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.
Take a short hike to (what used to be) one of the most popular waterfalls along the Blue Ridge Parkway. After a tropical storm in 2021, Skinny Dip Falls has been completely changed. It used to be a popular swimming hole, and lots of people would travel to take a dip in the refreshing, cold water.
Skinny Dip Falls is now made up of smaller cascades creating small, shallow pools. On a hot summer’s day, you can still cool off in the cold, crisp water! Although the waterfall looks different, it’s worth a visit!
Take a hike through a forest of rhododendron, a field of wildflowers, pick blueberries in the fall, and visit two amazing waterfalls all in a 3.5-mile trail. Graveyard Fields is a popular and unique hike off of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Don’t miss this perfect family-friendly and pet-friendly hike!
Sitting at 5,720 feet at its peak, Devil’s Courthouse is a prominent landmark along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Hike nearly half a mile with 280 feet of elevation gain to reach an observation point on Devil’s Courthouse. Enjoy spectacular panoramic views as far as the eye can see! On a clear sunny day, you can see all the way to South Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee.
Dragon’s Tooth is a very unique 35-foot rock spire sitting on top of Cove Mountain in Catawba, Virginia. Tackle this challenging yet short hike to Dragon’s Tooth for amazing panoramic views! Go early in the morning for sunrise or later in the evening for sunset. Either way, the experience will be one to remember. Always know your limits and be careful! This route involves some rock scrambling which makes this hike along the Appalachian Trail even more interesting.
Experience breathtaking 270-degree views from McAfee Knob and take a picture at the famous ledge. The hike to McAfee Knob is the perfect little adventure for you and your family/friends/pets. Read my Complete Guide to Hiking McAfee Knob in 2024 to learn about the best time to go, day hike gear, trailhead location (plus all about the current trailhead closure), trail directions, and more!
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. 😉
Harkening Hill is part of the three Peaks of Otter located within the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia. It is smallest peak with a height of 3,372 feet as compared to Flat Top and Sharp Top (the other two peaks). This hike is full of fun things to see, including an old farm! Harkening Hill and Johnson Farm Loop Trail is the perfect family-friendy (and pet-friendly) hike to do year-round!