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Nantahala National Forest (Nantahala Ranger District)

Best Hiking Trails in Nantahala National Forest (Nantahala Ranger District)

121 reviews


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Overview

Nantahala National Forest (Nantahala Ranger District) is a national forest in North Carolina.


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  • Hiking Trails (126)
  • Reviews (121)
  1. 1
    Standing Indian Mountain Loop via Appalachian Trail
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ DIFFICULT 23.6 mi
  2. 2
    Whiteside Mountain Loop
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ EASY 1.9 mi
  3. 3
    Standing Indian Loop via Appalachian Trail
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ MODERATE 7.1 mi
  4. 4
    Nantahala National Forest via Appalachian Trail
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ DIFFICULT 33.8 mi
  5. 5
    Nantahala National Forest Loop via Wilderness Falls
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ EASY 4.5 mi
  6. 6
    Nantahala National Forest Loop via Blackrock Trail
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ EASY 3.4 mi
  7. 7
    Nantahala National Forest via National Forest Road
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ EASY 1.4 mi
  8. 8
    Nantahala National Forest Loop
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ DIFFICULT 9.2 mi
  9. 9
    Nantahala National Forest Loop via Panthertown Valley Trail
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ DIFFICULT 5.4 mi
  10. 10
    Little Green Mountain Loop via Panthertown Valley Trail
    ★ ★ ★ MODERATE 6.0 mi
    user_profile
    jkreeves86 3 months, 2 weeks ago
    Whiteside
    Choice of trail or US Forest Service gravel Road. Nice overlook, well marked. Parking, bathrooms and picnic area.
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    Scott 5 months, 3 weeks ago
    Panthertown Wall
    Nice walk along the great wall of Panthertown Valley. Beautiful weather, highly recommend this.
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    Andy Coburn 5 months, 4 weeks ago
    Gage bald via wet camp gap
    Nice, relatively easy out and back with some good winter views. Couldn’t find a good view from Gage Bald (which is pretty small), but Wet Camp Gap is always nice to visit in cold weather.
    ★ ★ ★

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    trailrunningfool 8 months, 4 weeks ago
    Track (8/28/21, 10:23:33AM)
    Trails are better marked than they used to be. Still pretty eroded and wet. School house falls is always crowded and you never know what type of crowd it will be. Maybe kid friendly, maybe not.
    ★ ★ ★

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    Anonymous User 10 months, 1 week ago
    70/30 dirt - dual sport bikes only! F off jeep people!
    For dual sport bikes only!! F off jeeps! About 70/30 dirt/street. All dirt are service roads. But, it'll take you all around the area, and no stopping about 2.5 to 4hr depending on how fast you go & traffic permitting! Need good dirt tires for motorcycle if wanting to go fast. After the first part, it'll take you to a gas station to fill up you'll need it if you have less than a 3 gal tank. Half way point: lunch at ugly dog in cashiers Ending point: Satulah Brewery in highlands
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    erinkmason 1 year ago
    A. I za it
    K the farm is a very tu By B Bcgb FTC FB It CDs er nik mmt It dad. F. N B We had c v be c the C. It was. The EV
    ★

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    Nate882004 1 year ago
    Rocky Bald, Macon County to A. Rufus Morgan Shelter, Swain County, NC, USA
    Beautiful hike over various rugged terrains! HIGHLY recommended!
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    allison.grier 1 year, 1 month ago
    Wolf mountain and yellow patch falls
    One and done
    ★ ★ ★

