North Carolina is celebrating the Year of the Trail in 2023, and we asked our employees to share some of their favorites that you can find HERE. But we didn’t want to ignore the fabulous offerings in Tennessee, South Carolina, and Virginia, which are also home to Mast General Stores. 

Trails can take many forms – they can be simple dirt paths, paved greenways, and even water! No matter what kind of trail you are enjoying, it is important to remember the Seven Principles of Leave No Trace. By following these guidelines, you are helping ensure that the next person who ventures out on the trail will have the same experience as you, and you’re also taking steps to protect yourself.

1. Plan Ahead and Prepare – Check the regulations of the area where you will be hiking, look at the weather report and plan for any sudden changes, avoid times of high usage, carry a map and compass. Also, be sure to let someone know where you will be hiking and when you plan to return.?
2. Travel & Camp on Durable Surfaces – Stay on the trail and camp only in areas where a good campsite can be found. Walk single file in the middle of the trail (even when it’s raining and muddy; this’ll help keep the trail from “growing”).
3. Dispose of Trash Properly – If you take it in, you should bring it back out, and you might take an extra bag to pick up others’ trash while you’re on the trail. Don’t toss your organic waste in the woods – banana and orange peels can take seven months to two years to break down! And, if no toilets or latrines are available, solid human waste should be buried in a cat hole dug 6-8 inches deep and at least 200 feet from the trail or water sources. 
4. Leave What You Find – While it’s tempting to pick a flower or take home a rock, they should all be left in their “homes.” And, if you are out and about often in different areas of the country, don’t forget to clean your boots and gear to make sure you’re not introducing a non-native species from another region. 
5. Minimize Campfire Impacts – Use only established fire rings, or better yet, use a lightweight stove for cooking and a lantern for light. Keep fires small and burn the campfire to ash and douse completely, scatter the cool ashes.
6. Respect Wildlife – Observe from a distance and do not approach, surprise, or feed them. Keep your pets under your control and on a leash at all times.
7. Be Considerate of Others – Respect others and their experience; avoid loud voices and noise, so people can enjoy the sounds of nature. 

 

Recommendations 

South Carolina  

Trail Name: South Carolina Botanical Gardens 
Trail Location: Clemson, SC 
Recommended by: Olivia F.  
Mast Location: Greenville 
Trail Description: The South Carolina Botanical Gardens are located on the Clemson University campus. It is a pretty garden area with walking trails, both paved and "dirt" paths. It has some small hills but for the most part seems flat. It is approximately 300 acres and it is free to the public. There is a caboose, swings, a cabin, a butterfly garden with a kid-themed area nearby, and a pond with a gazebo along with the trails. There are flowers blooming throughout the year. You can find wildlife, fish, turtles, geese, lizards, and insects in the gardens. 
Why is this Trail One of Your Favorites?: This is one of my favorite places because it's not a challenging walk, and there are many photo opportunities. Some of my favorite photos were taken here. It’s also somewhere that I’ve grown up visiting. 

 
Trail Name: Sassafras Loop Trail 
Trail Location: Paris Mountain State Park, Near Greenville, SC 
Recommended by: Greg E. 
Mast Location: Greenville 
Trail Description: The Sassafras Loop Trail is a fairly new trail having opened about a year ago.  I believe it was very well thought out, designed, and built. The trailhead is easily accessible by parking at "Shelter 5" inside of Paris Mountain State Park.  It lends itself to most hiking abilities and is relatively kid friendly.  Its length is slightly shorter than two miles & has an elevation gain of a bit under 400'.  It is steeper on the northern segment with more of a gradual pitch on the southern segment – take this into account if you prefer a steeper climb or descent. As the name suggests, it is a loop as opposed to an out and back.  It is a hiking AND biking trail. To eliminate surprise encounters between the two, hikers and bikers are instructed (by directional signs) which direction to travel, and they are in opposite directions.  Every month, Paris Mountain rangers reverse the direction of the trail for both bikers and hikers, so you get a completely different experience on the same trail depending on what month it is. As far as technical trail features are concerned, there are a few short areas of protruding rocks on and around the trail, but for the most part, it is very well-groomed. 
Why is this Trail One of Your Favorites?: I, personally, am an avid mountain biker that prefers steep, technical, and advanced mountain bike trails. I have tons of favorite trails in that category, but I thought it would be better to spotlight a trail that many more folks may enjoy AND not know about. At only two miles and with convenient access to parking, I like it for an "add-on" trail to extend a ride from the other in-park trails. I also like it as a hiker due to it being wide enough in many places to walk with a hiking partner and not necessarily have to stay single file. Whether riding or hiking, I also like the seclusion of the trail. There are no roads or houses nearby, so you truly feel like you’re in the wilderness. 

