Places to hike nearby with the best views (North, Summit: cabin, yard)

[cabin]

Hey folks. I have a friend coming to town who wants to go hiking. Does anyone have any recommendations of places within a few hours that have great views? I have been to Paris Mountain and was unimpressed. What about Table Rock or Chimney Rock? Any recommendations? Thanks.

[g-man430]

Table Rock and Chimney Rock have awesome views when it's not cloudy. Take your friend for a drive up Altamont Road also which is the road that goes through Paris Mountain.

[cabin]

Do you have a preference between Table Rock and Chimney Rock?

[Skyliner]

What is your definition of "best views?" That would help in determining which trails to choose. Additionally, what difficulty level are you looking for?

[fuprof2]

Hikes that we love:
Rainbow Falls in Jones Gap State Park
Triple Falls and High Falls in Dupont State Forest
Table Rock is really lovely - can't remember which trail we took there, though

Chimney Rock is more commercial and no real hiking involved - you can take an elevator all the way to the top! And on cold days i can imagine it's no fun (the wind up there is freezing).

There are SO many beautiful hikes around here - Jones Gap & Caesars Head are both nearby and lovely, as is Dupont State Forest over the border in NC. It will be lovelier when the leaves come out, but hopefully pretty anyways. Have fun!

[cabin]

Originally Posted by Skyliner

What is your definition of "best views?" That would help in determining which trails to choose. Additionally, what difficulty level are you looking for?

Just a great view of the mountains.

[SCSKier]

Originally Posted by cabin

Does anyone have any recommendations of places within a few hours that have great views?

If you're willing to drive 2 Hours, I would drive North on Hwy 276 over Ceasers Head then to Brevard. Take 276 thru Pisgah National Forest to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Take the Parkway south to Black Balsam Mtn Trailhead. Hike the Art Loeb Trail over Black Balsam, Tennent, Grassy Cove and return about 5 Miles total. Or you could hike to the top of Sam's Knob and return about 4 miles. Both of the trails are over 6000' elevation and are easy to hike. Also you can check out Graveyard Fields and their waterfalls on the way.

Sams Knob Trail:
Sam Knob Best Hike

Here are a few pictures I took this past November on Black Balsam Mtn.
















Table Rock Summit












Horsepasture Road to Jump off Rock opens March 20th










Maybe Waterfalls?


Spoonager Falls







Jones Gap Falls






Rainbow Falls







King Creek Falls






Yellow Branch Falls








Twin Falls