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    allison.grier 1 year, 3 months ago
    Greenland creek falls PLUS 4 more...
    Hardest four miles EVER. Straight UP after Greenland creek falls to get to the rest upstream!! And the trail was super narrow and hard and we went during drizzle so super muddy. Decided to go up to road and walk back on that to the car... whew, right at dark.
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    OperationContingency 1 year, 9 months ago
    Track (8/12/20, 9:21:48AM)
    Smoky Mountain 1000
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    tthagard 1 year, 9 months ago
    Jones Gap to White Rock Mountain
    Superb hikes and fantastic views!
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    tthagard 1 year, 9 months ago
    Salt Rock Parking Area to Little Green Mountain, Jackson County, NC, USA
    This was a super hikes around Panthertown Valley. Would be superb trail running too.
    ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile stars
    kohee 1 year, 10 months ago
    Nantahala National Forest Loop via Mac's Gap Trail
    Some wonderful views, but isn't well blazed once you leave the trailhead.
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    ericcross 2 years ago
    Track (5/2/20, 12:29:21PM)
    Great 2 day loop, especially with young kids
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    dianewill 2 years, 1 month ago
    Panthertown Valley loop from Salt Rock
    This is one of my favorite hikes because of the diverse landscape you can experience as you hike across the valley. From the sandy spot at Granny Falls to Tranquility Point it is all wonderful.
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    davisd0818 2 years, 2 months ago
    Whiteside Mountain Trail Parking, Macon County to Whiteside Mountain Trail, Jackson County, NC, USA
    Incredible views
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    mawade1 2 years, 2 months ago
    Whiteside Mountain Trail
    Great hike wonderful views. Worth the time and effort. Day use area and fee is required so make sure you take some cash $3
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    Charles 2 years, 7 months ago
    Nantahala National Forest Loop via Whiteside Mountain Trail
    Very nice hike. Moderate if you go left at fork to start and easy if you go left for loop. We opted to go right which also gets you to the outlooks faster. Beautiful panoramic views. Recommend getting there early like we did to avoid crowds. On our way down we passed over a dozen people coming up.
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    meg.ywalton 2 years, 8 months ago
    Track (9/21/19, 10:14:12AM)
    Fantastic! Aside from the anaconda 😉😄 lots of off roading and fun obstacles
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    marshallgator 2 years, 8 months ago
    Track (9/7/19, 2:13:16PM)
    Not too well marked descent from Devil’s Courthouse at Whiteside Mountain
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    wildescuba 2 years, 11 months ago
    Nantahala National Forest Loop via Panthertown Valley Trail
    Really love this hike. Waterfalls and sweeping mountaintop views all within 6 mile loop.
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    Jagriffith7 3 years, 3 months ago
    The trail was nice and the waterfalls looked great! There was no bridge crossing Panthertown Creek between Frolictown Falls and Granny Burrell Falls!! You have to wade through the creek or go around to the other trail. The water level is knee deep!!
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    gcolemanmd 1 week, 4 days ago
    Wilderness Falls to Laurel Knob &return
    ★ ★ ★

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    magbowles 1 week, 5 days ago
    Elbow falls schoolhouse falls
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    Daryle Everett 1 month, 1 week ago
    Nantahala National Forest via Appalachian Trail
    ★ ★ ★

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    francesdilley 2 months, 1 week ago
    Track (3/17/22, 11:01:28AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    francesdilley 2 months, 1 week ago
    Track (3/17/22, 11:01:28AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    dbs 2 months, 1 week ago
    Track (2/28/22, 12:35:48)
    ★

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    dfaddleton 2 months, 2 weeks ago
    Track (3/5/22, 9:39:21AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    HikerBob 2 months, 2 weeks ago
    Panthertown high Bethel Little Green
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    robyburg 3 months, 1 week ago
    Panthertown W pre-hike
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    jacobhunter7 4 months, 2 weeks ago
    Track (1/8/22, 11:02:33AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    trailrunningfool 6 months ago
    Track (9/11/21, 3:29:01PM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    tclaiborne 6 months ago
    Bartram Trail- Jones Gap to Hickory Knoll Road (11/16/21, 9:48:39AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    rbunner 6 months, 1 week ago
    Winding Stair
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    HikerBob 6 months, 3 weeks ago
    Panthertown high wall, little green, Blk Stone Mtn
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    sollins100 8 months ago
    Nantahala National Forest via Appalachian Trail
    ★ ★ ★

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    pat296 9 months, 1 week ago
    Salt Rock Overlook via Panthertown Valley Trail
    ★

