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Not limited to Western NC though, just so long as the trailhead is within a 2 hour drive of Highlands area. When I was in Highlands on last trip, did hikes including Granite City, Sunrise Rock, Jones Knob and Secret Falls, among other brief stops (drove to the top of Wayah Bald, for example). All of them were great, but none of these hikes were especially long though. I was wondering which ones were truly outstanding, like, if you wanted to showcase say, the "seven wonders of the area", in terms of viewpoints, which would you choose? I think an obvious starting point would be continuing past Jones Knob a couple miles to Whiteside Mountain. Another one I've heard is exceptional is within GSMNP is Mount LeConte, though I haven't personally tried it. Other ones I have heard are up there are the Mount Mitchell area (if nothing else, highest point in Eastern US), and Grandfather Mountain. In regards to other places, I wouldn't mind trying a "bald" type hike, like a meadow with wildflowers type setting. Preference for hikes that aren't drive up, though an exception of course would be made for Mount Mitchell. Thanks all!
Edit: Enjoy mature, old growth forest too, really any type of unique geologic landscape.
I plan to hike South Mountain state park in Connelly Springs, near Morganton. The website says it has many miles of trails.
Hanging Dog state park in Cherokee county has a long trail and winter is the perfect time as greenery won't be blocking the trails.
The Great Smokey Mountains has a 4 mile trail near the NC/TN state line a few miles from Clingman's Dome entrance.
The AT crossing through Bryson City (i-74) is a good starting point to go south on the AT.
South Mountain is a nice choice, however due to the fire that happened last fall many of the trails currently are closed including the one that goes to the upper part of the waterfall. We went on a Spring like day in January and parked in the main parking lot and the fire that occured was hardly noticeable on that side of the mountain.
The park service is still clearing the side trails and waiting on the Spring growth to determine which trees are dead to clear and open the rest.
OP I recommend Mount Mitchell, for the Burke County area I recommend Upper Creek Falls or numerous hikes in the Pisgah Forest.
I have never felt the need to have bear spray in the NC mountains although I have seen signs of bears. Generally they are less aggressive than the grizzlies out west and would rather run away than fight.
Thanks all, I appreciate it! I am really open to anything trail-wise, but something with mountain top views is especially good. I'm not too picky though!
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