Hike Along The Tallest Cliffs In North Carolina On The Whiteside Mountain National Recreation Trail
Robin Jarvis
Author
Whiteside Mountain Trail, over in Jackson County between Cashiers and the Georgia border, celebrates an enormous mountain named for the towering white cliffs seen for miles and miles on its facade. The mountain contains the tallest such cliffs in all of North Carolina where the lovely 1.9-mile loop trail takes visitors all the way to the top and along those cliffs. In spite of the more than 500 feet in elevation gain, the hike is only rated as moderate by AllTrails — and it’s the perfect spot to get high above the local terrain and see some fantastic views.
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See more of the magnificent 750-foot-tall cliffs of Whiteside Mountain in this fantastic video from YouTube user higgt00l:
Learn more about Whiteside Mountain National Recreation Trail from our friends at AllTrails. If you sign up for AllTrails Plus, your first week is free and you’ll unlock a ton of special features to make your next hiking adventure even more awesome. And also check out the U.S. Forest Service page for one of the best North Carolina hiking trails.
Do you love the mountains? We do, too! Consider these 10 activities to do in the extraordinary North Carolina Mountains this summer. And to help you pack, here is our list of 75 must-have hiking accessories.
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Fun Things To Do Outdoors In North Carolina
What are the best things to do outdoors in North Carolina?
Consider this ultimate weekend itinerary if you love spending time outdoors in North Carolina.
- Bike Trails
- (Hatteras Island): This breathtaking coastal bike trail in North Carolina starts at the Herbert C Bonner Bridge on the beautiful Outer Banks. You’ll follow the road along the shoreline on this unforgettable 25-mile ride.
- (Durham through Chatham County and Wake County) The 21.9-mile point-to-point American Tobacco Trail offers a variety of terrain, interesting views, about 4-5 crossings, and at least three areas with water and restroom facilities.
- (Hendersonville) Ride Kanuga Mountain Bike Park is a new, first-class trail destination founded by world-champion downhill racer Neko Mulally. The park offers eight trails with a variety of skill levels. Make a reservation at Ride Kanuga's website.
- Camping
- ( Wilkesboro) Bandits Roost Campground sits on the south side of W. Kerr Scott Reservoir in western North Carolina. Here you'll camp along the lovely Yadkin River in the foothills of the eastern Blue Ridge Mountains. The space offers 102 campsites with 17 tent sites, and 85 standard sites with electric and water hookups. Discover more on Bandits Roost webpage.
- (Burnsville) Carolina Hemlocks Campground has 36 campsites along two paved loops. Split by NC Route 80, the loops have camping sites for tents and RVs, without hookups. Each site includes a fire ring with a cooking grill and lantern post and a table. At the lower loop, you'll find drinking water, showers, and toilets. Make a reservation today on the Carolina Hemlocks Campground webpage.
- (Linville Falls) Linville Falls Campground is located in western North Carolina, at junction U.S. Route 221, right off of the Blue Ridge Parkway. This campground is privately owned with full hook-up sites and a primitive tent area. Or rent a log cabin in this shady spot in the woods. Find out more about this great outdoor adventure on Linville Falls Campground's website.