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    allen.shpigel 11 months ago
    Whiteside mountain trail - hike
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    allen.shpigel 11 months ago
    Whiteside mountain trail - hike
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    Tom 11 months, 2 weeks ago
    Track (5/21/21, 12:39:54PM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    dianewill 11 months, 3 weeks ago
    Panthertown Loop
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    derek_olsen 11 months, 3 weeks ago
    Chinquapin to picklesimer hike
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    dmk5n2 11 months, 3 weeks ago
    Track (5/30/21, 17:22:33)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    ron 1 year ago
    Jeep day (5/20/21, 11:10:36AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    ylirchase 1 year ago
    Track (4/24/21, 3:53:53PM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    moe.parker 1 year ago
    Smaller loop thru technical section
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    Nate882004 1 year ago
    Rocky Bald, Macon County to A. Rufus Morgan Shelter, Swain County, NC, USA
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    michael.bearer 1 year, 1 month ago
    Jones Knob
    ★ ★ ★

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    unclet67 1 year, 2 months ago
    Whiteside Mountain, Jackson County to Whiteside Mountain Trail Parking, Macon County, NC, USA
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    readerofplenty 1 year, 2 months ago
    Tellico Gap, Macon County, NC, USA
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    moe.parker 1 year, 2 months ago
    LOop thru Little Green Mountain
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    dean330 1 year, 2 months ago
    Turtle pond
    ★ ★ ★

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    readerofplenty 1 year, 2 months ago
    Tellico Gap, Macon County, NC, USA
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    workingwithmytools 1 year, 2 months ago
    Wesser bald carrying baby.
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    Caroline 1 year, 2 months ago
    Wesser creek to wesser tower to tellico gap
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    allison.grier 1 year, 3 months ago
    Greenland creek falls PLUS 4 more...
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    emilymtp 1 year, 4 months ago
    Panthertown Valley Loop
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    dwrush 1 year, 4 months ago
    Jones Knob
    ★ ★ ★

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    mail 1 year, 4 months ago
    Wayah Sivler Bald 1/27/18
    ★ ★ ★

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    Ashley 1 year, 4 months ago
    Whiteside Mountain Trail Parking, Macon County to Whiteside Mountain, Jackson County, NC, USA
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    Travis 1 year, 5 months ago
    Nantahala National Forest via Appalachian Trail
    ★

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    Travis 1 year, 5 months ago
    ★

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    Dianaliz 1 year, 5 months ago
    Track (12/18/20, 11:33:37AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    Brittany 1 year, 5 months ago
    Cane creek falls (12/12/20, 3:14:09PM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    kzahorn2 1 year, 6 months ago
    Appalachian Trail
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    pwarth 1 year, 7 months ago
    Whiteside Mountain Trail Parking, Macon County to Whiteside Mountain, Jackson County, NC, USA
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    paulgalbreath 1 year, 7 months ago
    Standing Indian w/Peter
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    frederiksenthedane 1 year, 7 months ago
    Track (10/18/20, 1:36:47PM)Cliffside Lake hike with Brenda and the dogs
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    astrobrewer1138 1 year, 8 months ago
    Ranger Falls (9/6/20, 12:45:34PM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    Andy Coburn 1 year, 8 months ago
    Upper Flat Creek Adventure
    ★

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    Heather 1 year, 8 months ago
    Shadows of the South 25k
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    Andrewg367 1 year, 8 months ago
    Track (8/24/20, 11:54:46AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    Hiker33 1 year, 8 months ago
    Park Creek Loop (8/30/20)
    ★ ★ ★

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    freizeitreiter 1 year, 9 months ago
    Panthertown with Bill Clark
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    Ira Fowler 1 year, 10 months ago
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    tclaiborne 1 year, 10 months ago
    Albert Mountain and AT
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    Ron 1 year, 10 months ago
    Jones gap to white Rock mountain
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    kohee 1 year, 11 months ago
    Dugan Wedding (6/26/20, 1:20:09PM)
    ★ ★ ★