Tennessee 

Trail Name: Jane Bald 
Trail Location: Appalachian Trail/Roan Mountain State Park in Tennessee 
Recommended by: Shelby K. 
Mast Location: Original Store 
Trail Description: It is a moderate hike that starts at Carver’s Gap and goes over Round Bald and before Grassy Bald. It takes just a few hours to complete out and back.  
Why is this Trail One of Your Favorites?: Jane Bald is one of my favorite hikes because it is not too hard and not too crowded. One of its best features are the 360-degree views of the mountains around you. 

Trail Name: Curry Mountain Trail 
Trail Location: Near Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park 
Recommended by: Jim M. 
Mast Location: Knoxville 
Trail Description: I live in Knoxville, TN, and when I want to get out for a quick/quiet hike in the Smokies, I head to the Curry Mountain Trail out Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area. This trail is 3.3 miles one way and is basically uphill, with the steepest section being the first half of the trail.  
Why is this Trail One of Your Favorites?: Park at the Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area, 9.8 miles west of the Sugarlands Visitor Center on the Little River Road. Walk east on the highway, back toward Sugarlands, for about a 1000 ft. the trailhead is located on the right side of the highway. The trail ends at the Meigs Mountain Trail. Turn right on Meigs Mountain trail and in less than a 1/4 mile you will come to a cemetery or your right that once served the Jakes Creek Community. I always like to have lunch at the cemetery. I have always felt they don't get a lot of visitors. Just off the trail near the cemetery is an old home site that you will have to look to find. 

Trail Name: Ghost House Trail 
Trail Location: Big Ridge State Park in Maynardville, Tennessee 
Recommended by: Regan Jordan 
Mast Location: Knoxville 
Trail Description: It is an easy-moderate 1.2-mile loop trail. The surface is “all natural.” Occasionally, if it has been raining, you might have to pass over a small stream or heavily mudded areas. There are some steep inclines throughout, but for the most part, it is level with the occasional man-made wooden foot bridge. It is a multi-use trail, so you can take your bike or dog.   
Why is this Trail One of Your Favorites?: I like this trail due to its history and my personal fascination with “supernatural phenomena.” Some visitors and locals say they have experienced eerie or unexplainable events during their hike along the trail. During the hike, you make a stop at the Norton Cemetery, where you can see a sunken grave of Maston Hutchinson, who passed away in the 1930s, along with additional family members in the lineage. Also along the trail, you make a stop at the famous "Ghost House," Maston's home that was thought to have been haunted.  

This trail intersects with a couple of other trails, including a trail with more cemeteries along the way. You also pass over a man-made lake. I did experience my own eerie phenomena along this trail. During previous hikes, I never heard or saw any creepy or eerie situations, until I was at each one of the gravesites. I went with a friend, and we went on a day where there was literally no one else walking the trail, so it was just us. While we were stopped at each gravesite, reading over the headstones, taking in all the history, there would be an old tree making the strangest noise, almost like a creaking noise. We only encountered this noise at the gravesites, not anywhere else along the trail. At the end of our hike, we came out onto a roadway passing by an old mill. This area is great for camping, hiking, kayaking, picnics, etc.  I also really enjoy this hike because it is not a busy area, so it is not like you are constantly running into other hikers or visitors during your time on the trail. With all the trails in this area, you could make it a long weekend of camping and hiking with friends or just as a solo trip. This is a great hike for beginners or light hikers or for people that may not have been hiking in a while and just want some good exercise while learning some history! 

Trail Name: Alum Cave Trail 
Trail Location: Near Gatlinburg, TN in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park 
Recommended by: Jayne W. 
Mast Location: Waynesville 
Trail Description: Alum Cave Trail is diverse and is an attraction for those of all levels of hiking ability. The trail overall is well-maintained by the national park. The first mile and a half of the trail is a gradual incline and runs along Walker Camp Prong and Alum Cave Creek. There are large trees as well as large rhododendron and boulders along the route that are a spectacular sight. This section of the trail is great for beginners or those who would like to complete a short, 3-mile hike out and back. At 1.4 miles you reach Arch Rock just after crossing a footbridge. You literally walk up stone steps though the inside of a rock. Many find this a great place to take photos of their journey.  

