers love the location of Big Creek’s Campground for its access to hiking, fishing, and flowing whitewater. However, you don’t have to embark on an epic adventure to enjoy the serenity of this area. Families love the placid picnic settings and creekside accommodations the campground has to offer.

Directions, Parking, & Regulations

To reach the Big Creek Campground from Asheville, travel west on Interstate 40 to the North Carolina/Tennessee state line and take the exit 451 for Waterville. Take a left and cross over the Pigeon River via a bridge shared by the Appalachian Trail. Continue on this road until you reach a four-way stop. Go straight through this intersection and follow the signs for Big Creek Campground. Big Creek Ranger Station is located a quarter of a mile past this intersection on the right. Stop here to get more information on the area and a detailed map for a requested $1 donation.

Continue up the road for 1 mile until you reach the parking lot for the Big Creek Campground.

The Campground is open May-October and sites are $14 per night.

Featured image provided by Patrick Mueller

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Hiking Mt. Sterling

Intro

Mt. Sterling towers above the Pigeon River Gorge on the northern end of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Sterling is a mountain steeped in history and covered in an elegant mix of hardwood and evergreen forestry.

The mountain was mistakenly named after a 2 foot streak of lead that crosses the Pigeon River on the Northern foot of the mighty mountain. Prospectors flocked in search of silver that was never found. Nowadays, visitors still come in search of metal, in the form of the east coast’s highest remaining fire tower.

On Sterling’s 5,842 foot summit stands a rickety and rusted, 60 foot tower which peaks above the surrounding forestry to give brave onlookers a sprawling view of the surrounding beauties of Southern Appalachia. It’s actually the tallest existing true fire tower in the South. (Want to explore WNC fire towers?)

What Makes It Great

In terms of a view, the one achieved from braving the harrowing and narrowing steps of the Mt. Sterling fire tower is unparalleled. Once you’ve adjusted to the swaying old fire tower, you can enjoy panoramic vistas in all directions.

The most popular approach to Sterling’s summit starts out at Mt. Sterling Gap and involves a 5 mile round-trip through the woods. The Gap is in the middle of a remote and rugged stretch of road that is historically known as “The Old Cataloochee Turnpike.”

From the Mt. Sterling Gap Trailhead, hikers begin their journey on the aptly named Mt. Sterling Trail. For 2.3 miles, the trail winds upwards 2,000 feet along Sterling’s flanks through old-growth fir forests lined with fascinating flora. Once you’ve completed this section of trail, the path turns to the right and gently follows the ridge line of Mt. Sterling for another .4 mile to its summit. The summit is home to a fragrant evergreen forest and backcountry campsite #38.

Water can be found roughly .2 mile past the summit down the well-signed Baxter Creek Trail. Although beautiful, the summit itself does not offer any long range views. View seekers must make their way up the tower to obtain a scenic perspective.

Who is Going to Love It

Adventurous hikers who desire a memorable view are really going to find what they are looking for on this mountain. The tower provides some incredible photo ops and an almost unimaginably expansive view of the Smokies, as well as Pisgah and Cherokee National Forests. If you enjoy the pungent aroma of evergreens, then the forests of Mt. Sterling are the perfect place to come to stimulate your sense of smell.

Hikers looking for a more strenuous day can take the Baxter Creek trail for a strenuous 6.2 mile approach to Sterling’s summit from the Big Creek Campground area.

Directions, Parking, & Regulations

From Asheville, take Interstate 40 west to the North Carolina/Tennessee state line and take exit 451 for Waterville. Turn left and cross the bridge onto Waterville Road. After 2 miles, you will come to a four-way intersection. Take a left onto Mt. Sterling Road and continue for 6.7 miles on the gravel road until reaching the sign for Mt. Sterling Gap.

If you are up for a scenic drive after your hike, continue in the same direction on The Old Cataloochee Turnpike into Cataloochee Valley to view historic sites and famous wildlife. Well marked signs will help you return from Cataloochee Valley to Interstate 40.

No fees or permits are required for a day hike to Mt. Sterling but you must register ahead of time for a spot at backcountry campsite #38.

Featured image provided by Miguel Vieira

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Hiking Max Patch

Intro

The Appalachian Trail follows the crest of the Appalachians along the North Carolina and Tennessee state line. In between the soaring mountains of the Great Smokies and the rolling hills of Hot Springs, the AT passes over the grassy bald known as Max Patch. The man-made meadow on top of the mountain was once home to large herds of grazing cattle. Today, the luscious green summit is home to one of the most acclaimed view-points in the Southeast and the herds have switched from bovine beasts to outdoor enthusiasts. A variety of trails can be used to access Max Patch. The most popular and pedestrian of the choices leads hikers to the grassy summit on a short, half -mile climb to the top.

What Makes It Great

At 4,600 feet, Max Patch is not a particularly high mountain, yet the views from the top are highly acclaimed. The view’s infamy comes from its grass covered summit stage, which offers long range views in every direction. The view is framed to the southwest by the northern giants of the National Park: Mt. Guyot, Mt. Sterling and Big Cataloochee. The Plott and Great Balsam Ranges paint the southeastern skyline while the towering crest of the Black Mountains stands guard to the east and the Roans to the north. The Patch is surrounded by picturesque rolling hills and mountains leading up to these mighty ridge lines in three directions. To the west, however, an uninterrupted view over the lush expanse of Tennessee allows for a famously stunning sunset view.

Several trail options line the sides and summit of Max Path. From the parking lot, visitors can take the direct route to the summit for a 1-mile round trip or the 2.4 miles loop which circumnavigates The Patch. Those looking for a prolonged jaunt through the woods can follow the AT north or south as far as their hearts desire.

Who is Going to Love It

Photographers will find life-list photo opportunities atop Max Patch thanks to its ideal location on the western edge of the Appalachians. Bring your tripod along and set up for spectacular stellar and sunset shots. (Looking for more photogenic landscapes?) Romantics can take full advantage of Max Patch’s beauty by packing a blanket and picnic lunch to the easy access summit. Cap off your romantic evening as you return towards Asheville by taking a dip in the dreamy waters of nearby Hot Springs Resort. Anglers, bring your gear and cast a line in the Forest Service pond just past the parking area. The brave even venture to The Patch in winter for skiing and sledding amongst the sublime scenery.

Directions, Parking, & Regulations

A trio of route options leads to Max Patch from Asheville. If you choose to tackle these routes in winter, come prepared with an emergency kit and snow-worthy vehicle. There is no access fee for the trailhead. Camping is allowed in nearby areas, but is prohibited on the summit itself. Venture just past the summit for the prime locations. Bring your fury friend along for this outing: the area is dog friendly and they will thoroughly enjoy the grassy summit!

Featured image provided by Jake Wheeler

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