Join us as we explore some of the most beautiful scenery in the Southeast. Highlands, NC is located on beautiful plateau overlooking valleys into Georgia and South Carolina. We'll hike three different trails with gorgeous valley views, mountain streams, and amazing waterfalls!

Atlanta, Asheville, and Greenville are all invited on this day hike. We'll rendezvous at Bear Mountain Outfitters in Highlands, NC.

From our rendezvous point we'll head to Whiteside Mountain just a short drive away. This 2 mile loop hike takes us to the 4,940 feet summit which sits on the eastern Continental Divide. The trail takes us along sheer cliffs which are the highest in the eastern U.S.

We'll then take another short drive to the Glen Falls trailhead west of town. From here we can access both the Chinquapin Mountain and Glen Falls trails.

The Glen Falls trail is a 2.8 mile round trip out and back hike to see the 3 cascades of Glen Falls. The trail is very steep and follows the east fork of Overflow Creek.

We'll then hike up to the summit Chinquapin mountain. The 3.2 mile loop features some great log bridges and stream crossings. Our reward for the climb will be stunning vistas into the Blue Valley!

After our hikes we'll head into Highlands for pizza dinner!

Please note this is an all day trip. With drive and hiking time plus dinner we'll be getting back home late evening. So please plan for a full but leisurely day!

Required Items: Hiking Shoes and Cold Weather Hiking Attire, Water - 2 liters, Lunch and Snacks
Recommended Items: Camera, Trekking Poles, a Smile!

Distance: 8 miles total
Type: Whiteside and Chinquapin - Loop; Glen Falls - Out and Back
Terrain: Moderate
Elevation Gain: Whiteside - 400ft; Chinquapin - 500ft; Glen Falls - 750ft
Rating: Moderate to strenuous due to climbs. Glen Falls is quite steep!
Expected Pace: Moderate 2mph
Expected Duration: 7 hrs including time for views and driving

Drive time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Carpool Location: REI at 31 Schenck Parkway, Asheville, NC 28803.
Carpool Time: 8:00am with departure at 8:15am sharp. We cannot wait for those arriving late. Please be gassed up and ready to go!

Carpool Costs: Your driver will determine the actual costs and divide among riders. Please be courteous and pay your driver. Distance is 124 miles round trip. Approximate cost is $5 per person. Assumes 20mpg and 4 persons per vehicle.

Note: This is a cold weather hike. Please be prepared with layered clothing, gloves, and head cover. There is also the possibility of snow and ice on terrain. Prper footwear and trekking poles are highly recommended. The current FORECAST calls for variable cloudiness with some snow showers. The high is 40 degrees though so it will not stick and the trails will be passable. Should be beautiful!