The next section of the trail begins a more moderate climb. Many head to Alum Cave Bluffs, at 2.3 miles, for lunch and head back down. A spot not to miss prior to the bluffs is called Inspiration Point at the 2-mile mark. The rock in this area is called Anakeesta Formation, formed by the same freeze-thaw erosion as Arch Rock. Views of the valley as well as the ridge lines that surround Inspiration Point are among the many breathtaking areas along this trail. Continuing along the trail, Alum Cave Bluffs is the next highlight. There has been much erosion in this area over the years, particularly since it is a popular destination for a day hike. In the late 1830s the Epsom Salts Manufacturing Company mined Epsom salts at the bluffs. Beyond the bluff is when the real climb begins for those who are up for a trip to the summit of Mt. LeConte.  

After the bluff you'll begin a moderate climb until you near the 2.7-mile mark. You'll then experience an 80' descent in less than a half mile before reaching an unnamed saddle. The most challenging part of the trail begins after the saddle. This section feels like an unending strenuous climb until you reach the stairs at 3.8 miles. Catch your breath at the top of the stairs and prepare to experience the most beautiful scenery the rest of the way - especially if you are hiking this trail from late fall through early to mid-spring. I highly recommend that you bring micro-spikes with you if you are hiking this trail during this time of year just in case there are icy sections, particularly those areas that do not get direct sun. Most of the sections that tend to have ice have steel cables to help you navigate. 

Words or pictures cannot fully describe or rightfully portray the beauty you will see the rest of your way to the Mt. LeConte summit. Have your phone ready to take pictures if you're making the climb on a clear day! 

When the trail makes a definite turn to the right, you will be hiking along the northern side of the mountain. You will be able to see Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, and even Knoxville if it is a clear day. You'll also be entering my absolute favorite part of the trail. Fraser Fir trees will surround you and the wonderful pine smell will surround you also. The trail ends when it junctions with the Rainbow Falls Trail, and you are then within a few hundred yards of Mt. LeConte Lodge. There are picnic tables and bathrooms available for day hikers. If you hike during the summer when the daylight hours are longer, I recommend trying two other excursions while you are already at the top. One is 0.2-mile to Cliff Tops, a popular spot for those spending the night to watch sunset. The other is Myrtle Point, 0.4 miles east of the lodge. You will see great views on the southern and northern sides of the mountain along the way, and a great 180-degree view once you reach Myrtle Point. Myrtle Point is a popular spot for sunrise for those spending the night on the mountain. 

Unless you plan to make overnight reservations at Mt. LeConte Lodge or the Mt. LeConte Shelter, this is a full-day excursion. Plan for six hours to hike to the summit and back; and more if you plan to stop along the way, take pictures, and/or check out Cliff Tops and Myrtle Point.  

I hope that if you plan to do this hike, you will thoroughly enjoy it as I and many others do!! Our group at Thanksgiving gets larger every year as it is addicting!  
Why is this Trail One of Your Favorites?: Of all the trails I have been on, Alum Cave Trail is the most scenic I have experienced. It is diverse enough that people of varying abilities can enjoy the trail. It is just beautiful, and there is even more to explore when you get to the top. I have several favorite trails, but my #1 favorite is the Alum Cave Trail in the Great Smoky Mountain (GSM) National Park. Prior to moving permanently to North Carolina, my husband and I fell in love with the GSM and in particular Mt. LeConte, the third-highest peak in the park at 6,593' elevation. Over the years we have hiked all five trails to the summit of Mt. LeConte. Alum Cave Trail is the shortest, and it has been our annual Thanksgiving Day hike for 7 years straight. 

Virginia & West Virginia 

Trail Name: Tinker Cliffs 
Trail Location: The trailhead is halfway between Catawba and Daleville on Virginia Highway 779. It's part of the Virginia Triple Crown, which includes McAfee Knob and Dragon's Tooth. 
Recommended by: Carson I. 
Mast Location: Roanoke 
Trail Description: The trail is 3.3 miles (6.6 miles out and back). There's a 1,700-ft. elevation gain to an amazing 360-degree view. There are some tough stretches with the elevation gain, but it is well worth it. 
Why is this Trail One of Your Favorites?: The views at the top are stunning, but the entire trail has unique aspects. It's a hard workout that provides a great reward at the end. It also intersects with the Appalachian Trail, and it's fun to chat with the backpackers at the summit.  

