This is a beautiful trail that leads to a 250 ft waterfall, with some easy hiking, some steep…read morefootsteps. Was easy to moderate for little kids and adults alike. The total hike is 30 mins (to and fro) and has nice marked trees for identification, streams, creeks and bridges. There is some beautiful foliage and trees along the way. There are two sites (start of waterfall and midway) each making for a beautiful photo opportunity.

Paved, with packed gravel surface part of the way, then many steps to get to lower viewing area of…read morecascade falls. Some incline and decline (out and back trail).

Very pretty, very easy hike. And we're not hikers…read more Met some kayakers heading down as we headed back. It's way back in the country.

The falls are closed as of late April 2026. Road is blocked about 2 miles out from town.read more

What a little gem! This is a great day trip if you live in Charlotte and want to experience some…read morecooler temperatures. There is ample parking, and the main trail (Summit Trail) is very do-able. We saw plenty of seniors, small dogs, and children making this hike. There is an overlook only a mile in, and it's pretty impressive. You could stop and turn around there, and not be disappointed. The top overlook is gorgeous too and is only 1.9 miles to the top. The majority of the path is gravel, but there are some larger step stone rocks. The trail is not wheelchair friendly. There are picnic tables and restrooms in the park, and they even have a visitor center with gift shop. This was a popular trail with lots of App State students, and it was clean. They have other, shorter trails but the Summit trail was the main attraction.

DO NOT VISIT THIS PARK IN A RV or LARGE VEHICLE! We came from Boone which from our Google map said…read more23 minutes or 5 miles. The road to park is very steep in sections and has two (2) hairpin turns not designed for large heavy vehicles. When we got to the state park, at what felt like the top of the mountain, the only thing we saw were a dozen or so new picnic tables surrounded by a field of leafless trees ~ mid April. Very disappointed to say the least. IMPORTANT: On the way back down to Boone our brakes started to fail at about an .08 of the way down and we had the pull over and let them cool down for 45 minutes to let them stop smoking. This was a very scary experience and a poor decision to visit. Absolutely would not recommend this experience in any car or in an RV!!! Hope this helps someone.

This place is fantastic. Great waterfall hike with a fantastic playground and lake with canoes and…read morekayaks. Could spend a half day or more here with young kids. Will definitely be back.

Terrific recreation center. Numerous activities. Highly recommended! Very family friendly.read more

Don't let the name fool you. It's not really a swinging bridge - but it does creak. And those…read moresounds are a bit alarming as you're hiking up Grandfather Mountain. Admission to the mountain is $25/person. And it's highly recommended you pre-pay online, especially during tourist season when spots fill up. To get to Mile High Swinging Bridge, you pay the admission and can park in the various areas. The top of the mountain does have a parking lot, a gift shop, and restrooms; but the top parking lot fills up. So we parked farther down and did the 20-30 minute hike up. Take a lot of pics during your nervous walk across the bridge. Great views as you're 5,280 feet above sea level. Also, do not wear flip flops! I see a lot of people, even little kids, running around the top of the mountain with flip flops. What in the world?!

So totally worth it. The town is wonderful. We enjoyed just the approach to the mountain…read more Grandfather Mountain is very cool with a legendary history. The swinging bridge was just another jewel in their crown of glory. I totally recommend it for young and Old the Vista points are stupendous. And there's a really wonderful video to watch and a nature center, and even some animals to catch up with.

It's not a huge hiking trail (maybe a mile total) but the terrain is very hills and technical. We…read morewent when the ground was a little snowy/icy, so I would recommend hiking boots for the excursion. The views and scenery are fabulous. There are waterfalls and streams and tons of rocks to climb for fun photos. My only wish was to have a picnic area near the parking area so that we could enjoy a picnic and then a family walk together.

Some friends and I met in Boone and were looking for a nearby trail that was not too long (before…read moreThanksgiving food). Otter Falls was a good fit. It wasn't too crazy with bunches of rocks or too "woodsy," but there is a good sized hill when you get close to the waterfall. There's a platform that you can take a few steps down onto for photos along with some other spots you can Instagram from. Given COVID, I recommend waiting for groups to come up the steps before going down. Note: There are not a ton of parking spaces at the trail head (maybe 15), so be prepared to possibly park along the road.

Great Hike. We had lots of run on this trail and reaching the Devils Bathtub…read moreTake the plunge and jump in it play in the water.

Strenuous hike with multiple creek crossings. Be mindful of your steps as you trek over roots &…read morerocks. A stellar experience the whole way. Please carry trash out. It's a very special place. Plan to spend the day, it's worth immersion in the whole environment.

The trailhead is to the right, as you stand in the parking lot looking out over the valley…read more It's a mostly uphill trail with a moderate plateau about halfway to the overlook. As you get close to the overlook, the trail will fork. To the right is the Mountain to Seas trail that goes all the way to Clingman's Dome. You probably don't want that. Veer left and the Overlook is another 200m ahead.

This is a beautiful trail anytime of year but I love it most…read morein Autumn. Short and sweet, so it's an easy one for littles.

Have been to Laurel Creek Falls (Trash Can Falls) many times and we love it. It's beautiful every…read moretime off year. I've came when it's crowed and when it's empty. The parking is off on a gravel area on the side of the road and it's limited. To get to the falls cross the street and follow the path through the woods. It's a super short and really easy path but once you get to the falls you do have to do some climbing and maneuvering so I don't recommend for anyone disabled, small children, or older folks who have issues getting around. We recently went post hurricane Helen and it looks a little different. The wood planks for crossing are gone but the straps remain to help you get out of the swimming hole. There is a fallen tree we had to climb over. Still many people there having a great time just as before!

This place is awesome to jump into a fresh spring & clean water as well, the rocks are a bit high…read morebut once the fear of heights is gone you'll have a blast!!!!! :)