Anyone who has hiked a trail or even stopped at an overlook along this highway knows that trails along the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina rarely disappoint. Most deliver big views - and some deliver big physical challenges to boot. But not this one. This quaint little trail is the shortest and sweetest hike in North Carolina. Check it out. No, really, go check it out - in person.
Located at milepost 305.2 is a little parking area for adventure seekers who want to hike to a lookout point called Beacon Heights.
The trail is short, only 0.3 miles each way, but it's straight up the side of the mountain. The elevation gain is technically only around 100 feet. If you stop to think about it, that's almost the same as a ten-story building.
But if you find yourself a little short-winded due to the steep grade — and the unsteady footing among all the big rocks you have to navigate over — you'll be pleasantly surprised to find a bench or a big rock along the way on which to take a breather.
Once you find yourself at the top, turn to the right to see Grandmother Mountain (yes, she's definitely the spouse of nearby Grandfather Mountain). She's the one with the radio tower on top, so she's easy to spot.
The Beacon Heights overlook takes approximately 15 minutes to reach the summit — and at least another hour (or more!) before you have a real desire to leave.
The Kuwohi Observation Tower, formally known as Clingmans Dome, is a must-see when visiting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. There are so many great hikes in North Carolina, but I would put this one near the top of the list. It is highly praised for a state with some of the most epic views in the country. I have been up to this mountain multiple times and here is everything you need to know so you can enjoy this wonderful view too.
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But here's an important question first: why the name change?
The name of this iconic spot in the Smokies changed from Clingmans Dome to Kuwohi in September 2024. The name change came about as a way to honor and tell the story of the land. Long before it was known as an observation tower, this summit was named by the Cherokee people. These natives are a proud people, and their story is being honored by a simple name change that the National Parks Service was highly in favor of. The name Kuwohi is what the Cherokee people named the mountain many years earlier, and it translates to Mulberry Place. The history of the land is greatly tied to the people who came before us and this is one simple way the park system is working on preserving that story.
The Kuwohi Observation Tower is the highest point in the Smokies, so you will have an unobstructed 360-degree view of the mountains. This jaw-dropping scene is the best view of the Smokie Mountains you can get with both feet on the ground. Make sure to bring your camera, but also don’t forget to bring your coat. Even when it is warm and sunny at the bottom of the mountain once you get up around the 6,000-foot mark the weather can change quite quickly. So expect a big shift in temperature when you go.
The Kuwohi Observation Tower Trail is a rather simple 1.3-mile round trip with only 337 feet of elevation gain on a paved path. It certainly doesn’t sound like much but don’t let the stats deceive you. The total height of the trail is 6,643 feet above sea level, and I have always felt the elevation every time I hike. Don’t be surprised if you get winded much easier than normal. On the way up, you will be treated to glorious views of the mountains to your left and an epic dead-dense forest to the right. You will also cross the Appalachian Trail right before you get to the tower, which I find pretty cool.
The road leading up to Kuwohi is typically open from April 1st to November 30th. Close to the opening day and closure day, the park may close the road due to weather conditions, so keep that in mind if you go near those times. When the road is open, you will also want to keep an eye on the weather. Being so high up, this place is prone to being covered in clouds and fog. I have been at the bottom of the mountain, and by the time I made it to the top, you couldn’t see any of the phenomenal views because we were completely covered in fog. It is called the Smokies for a reason, so just keep an eye out for that.
The Kuwohi Observation Tower is simply a must-see in the Great Smoky Mountains. If you haven’t been then make sure to add this to your itinerary for your next Smoky Mountain Adventure. Don’t forget to have your AllTrails app handy when you visit, this helpful app will help you stay on course and not accidentally turn on the Appalachian Trail. Trust me that would make for a really long detour.
For more information and to see the trail firsthand, check out this Adventuring in the Moment video I made to help people along on their first visit to this epic spot (Note: this was filmed before the name change).
The 13-Mile Hiking Trail in North Carolina That Is a Fall Foliage Wonderland
Explore the breathtaking beauty of North Carolina's vibrant autumn landscape along this scenic 13-mile hiking trail, perfect for leaf-peepers and nature enthusiasts alike.
Editor's Note: Hurricane Helene in late September 2024 did substantial damage to this area of the state, so make sure to check out the National Park Service website for current conditions.
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Travelers flock from all over the country to admire the fall foliage in the Tar Heel State. Whether you're enjoying a leaf-peeping road trip or taking a train ride through the mountains, we're well known for having some of the best reds, golds, and oranges in the entire nation. One of my favorite ways to get out and enjoy the season is by exploring some hiking trails, and we certainly have some great ones here! If you're looking to check out a wonderful trail with some epic views, it doesn't get much better than the Tanawha Trail off the Blue Ridge Parkway near Blowing Rock. The vistas here are absolutely incredible at any time of year, but add in nature's beautiful rainbow of colors in the autumn and it's a complete sensory masterpiece.
This is a lengthy trek, at 13 miles from point to point, but you'll find several entrance points along the Blue Ridge Parkway. If you aren't up for the entire journey, you can always opt to explore a shorter section of the hike, which will be just as beautiful but less physically taxing. The entire path takes most hikers a little under six hours, but it's an adventure you'll never forget.
The views from this trail are the epitome of magnificence. It's a wonderful place to fall back in love with the beauty of the North Carolina mountains. The trail's name is derived from the Cherokee word for "hawk," which is pretty fitting for these bird's-eye vantage points!
The fall foliage in this state region tends to peak from early to mid-October. The Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the most popular places for leaf-peeping in North Carolina, but the Tanawha Trail's strenuous nature means it's typically pretty peaceful and secluded.
One thing that stays consistent throughout, though, is those gorgeous views!
For more information about the Tanawha Trail in the Blue Ridge Mountains, check out our friends at AllTrails. If you're a regular hiker in North Carolina, consider a free trial of AllTrails+. You'll get all the benefits of a free account, plus downloadable trail maps, turn-by-turn directions, trail guides, and so much more! It's my favorite place to discover new adventures, whether I'm on the road or looking a little closer to home.
