Trail Maps of HCLT Public Access Areas
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HCLT Hiking Trails around Highlands
Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust has several trails in Highlands that are open to the public. Check out our Trails Map or scroll down for maps of individual properties.
Coming Soon: Hiking Trails in Cashiers at our newly conserved property, Edward Baker Preserve! |
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Edward Baker Preserve
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate Edward Baker Preserve is a 60 acre preserve located just minutes from Cashiers NC. The preserve features around 3 miles of trails with varying difficulty that take you through multiple different ecosystem types. Parking is available on site via gravel parking pad. Length: Approx. 3 miles of trails Google Maps Directions to the preserve |
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Brushy Face Preserve
Difficulty: Moderate. Heading out from the trail head at the cul-de-sac, this trail crosses through a wide range of habitats including old growth forests and spring wildflower coves then crosses over Clear Creek. Length: 1.2 mile loop. Watch a video of Brushy Face EcoScenes |
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Dixon Woods Park
Difficulty: Easy. A network of trails, including a trail around Dixon Pond, covers our flattest property in Highlands. This park features picnic tables, benches, easy forest trails, and an in-progress pocket meadow. Length: Over 1 mile of trails. Dixon Woods info and Directions |
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Kelsey Trail Preserve
Difficulty: Moderate. From the end of North 5th Street, this trail follows a historic oxcart road and connects to another of our properties, Rhododendron Park. This preserve features historic trails, old growth trees, and pleasant creeks. Length: 1 mile round trip. |
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McKinney Meadow
Difficulty: Easy. From the Cashiers Crossroads, take 107 S for ½ mile. Turn slight right onto Cashiers School Rd. Limited parking is on the left. This is a native mountain meadow along the southern entrance into Cashiers. The property has a short mowed grass trail loop through a spectacular display of native plants and wildflowers. |
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Pinky Falls
Difficulty: Easy From Highlands, take US 64 East then turn left onto Flat Mountain Road. Limited parking is just past the bridge on your right. Please be mindful of blocking traffic and park with care. This short trail takes you down from the parking pull-off to view a pleasant cascading waterfall (Pinky Falls) that plunges into Randall Lake. Length: 1/3 mile round trip. |
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Pittillo Family Nature Preserve
Nodding Trillium Garden and Henson Ridge Loop Difficulty: Easy-Moderate. From Cullowhee, take Old Cullowhee Rd north to Cane Creek Rd. Drive approximately 0.6 miles up Cane Creek Rd and the Pittillo Family Nature Preserve is located on the left. The trail starts at the gravel parking lot located directly off the road. This preserve features one of the most impressive collections of native plants and wildflowers in Western North Carolina. Length: 0.8 mile round trip Watch Video: Stories from Nodding Trillium Garden |
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Sunset & Sunrise Rocks
at Ravenel Park Difficulty: Moderate. From the parking area on Horse Cove Road, this trail climbs a gravel road to two scenic viewpoints, Sunset and Sunrise Rocks. These trails offer impressive vistas and rare ecosystems. Please be aware that this park features dangerous cliff faces. Please use caution when visiting these beautiful rock outcroppings, especially in winter months when ice is present. Length: 1.1 mile round trip. Watch video: Explore Ravenel Park |
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Rhodes Big View
Difficulty: Easy. This viewing area is located on the Macon and Jackson County boarder. From Highlands, take US 64 east to the Macon/Jackson County line. From Cashiers, take US 64 West to the Jackson/Macon County line. This is the popular viewing spot for the famous "Shadow of the Bear" phenomenon that occurs in October to November, and February to March. It overlooks the upper Chattooga River Valley with incredible views of multiple mountains including Whiteside, Chimneytop, and Rock Mountains. There are no trails located here. **Please note that this viewing area is along US Highway 64 with very limited parking, please use extreme caution while visiting.** |
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Rhododendron Park
Difficulty: Hard. This preserve offers hiking trails with fairly significant elevation gain. The trail follows a number of stone stairways as it curves around Big Bear Pen Mountain through dense rhododendron forests. Length: ~0.6 miles round trip. |
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Satulah Mountain Difficulty: Hard. Beginning in downtown Highlands, this trail follows a paved road for a mile up the mountain to a cul-de-sac. From here, a moderate trail follows a historic decommissioned road to the summit of the mountain that features nearly 360 degree views of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee mountains. This preserve features historic structures, incredible vistas, rare ecosystems, and gorgeous rock outcroppings. Please be aware that this park features dangerous cliff faces. Please use caution when visiting these beautiful rock outcroppings, especially in winter months when ice is present. Length from town: 3 miles round trip. *Please note that Satulah Road beyond the Worley Road intersection is highly congested and there is nowhere to turn around or a location suitable for dropping off hikers. HCLT recommends parking in town and walking the road up to the trailhead. |
Highlands Plateau Greenway Trail Map
The Highlands Plateau Greenway connects established trail systems within Highlands, NC. It includes our public properties, as well as other partners including: the Town of Highlands, Highlands Biological Station, and the Bascom Center for the Visual Arts.
Click map to enlarge.
For more information, please visit their website.
The Highlands Plateau Greenway connects established trail systems within Highlands, NC. It includes our public properties, as well as other partners including: the Town of Highlands, Highlands Biological Station, and the Bascom Center for the Visual Arts.
Click map to enlarge.
For more information, please visit their website.