Highlights

•  Connects Vanhook Glade Campground to Cliffside Lake Area 
•  Short, family friendly hike to the lake 
•  Swimming, Fishing, Hiking and Picnic within the area

The Local Scoop

We only recommend using this trail if staying in the Vanhook Glade Campground due to no parking for folks not actually camping. The trailhead is located approximately half way through the paved loop on the right. Head uphill to the Cliffside Lake Recreation area in a very short distance. Take your kids for a dip in the lake on a hot summers day via the trail. Or if it's easy access fishing you desire, bring your fishing tackle along to catch some nice mountain trout for the frying pan later on that night. Cliffside lake is stocked regularly with Brook and Rainbow trout and is a great place for kids to experience fishing.

The Local Directions

From the intersection of U.S. Hwy-64 East and U.S. Hwy-23/441 North in Franklin take Hwy-64 East towards Highlands, NC for approx. 12.7 miles. Look for a brown and white Nantahala National Forest sign on the Right hand side (Entrance on your Left) of U.S. 64 at 12.7 miles. Trail intersects with the paved drive towards the back of the campground. If coming from Highlands, take U.S. Hwy-64 West from red light @ intersection of U.S. Hwy-64/N.C. Hwy-28 in Highlands for 4.1 miles, and Vanhook Glade will be on your Right. Trail intersects with the paved drive towards the back of the campground.

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Coordinates

35.07799, -83.24677

Hike Distance

0.3 mile (one-way)

Access

Easy via US Hwy-64 &
paved loop inside Vanhook Glade Campground

Nearest City

Highlands

County

Macon County

Distance From

Highlands, 4.1 miles
Franklin, 12.7 miles