Taft Point and Sentinel Dome are magnificent natural landmarks located in Yosemite National Park near Glacier Point. The views from each location are out-of-this-world! From Taft Point you can see El Capitan and Yosemite Falls, and from Sentinel Dome you can see Nevada Fall and Half Dome.
Take on this tough 7-mile out-and-back hike to a unique giant bolder with breathtaking 360-degree views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Blackrock Mountain sits at 5,802 feet which makes it one of the highest peaks of the Plott Balsam Mountain Range! This is an incredible hike you don’t want to miss if you are near Sylva, North Carolina.
This out-and-back hike in Pinnacle Park via the West Fork Trail takes you along an old rocky logging road through a beautiful forest to an open grassy ridge and finally, to the rocky summit of The Pinnacle. The views are rewarding and worth every step. Lace up your hiking boots and take on this incredible yet challenging hike near Sylva, North Carolina!
Hike along on one of the most scenic trails in North Carolina – Art Loeb Trail. This fairly short hike takes you through a forest full of balsam fir and berry bushes and open fields of meadow grasses and wildflowers with panoramic views. The trail summits two mountains with the first being Black Balsam Knob, sitting at 6,214 feet, and Tennent Mountain, sitting at 6,040 feet.
Clingmans Dome is a very popular touristy spot. But why? Well, sitting at 6,643 feet, it is the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park AND in Tennessee! A short yet steep paved path leads to a 54-foot observation tower which offers beautiful 360-degree views.
Get there early, watch a stunning sunrise (if you’re lucky), and capture a few awesome shots. Make sure you are prepared for the steep incline (almost a 13% grade) and check the weather conditions prior to your trip. If you are in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Clingmans Dome is an adventure you don’t want to miss!
Read my Complete Guide to Visiting Peaks of Otter to help plan your trip! Learn more about the best time to visit, where to stay, places to eat and drink, and the top things to do at Peaks of Otter and the surrounding area. It is a great area to explore and has so much history and beauty! Hiking to each of the three Peaks of Otter is the best part, in our opinion. 😉
Bearfence Mountain Loop trail is one of our favorite hikes in Shenandoah National Park! This short hike involves a challenging rock scramble to 360-degree views and continues on to another viewpoint with 180-degree views. This is definitely the perfect hike to add to your hiking bucket list!
Do you enjoy hiking up mountains to summits with beautiful views? If you answered yes, then add Sharp Top to your hiking bucket list! Not only does this hike lead you to the summit of Sharp Top, but there is also an extra surprise summit near the top called Buzzard’s Roost. Out of the three Peaks of Otter, Sharp Top is by far our favorite!
Pincushion Peak is a beautiful mountain peak located near Fresno, California. Take in 360-degrees views of Millerton Lake, San Joaquin Valley, and Big Table Mountain. This is a short, fun day-hike you don’t want to miss! Don’t forget to say hello to the cows roaming in the fields surrounding Pincushion Peak.