Eric Champlin

Hike these popular Blue Ridge Parkway trails to stunning mountain summit views, tumbling waterfalls and through some of western North Carolina's most beautiful forest near Asheville.

When river meets towering rock, something seemingly magical happens, as water begins to tumble and spill into a pool below. Waterfalls are simply beautiful. They’re strikingly photo-worthy. And those tumbling tendrils of water somehow stir remarkable emotion in the soul.

The views are, no exaggeration, simply breathtaking. Soaring from the rim of the deep-cut Linville Gorge northeast of Asheville, Table Rock Mountain is a plateaued peak with a rocky, wind-swept summit that affords 360-degree panoramas of the surrounding Pisgah National Forest. At just under 2 miles, roundtrip, it’s not a short hike, or an overly difficult one – but those stunning summit views have kept us coming back, year after year and season after season.

Hike the Deep Gap Trail at Mount Mitchell State Park, trekking a ridgeline to beautiful views at Mount Craig, the second highest peak east of the Mississippi River, and the neighboring Big Tom Mountain.

Bring a frisbee, blanket, camera or picnic. Soak up an incredible sunrise or stunning sunset. Lay on the expansive, grassy summit and cloud gaze during the day, or stargaze at night. Hike through miles of wildflowers, wild blueberries and blackberries, and wispy, tall grass. Catch incredible 360-degree panoramas of surrounding mountain summits in North Carolina and Tennessee.

This is Max Patch, a popular, iconic, almost idyllic bald summit on the Appalachian Trail that’s beloved by hardcore AT thru-hikers, casual day hikers and frisbee-flingers alike.

It’s officially summer, and Georgia’s dog days are here. Hike these seven hikes through cool North Georgia stream and river valleys, splashing the way to some cool summertime trail time.

Grab stunning canyon views, hike to gorgeous waterfalls and sleep under the stars at these Cloudland Canyon hiking trails and camping sites.

Hike the Craggy Pinnacle Trail through exceptionally beautiful forest to views of Craggy Gardens, Craggy Dome and stunning Pisgah National Forest vistas north of Asheville.

Hike through a waterfall-filled valley to one of Georgia's most popular and beautiful waterfalls, Raven Cliff Falls.

The Chattooga River is simply breathtaking. The river runs a course from North Carolina to North Georgia, meandering through beautiful scenery, rushing whitewater rapids and calm pools of crystal-clear water...

Nestled deep in rolling mountains, Lake Rabun’s winding shoreline and glassy waters are a popular North Georgia destination for hiking, boating, kayaking and camping...

Black Rock Mountain State Park’s most popular hike, the Tennessee Rock Trail, catches stunning views from the Tennessee Rock overlook and visits the mountain’s shady, tree-covered summit. While the overlook views are breathtaking, much of the trail explores a gorgeous, high-elevation forest that’s filled with boulders, wildlife and towering trees – and in spring, a dense carpet of native wildflowers. From summit to slope, the Tennessee Rock Trail is easily one of North Georgia’s most beautiful trails, especially under three miles.

The Hurricane Falls Trail packs the best of Tallulah Gorge’s scenic beauty in a relatively short, but difficult, just-over-two mile loop. The trail explores Tallulah Gorge’s north and south rims, visits the enormous Hurricane Falls waterfall, and catches dizzying views from ten scenic overlooks that peer deep into the gorge’s waterfall-filled depths.

Hike 13 roundtrip miles on the Conasauga River Trail's southern half in Georgia's remote, lush Cohutta Wilderness. The Conasauga River Trail splashes through 36 river fords (& many creek crossings) from Betty Gap to Bray Field, Little Rough Creek and back.

Hike these top Georgia hikes to the state’s most beautiful views: deep, waterfall-filled canyons to sandy coastline and soaring mountaintops, all guaranteed to leave Georgia on your mind.