10 Geologic Formations in North Carolina Mountains That You Shouldn't Miss

July 12, 2021 Trinity Boughner

Discover the best top things to do in North Carolina Mountains, United States including Colt Creek, Francis Lightener Ledge, Linville Gorge Wilderness Area, Nantahala National Forest, Whiteside Mountain, Looking Glass Rock, Sliding Rock, Linville Gorge, Jump Off Rock, Cullasaja River Gorge.
Restaurants in North Carolina Mountains

1. Colt Creek

Hendersonville, NC
Excellent
100%
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Stream running along the nature trail at Pearson's Falls Glen.

2. Francis Lightener Ledge

Hendersonville, NC
Excellent
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

Site at Pearson's Falls Glen, named for a member of the club that runs this wilderness area.

3. Linville Gorge Wilderness Area

Old NC Hwy 105, Linville, NC +1 828-652-2144 http://www.hdcarolina.com/episode/babel-tower
Excellent
80%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
3%
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5.0 based on 220 reviews

Linville Gorge Wilderness Area

This area, which offers hiking, camping, birdwatching and wildlife, was named for William Linville who was killed here by Indians in the 1700s.

Reviewed By Bowmanator22 - Charlotte, United States

Hiked from Wolf Pit Rd trailhead to Table Rock summit (8 miles/3,000+ foot climb) and then back down. The whole trip took over 8 hours, was very grueling, but provided magnificent views! Definitely has to be one of the most scenic hikes in NC!

4. Nantahala National Forest

NC
Excellent
84%
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5.0 based on 37 reviews

Nantahala National Forest

The mountainous southwestern tip of North Carolina is overspread by the 527,486-acre Nantahala National Forest, which features a magnificent river gorge for kayaking or rafting, plus other popular sites for hiking, fishing, camping and boating.

Reviewed By smkymtnrev - Englewood, United States

The Nantahala National Forest is too large and diverse to adequately review as a singular place to visit. The area of my liking is that remote section of upper Santeelah Creek which is reached by driving down an old logging road from the Cherohala Skyway. This area is both remote and beautiful....and offers a pretty quick escape from the busyness of life to folks in both TN and NC.

5. Whiteside Mountain

Highlands, NC
Excellent
81%
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5.0 based on 27 reviews

Whiteside Mountain

Reviewed By TrailBlazer780224

Excellent views and lots of fun. The hike is a medium difficulty level. If you are afraid of heights it may not be for you.

6. Looking Glass Rock

Pisgah Forest, NC http://Nps.gov
Excellent
81%
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4.5 based on 147 reviews

Looking Glass Rock

A geological formation that is made of pure quartz and has been a sacred site of the native Cherokee Nation.

Reviewed By bradleyland - Vero Beach, United States

Looking Glass Rock is an iconic location that many only see from the Blue Ridge Parkway overlook. Do yourself a favor and make the hike from the other side, look back at the Blue Ridge Parkway, and give the onlookers a wave :) This hike gains roughly 1,700 ft of (cumulative) elevation along its 3 mile route, but the incline is mostly steady, spread out over the entire distance. It's a great hike for anyone looking to step up from easier hikes that lack elevation gain. The mixed commentary here on TA is likely owed to varying fitness levels. I would not consider any part of this trail technical, but there are some sections that require you to make considerable "steps" up or down, so you'll need to be able bodied. There is only one rocky section, but it can be circumnavigated fairly easily. The hike up is somewhat varied, including wooded valleys and dense tree tunnels. Trail surface varies between light gravel, clay, stone, and even some sand. The mid section includes a series of switchbacks that show obvious signs of scrambling :( Please resist the temptation. We visited in August, with a temperature of around 75°F and clear skies. It hadn't rained for a couple of days, so the trail was reasonably dry, with some wet spots here and there. There are obvious signs of water erosion on the trail though, so if you're headed here after considerable rain, don't wear anything you'd hate to get muddy. Personally, I'd recommend hiking boots, as there are a ton of roots on the trail, but we saw plenty of people in tennis shoes and even sandals. Inadequate footwear will require extra diligence, but shouldn't slow you down. As far as wildlife, BEWARE of yellow jackets in summer months. One landed on my sock, got pinched by my boot, and stung me good. My AllTrails recording shows that we took 3hrs 10min to make the hike, with a moving time of 3hrs 6min, so basically a 30 minute per mile pace, which felt like a moderate workout, but not heart-pounding. Our fitness level is average, and we live in Florida, so elevation really kicks our butts.

7. Sliding Rock

Pisgah Forest, NC +1 828-877-3265 http://www.visitnc.com/listing/sliding-rock
Excellent
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4.5 based on 897 reviews

Sliding Rock

Waterfall slide, sending 11,000 gallons of water down a huge rock each minute.

Reviewed By TheRobinsons57 - Pembroke Pines, United States

This place always delivers fun, and you must slide down the rocks aleast once in your life.. Was here three years ago. And nothing change except now there charge to use the restroom thsts a bummer.. .

8. Linville Gorge

Gingercake Road, Linville Falls, NC 28647 +1 828-652-2144 [email protected] http://www.ncnatural.com/Resources/Adventure/Gorge/Linville-Gorge.html
Excellent
72%
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4.5 based on 404 reviews

Linville Gorge

Reviewed By 607jayb - Fairhope, United States

This free public attraction offers several great hiking options. The easiest is a short (less than one mile) and fairly flat hike through the beautiful mountain woods to the Linville Falls viewing area. It's well worth the walk, but do be sure and wear comfortable, hard soled shoes. After a rain, there will be a few muddy spots and the rocks at the falls can be a bit slippery. There are two other trails for the more adventurous and aggressive hikers. NOTE: If you enjoy a more quiet experience, go very early. This is a popular attraction and gets crowded and noisy on weekends and during the summer vacation period. Parking can also be a real pain when crowded.

9. Jump Off Rock

Laurel Park Highway, Laurel Park, NC http://historichendersonville.org/jump_off_rock.htm
Excellent
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4.5 based on 144 reviews

Jump Off Rock

Reviewed By AussiePD - Alexandra Hills, Australia

The views from Jump off Rock across to the Blue Ridge Mountains is certainly worth the winding drive up. At the summit there are a number of boards that provide the history and also board that point out what you are looking at in the distance.

10. Cullasaja River Gorge

28 US Highway 64/State Road, Highlands, NC 28741 http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/nfsnc/null/recarea/
Excellent
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4.5 based on 127 reviews

Cullasaja River Gorge

Reviewed By HappyGirl1145 - Asheville, United States

Staying in Franklin so I took the scenic highway (64E/NC28) over to Sylva. There are four waterfalls visible from the roadside along this narrow winding road. Road is in great condition. A really beautiful part of the country.

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