You could easily spend your entire vacation exploring the mountain town of Highlands. But if you are looking for more adventures nearby, we recommend making a day trip to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Drive 50 miles north and explore some of the best hiking trails in the Great Smoky Mountains, taking you through breathtaking mountain views, waterfalls, and forests. Stay with Highlands Vacation Rentals and find the perfect lodging for your North Carolina mountain getaway!
Hiking Tips
Before setting out on the hiking trails at Great Smoky Mountains National Park, make sure you are prepared by using these hiking tips:
- Plan your hike and select an option that suits your ability level. We recommend picking up a park map at the visitors center when you arrive.
- Check trail and road closures online before your trip.
- Pack essentials for the day, such as water, flashlights, and suitable shoes.
- Follow the Leave No Trace principles.
- Leave your vacation rental early and don’t hike after sunset.
Great Smoky Mountains Hikes
Oconaluftee Visitor Center is the closest access point into the park from Highlands, approximately 50 miles away. A bit further, you can access some of the park’s most popular trails from the Kuwohi Visitor Center. Here are some of the trails accessible from these areas.
Oconaluftee
- Chasteen Creek Cascade: A 3.6-mile round-trip hike taking you through forests and a small waterfall.
- Oconaluftee River Trail: 3-mile round-trip riverside hike, where elk are often spotted.
- Deep Creek Waterfalls Loop: 2.4-mile loop taking you past three scenic waterfalls.
Kuwohi Visitor Center
- Charlies Bunion: 8-mile section of the famous Appalachian Trail, offering panoramic views of the mountains, cliffs, and trees.
- Andrews Bald: 3.6-mile round-trip hike, offering wildflowers, high-elevation views, and forests.
- Alum Cave Trail: 10-mile round-trip hike to Mount LeConte. Rewards hikers with the steepest and highest mountains in the Smokies.
- Kuwhoi: 1.6-mile round-trip hike that takes you to a popular observation tower with incredible mountain views.
Vacation Rentals in the North Carolina Mountains
Plan a day trip to the Great Smoky Mountains and explore the incredible hiking trails in America’s most visited National Park. After a day of hiking, return to your lodging with Highlands Vacation Rentals to unwind. Whether you want to stay in a small cottage in the heart of town or a spacious five-bedroom home in the mountains, we have something for everyone. Book with us today and start planning your next vacation!
