Looking for easy to moderate (and scenic) mountain trails

Hello,
After getting my sliders from @SOS CONCEPTS I’m going to be in Banner Elk, NC from Monday - Wednesday (March 4-6) then heading back home to Miami, FL on Thursday the 7th. My family and I have been to all the popular mountains in the area a few times but this time I’m not going with my family. I also drove through Tail of the Dragon and Newfound Gap Rd. into Tennessee & saw some snow.

On this trip I have Monday afternoon + all of Tuesday and Wednesday with no plans. I would really appreciate it if those of you who know this area could recommend some trails that I can drive through. Hopefully some creek crossings as well and some SNOW.

South Florida is flat and sandy and no creek crossings. I’ll be by myself so I can’t risk getting stuck. My truck is a ‘15 DCSB TRD O/R 4WD 4.0. Auto.

I remember a customer of mine mentioning “Old Highway 105 Trail”. Where is this and is it an easy trail? Also, if anyone is available to tag along then let me know as well.

Thank you.

 

Old NC105 is from Lake James to Linville. Runs along Linville Gorge and Falls. You can get to it from I40 or up 181 from Morganton. It is easy but has a nice view. Wiseman’s View is the scenic overlook. Free camping along the road if site is available!
There are some forest roads of 181 near Brown Mountain which are easy also..

 

@Pirate1975. That is great info! THANK YOU!

I will definitely put this route in my trip!

 

@Pirate1975, I was looking on Google Maps just now & I see there are a few walking trails as well. Looks like I can spend a good amount of time there.
Are there any water falls visible from the trail? I've been to Linville Falls before but many years ago. Also, any water/creek crossings in the area?

 

No creek crossings I know of. You can look down from Wiseman’s and see the river, of course the little hike at the falls parking area.

Most of our waterfalls are on HWY64/70 by Chimney Rock. Quite a few actually but off the main highway with small hikes. There is a western nc thread on here I believe. May can post there.

On 80 by the Hemlock Recreation Area you can walk across a little swinging bridge over the S. Toe River. You can also drive your truck across there also..Mt. Mitchell isn’t far from there either.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/western-north-carolina-tacomas.393516/

 

@Pirate1975 .
Thank you very much.

 

Any hiking in 'The Gorge' will be like hiking Grand Canyon ... harder than it looks.
If going South to North, the gorge is on your right. There are lots of view points, places to stop for lunch, and a lot of campsites, too.

Pinnacle is a great short walk to a view. On the south end not too long after you start north. Not marked.

 

Well, This should be enough to keep me busy for 2 days. Thank you!

 

Camping in the gorge is awesome. The only (pit) rest room on the 105 is at Wisemans View or at the Falls.
Bring water, too.
Gotta check out Famous Louise's Rock House Restaurant at the north end. The pies!!!
Photos on the wall of The Gorge rats.

Weather close to the Gorge... http://morgantonweather.com/Forecast/Morganton

 

Thank you for the tips. I definitely plan to just to be safe, and hydrated. I will check out that link when I get some time today.

You & @Pirate1975 have been very helpful. I can definitely keep my self occupied with this info. Hopefully next year my wife & I will go again. Maybe in her '16 4Runner Trail.

 

I mean there is not a water source on the road. There is a Ranger Station Information Booth at the North end.

 

OK. Got it.

 

I remember that bridge from my visit in 2014. I think there’s a sign that says no more than 2 or 3 people at a time. Where around there can you off road a bit? Any water crossings in that area? I only remember the bridge.

 

Not really anywhere I am aware. The dirt road by the golf course closes in the winter. It has a campground and also a few free spots and comes out on the parkway before Mt. Mitchell.
Hurricane Creek is near the Tennessee line off I40.
Other than finding some forestry roads, not really aware of anything. Should be able to google forestry roads or try a trail app??

 

Thank you.

 

Were these pics taken at Wisemans Overlook? On Google Maps all I see is a place to park off of the old highway, then a walking trail to the actual overlook. I'd like to go where you took these pics.

 

They were not. I just stopped on the side of the road..
Wiseman’s has a parking area and a very short walk..

 

Just happened on this thread thanks for the info. I'm going to have to try that old hwy 105 myself.