Hiking

There are many scenic hiking trails in North Carolina to explore on the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau. These popular hiking trails in western North Carolina vary in length and difficulty, accommodating hikers of all ages and levels of experience. Trail lengths listed are round trip. Also, see our list of popular waterfalls in western NC

Please follow these basic rules when hiking:

Stay on the marked trail; avoid shortcuts
Stay behind guard rails and heed all caution signs
Do not climb on boulders
Tread carefully to avoid stepping on plants and flowers; leave them as you found them for others to enjoy
Dispose of garbage properly
Keep dogs on leashes
Do not drink or carry alcoholic beverages; it is illegal

Length and Difficulty: 9.6 miles, difficult At 5,127 feet above sea level, Yellow Mountain is one of the highest mountains in the Highlands Ranger District. Yellow Mountain Trail takes you to the t...

35.104594, -83.203444

Length and Difficulty: 2 miles, moderate Whiteside Mountain rises to an elevation of 4,930 feet and is about 400 million years old. The mountain’s distinctive rock faces look like sheets of b...

91-170 Deville Dr, Highlands, NC 28741

Length and Difficulty: 5.6 miles; moderate Nicknamed the “Yosemite of the East”, Panthertown Valley is a hiker’s dream. Tucked away in Nantahala National Forest, it covers 6,700 a...

35.168736, -83.039953

Length and Difficulty: Varies The Cliffside Lake Recreation Area and Van Hook Glade are located in Nantahala National Forest in the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina. This scenic area is home...

13908 Highlands Rd, Highlands, NC 28741

Length and Difficulty: 2.9 miles, moderate Also known as the Chattooga Cliffs Trail, the Chattooga Narrows Trail is a portion of the longer and more difficult Chattooga Trail. Directions: From the ...

Whiteside Cove Rd, Cashiers, NC 28717

Length and Difficulty: 2 miles, easy Take a leisurely walk through the woods and then along the Chattooga River. This hike features beautiful views of rock formations from the Bull Pen Bridge, know...

35.016122, -83.125919

Length: 7-mile round trip This trail leads to Ellicott’s Rock, a rock embedded in the Chattooga River that was carved with the letters “NG” by surveyor Andrew Ellicott in 1811 whe...

Ellicott Rock, North Carolina