Your Ultimate Guide to Lake Glenville Hiking Trails

Lake Glenville, nestled in the picturesque mountains of Western North Carolina, is not just a haven for boaters and fishers, but it's also a hiker's paradise. With trails offering breathtaking views and paths winding through lush landscapes, it’s a destination that beckons to adventurers and nature lovers alike. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a family looking to make memories in the great outdoors, Lake Glenville has a trail for you.

Here are our favorite hikes that will make your Lake Glenville getaway unforgettable:

1. Whiteside Mountain: A Scenic Loop with a Tri-State View

Duration: 1 hour loop

Highlights: Panoramic vistas of Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina.

Google Maps - Whiteside Mountain Trail

Set off on an invigorating journey up Whiteside Mountain, where the promise of a panoramic view across three states awaits you. This is more than a hike; it's a trek through time, with cliffs dating back over 450 million years. As you follow the well-trodden path, anticipate the awe-inspiring moment when the world unfolds beneath you. It’s a breathtaking experience you can’t miss!

2. Panthertown Valley: The Yosemite of the East

Duration: Flexible (Extensive trail system)

Highlights: Waterfalls, rivers, mountain peaks, and valley floors.

Google Maps - Salt Rock Gap Trailhead in Panthertown Valley

Panthertown Valley offers a smorgasbord of nature's finest spectacles. It’s a vast expanse where every step heralds a new discovery and there are a countless series of trails to explore. From the Salt Rock Gap parking area it's just you can access an array of awe inspiring vistas, cascading waterfalls to serene valley floors and the surrounding forest from mighty peaks to flowing rivers. Panthertown Valley is where adventure roams free. Trek through what's fondly called the 'Yosemite of the East', and let the beauty of Panthertown's diverse landscapes inspire your spirit. Make sure you pick up a map at Highland Hiker in Cashiers before you go as the trails are well marked but the area is massive and a map always comes in handy.

3a. High Falls - North Trailhead / Rough Run: An Exhilarating Trek Along the Tuckaseegee

Duration: 90 minutes

Highlights: Waterfalls resembling Niagara Falls during water releases.

Google Maps - High Falls North Trailhead

Prepare for an adrenaline-pumping spectacle at High Falls Trail. This moderate hike rewards you with nature's awe-inducing power as High Falls empties water from Lake Glenville into the West Fork of the Tuckasegee River. On planned dam release days when Duke Energy accelerates the flow from Lake Glenville, High Falls is resembles Niagra falls and turns the west fork into a 5 mile stretch of world-class whitewater rapids, brining whitewater kayakers from across the country. On days when the river isnt raging this hike also offers ample access to beaches and swimming holes in the the river. Dogs can be off leash and frolic on the trails and in the Tuckasegee River.

3b. High Falls - South Trailhead - The Stairway to Heaven

Duration: 90 minutes

Google Maps - High Falls South Trailhead

Starting just across from the inviting Pines Recreation Area on Lake Glenville, this trail is your stairway to natural wonder. From the parking area, the trail takes you down a series of stone stairs windy through the beauty of the Smokey Mountains. As you descend to the heart of the waterfall. With each step, the roar of the falls grows louder, a promise of the grand spectacle below. Allow yourself to be engulfed in the majesty of nature's creation as you reach the base, where the mighty High Falls confronts you in all its glory.

4. Silver Run Falls: A Serene Escape to a Waterfall Wonderland

Duration: Short hike

Google Maps - Silver Run Falls

Highlights: Breathtaking waterfall and swimming hole with a root ladder to the falls' top.

Escape the summer heat with a short and sweet trek to Silver Run Falls. The trail begins just steps from Hwy 107 just south of Cashiers, NC. Within minutes from the parking lot you’ll be face-to-face with a cascading waterfall that invites you to dip into its refreshing swimming pool. For the adventurer within, scale the natural root ladder to the summit of the falls and conquer the view. Sometimes, the best rewards don’t require the longest journey.

5. Iron Bridge and the Chattooga River Headwaters: Hike the Beginnings of a Wild River

Duration: Flexible

Highlights: A scenic waterfall bridge and trail along the wild Chattooga River.

Directions: Google Maps

Just south of Lake Glenville, where the headwaters of the Chattooga River sing their rushing song, lies a scenic wrought-iron bridge with views to take your breath away. Follow the river's flow and bask in the solitude of nature, or simply savor the sound of water cascading beneath you. A hike here isn't just a walk; it's a dance with the wildness of a river unbound.

Summary

As you lace up your boots and set out on these trails, remember that every step is an opportunity to make new memories and bask in the great outdoors. Lake Glenville isn’t just a place—it’s a journey. And it’s one you'll want to take time and time again.  So what are you waiting for, come experience it for yourself.