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    timothy.holt 1 year, 11 months ago
    Warden falls
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    colby 1 year, 11 months ago
    Whiteside Mountain
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    colby 1 year, 11 months ago
    Whiteside Mountain
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    colby 1 year, 11 months ago
    Whiteside Mountain
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    colby 1 year, 11 months ago
    Whiteside Mountain
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    colby 1 year, 11 months ago
    Whiteside Mountain
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    colby 1 year, 11 months ago
    Whiteside Mountain
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    colby 1 year, 11 months ago
    Whiteside Mountain
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    colby 1 year, 11 months ago
    Whiteside Mountain
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    rvbcave 1 year, 12 months ago
    AT Hike Back - Winding Stair Gap
    ★ ★ ★

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    tonyraypass 1 year, 12 months ago
    Weekend away
    ★ ★ ★

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    tclaiborne 2 years ago
    Devil’s Courthouse (5/3/20, 2:10:47PM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    tclaiborne 2 years ago
    Panthertown: Wilderness and Frolictown Falls along with Big Green and Mac’s Gap Trails(4/30/20, 10:28:35AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    matthew.johannessen 2 years ago
    Looking for earrings
    ★ ★ ★

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    ephillips0718 2 years ago
    Jones Gap Trailhead to Whiterock Mountain, Macon County, NC, USA
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    robyburg 2 years, 1 month ago
    Panthertown West ext.
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    dianewill 2 years, 1 month ago
    Panthertown/Wilderness Falls (4/18/20, 11:09:52AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    devans0064 2 years, 1 month ago
    Whiteside Mountain
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    dianewill 2 years, 1 month ago
    Panthertown/Wardens Falls (4/4/20, 10:20:07AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    tclaiborne 2 years, 1 month ago
    Jones’ Gap to Whiterock Mtn on Bartram Trail (Round trip) (3/30/20)
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    tclaiborne 2 years, 1 month ago
    Jones’ Gap to Whiterock Mtn on Bartram Trail (Round trip) (3/30/20)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    tclaiborne 2 years, 1 month ago
    Siler Bald
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    David Oakes 2 years, 3 months ago
    WilliamsPulpet(2/1/20, 1:53:46PM)
    ★ ★ ★

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    ny4g 2 years, 4 months ago
    W4C/WM-045 Shepherd Bald
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    allen 2 years, 4 months ago
    Track (1/12/20, 11:05:00AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    carlsontally 2 years, 4 months ago
    Track (12/31/19, 10:38:16)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    carlsontally 2 years, 4 months ago
    Track (12/31/19, 10:38:16)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    f.mckissick 2 years, 5 months ago
    Salt Rock Parking Area to Wilderness Falls, Jackson County, NC, USA
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    allen 2 years, 5 months ago
    Wayah Crest to Wayah Bald RT
    ★ ★ ★

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    Kris 2 years, 5 months ago
    Nantahala National Forest Loop via Whiteside Mountain Trail
    ★

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    Scott 2 years, 7 months ago
    Bear Pen Gap with the LZ dogs and new knee brace.
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    Beth Peters 2 years, 8 months ago
    Panthertown Salt Rock Gap Loop
    ★ ★

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    ihart350 2 years, 8 months ago
    Track (9/21/19, 11:14:52AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    jaxiejosie 2 years, 9 months ago
    Track (8/25/19, 11:52:36AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    Ed 2 years, 9 months ago
    Nantahala National Forest via National Forest Road
    ★

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    Ed 2 years, 9 months ago
    Appalachian Trail
    ★

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    scdcdoc 2 years, 10 months ago
    Highlands/Bartram with KR (7/24/19, 11:55:59AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    John 2 years, 10 months ago
    Bonas Defeat
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    jeffg4558 2 years, 11 months ago
    Siler w alexandra
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    terrilwells 2 years, 11 months ago
    Ranger Falls Trail Loop
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    f.mckissick 2 years, 11 months ago
    Track (6/16/19, 8:39:52AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    Scott 2 years, 11 months ago
    With Laurey-Faye and the LZ dogs
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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