Here are 3 local(ish) hikes that I completed over the last month or so.
Margarette Falls Trail, Cherokee National Forest
Margarette Falls is one of the most popular waterfall trails in the area, boasting a picturesque fan-shaped, 60-foot drop. You can enjoy the same mountains and streams that Margaret Doak, the namesake of Margarette Falls, explored in the early 1920s. It's rated as moderate (I'd rate it easy/moderate) and is approx. 2.4 miles round trip. I ran into a dozen or so people even mid-week in early fall.
Little Stony Falls Trail, George Washington and Jefferson National Forests
There are actually 2 ways to get to Little Stone Falls - 1 hike is 5.3 miles and the other is approx. 1 mile. I did the 5.3 mile hike (rated as moderate) and I only ran into 5 people at the very end coming from the opposite direction. There were about 3 detours on the trial, as there's still damage from previous storms, but it's a lovely peaceful hike along the stream. You'll want to watch your footing as those detours take you over some rocky terrain. Unfortunately, now that Teddy's over 9 years old, these types of trails are getting harder on him so he'll have to be left at home on some of the hardest hikes. :(
Devil's Bathtub, Jefferson National Forest
This trail is extremely popular in the summer so I waited until November as I dislike crowds. The sign at the trailhead urges caution as 100 people a year need to be rescued from this area. The swimming hole is prone to flash flooding and there are about 8 stream crossings. The water is crystal clear and cold! I was able to keep my feet dry during my hike as the water level was low. I did park in the designated parking lot (Do NOT park on private land - you will get towed!) which does require you to walk on the road for a bit before getting to the trail head. There is parking that's closer, but I didn't mind the extra distance.
