Stay and Play in the Smokies
Granite City

Granite City

Categories: Hiking & Backpacking
Coordinates
35.04486, -83.13746
 
County
Macon County
 
Nearest City
Highlands
 
Hike Distance
0.2 mile
Distance From
Highlands: 5.8 miles

Difficulty Levels

  • Hike7

Highlights

  •  Really cool and unique place to explore and "Boulder" 
  •  Not suitable for small kids unless under supervision of adults
  •  We suggest rugged hiking shoes/boots for this area
  • Steep but very short climb to "Granite City"
  • Nearby activities like:  Scenic Drives, Hiking, Swimming, Fishing and Historic locations

Description

We show you the small parking area, the trail up and the entrance to the "Granite City"

The Local Scoop

Granite City is an excellent place for exploration and to do some "bouldering". Bouldering can be a dangerous sport but can also be exhilarating at the same time. Be sure to wear the proper footwear and clothes to this area. It is actually one of our favorite places to explore in the Highlands/Cashiers, NC area.
A few things to keep in mind:
- If bringing children along with your group, be sure to keep them well supervised
- The caves that the fallen rock have created produce great hiding places for critters
- Take your time when leaving this area, the trail back down is steep

Some recommended activities nearby:

  • Whiteside Cove Road (Scenic Drive)
  • Grimshawes (Historic)
  • Chattooga River Cliffs Trail (Upper) (Hiking)
  • Cashiers Sliding Rock (Swimming & Fishing)

Local Directions

From Highlands
From main intersection of U.S. Hwy-64/ N.C. Hwy-28 in Highlands, NC drive through main street until the road turns into Horse Cove Road (just past Mountain Fresh Grocery on your Right). Take this winding road down the plateau for 4.5 miles, going through approx. 40 curves on the way down. At 4.5 miles you'll come to a fork in the road with a mileage sign in front of you. From here take the Left onto "Whiteside Cove Road". Follow this gravel and paved road for 1.3 miles to narrow parking and trailhead on your Left. From here head straight up hill till you come to a small gorge. Bear left to the city.

From Cashiers 
Drive south on N.C. Hwy-107 for 1.7 miles to a Right onto "Whiteside Cove Road." Take this road for 6.6 miles to trailhead on your Right and narrow parking.