Trail Name: Cascade Falls Trail 
Trail Location: Jefferson National Forest near Pembroke, VA 
Recommended by: John D. 
Mast Location: Roanoke 
Trail Description: 3.8-mile out-and-back trail near Pembroke, Virginia. It is generally considered a moderately challenging route with a fantastic payoff at the end! You will cross 4 bridges and stone steps along the trail to the falls. The closer the trail gets to the falls, the more the trail clings to the steep banks. The terrain will get rougher, but the sights are astounding. 
Why is this Trail One of Your Favorites?: It's a scenic hike and the falls are spectacular at the end. The first time you do this hike, it will amaze you, and you'll look forward to going back. 

Trail Name: Limberlost Trail 
Trail Location: Shenandoah National Park near Syria, Virginia 
Recommended by: Alison K. 
Mast Location: Roanoke 
Trail Description: This trail is an easy 1.3-mile circuit trail that is handicap accessible. It takes you through a variety of vegetation, such as Mountain Laurel, pines, and open meadows. It is multi-use (people and horses).  There are other trails that connect with it, and we have encountered horseback riders. 
Why is this Trail One of Your Favorites?: This is one of my favorites because it is fully accessible for my daughter, who uses a wheelchair, or when we go on this trail, her mobility scooter. It gives me a chance to share a "hiking" experience with her. It is a nice trail deep into the woods with lots of photography opportunities to capture flowers, insects, etc. 

Trail Name: Buzzard Rock 
Trail Location: Read Mountain Preserve, which is just a few miles from Downtown Roanoke. The view from the top overlooks the Roanoke Valley. 
Recommended by: Jessica R. 
Mast Location: Roanoke 
Trail Description: Primarily used for hiking, this is a wooded, easy-to-moderate 3.6-mile out and back trail. The trail is mostly small rocks and roots and there are a few places that have some larger rock steps.  
Why is this Trail One of Your Favorites?: This trail doesn't require you to have to go deep into the woods to get the same deep woods feel. There are plenty of animals in the preserve, so you do have the opportunity to see wildlife. It is a pretty easy hike. The view at the top is beautiful and overlooks the Roanoke Valley. This is where I got engaged! 

Trail Name: Eagle’s Nest 
Trail Location: Sleepy Creek Wildlife Management Area, near Hedgesville, West Virginia 
Recommended by: Casey V. 
Mast Location: Roanoke 
Trail Description: The trail is steep at the beginning but relatively flat the rest of the way. It's 2.5 miles to the end (5 miles out and back). There are also some other loops branching off from the main trail, one of them leading to a great overlook of the valley. All along the trail in the wintertime, you can see great views.  
Why is this Trail One of Your Favorites?: It's not super busy, has wonderful views of the valley, and is a great intermediate hike.  

Trail Name: Flat Top Trail 
Trail Location: Peaks of Otter, Virginia 
Recommended by: Emma L. 
Mast Location: Roanoke 
Trail Description: Flat Top trail is often overlooked because of its next-door neighbor Sharp Top Mountain. Flat Top is 8 miles out and back and becomes gradually steeper as you walk up the four miles. The path is for hiking use only, and it is right on the Blue Ridge Parkway for relatively easy access. There are many benches along the trail, so you can comfortably take a breather (or two). 
Why is this Trail One of Your Favorites?: Flat Top is in one of the most renowned natural places in Virginia (Peaks of Otter), but I feel it is the best-kept secret and is often overlooked by others. The trail does not offer many views along the way but is home to an abundance of wildlife along the trail. Every time I have gone, I see all kinds of wildlife, from bears to snails, including my favorite- the eastern spotted newt. This secluded trail is my favorite hike in Virginia because when you reach the top, it feels like you are on top of the world. You emerge from the trees and are witness to the beauty of the Blue Ridge, a unique view that you won't experience from your car on the Blue Ridge Parkway below. There are three rock outcrops on top to choose for your view, with each one facing a different direction. Flat Top Trail is a hike worth doing time and time again.  

No matter where you live, there’s a trail, a greenway, or a garden nearby to explore and recharge. We hope you’ll share some of your trail tales with us on your social media when you’re outside this summer or any time. Just tag us in your post. 

Happy Hiking!