Our Winter Lights Videos

Dates, Hours and Tickets

Winter Lights for 2024 runs from 11/15/2024 - 1/4/2026.  

Tickets should be purchased in advance. In order to minimize the number of guests in the gardens at one time, this year's Winter Lights event will offer designated entry times (6:00 PM, 7:00 PM, or 8:00 PM). The entry gates close at 9:00 PM and Winter Lights closes for the day at 10:00 PM.

Visitors can arrive after their entry time and stay until 10:00pm.

Tickets are sold per vehicle (not per person) and in a tier system based on the size of your vehicle. 

How to get there

The North Carolina Arboretum is located next to the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 393. From I-26, take Exit 33 and follow NC 191 South for two miles to the entrance on the right.

Upon arrival at the gate, please have your printed ticket ready to scan. Your ticket will be emailed to you after your online purchase.

Best Address for GPS:
20 Frederick Law Olmsted Way
Asheville, NC 28806

To aid the flow of traffic, please plan to approach the event from NC 191 South (Brevard Rd.), passing the Asheville Outlets and turning right into the event. The Arboretum is asking that attendees do not turn left into the event from the Parkway.

The 2025 Dambo Trolls at Winter Lights

A brand new addition to Winter Lights this year is the Dambo Trolls, and they were a real highlight of our visit. We had heard about them, but seeing them in person at night is something special. The warm lights bring out the details in the wood and give the trolls a fun and slightly mysterious look that fits perfectly with the nighttime setting.

You’ll spot them in different areas as you walk the paths, and they add a sense of discovery to the experience. Families were gathered around them when we visited, with lots of kids running up for photos. The trolls feel like a natural part of the event and bring an extra layer of creativity and whimsy to the gardens.

Make sure to slow down and enjoy them. If you want photos without too many people around, try to stop by earlier in the evening before the crowds build. The trolls are one of the standout features this year and definitely something you’ll want to see in person.

Things to see and do

The Winter Lights event has a number of different displays, and the staff will be there to answer questions and provide maps of displays.

At Winter Lights you can experience: 

• Magnificent Monarchs - Lighted Butterflies around water
• Magical Maples - Beautiful lighted maple trees that change color
• Wishing Trees
• Rocky Cove Railroad - Decorated to the theme of the Polar Express

• Spring Sprouts
• Tree of Light - Animated Christmas tree with full of colors and animations
• Quilt Garden - The quilt flashes in sequence with the holiday music

• Fall Fungi - Explore the lighted mushrooms and flowers
• The Wishing Tree - Write your wish down, and place it on one of the wishing trees.
• and more!

You'll also find refreshment stands with snacks, holiday treats, and hot chocolate. Of course, no Christmas event is complete without Santa, who is there as well.

Here are all of the photos from our 2025 visit:

Tips and things to know before you go

We've been to Winter Lights a number of times over the years. In doing so, we've picked up a few important things you need to know, and some tips to help you enjoy your visit!

Things to know:

• Pets are not allowed
• The event is rain or shine
• Restrooms will be available in the Baker Visitor Center and Education Center, and there will be portable restrooms available for use.
• The event is wheelchair accessible
• Food and beverages are available: The Cocoa Shack, in the Gardener’s Shed, will sell hot cocoa, alcoholic beverages, and treats. The Bent Creek Bistro, at the Education Center, will sell small snacks, hot cocoa, alcoholic beverages and s’more kits. For 2025 there was also a vendor near the parking area.

Tips from us:

• Dress warm and in layers, it can be very cold and windy during the event.
• There is a lovely Christmas store in the Education Center full of unique and beautiful items
• Food, drinks, and snacks are also available, including hot chocolate (and beer)!
• Facing the Arboretum (you'll see the lights), we've found the easiest way to see all the lights is from the right side near the Education Center. You can then walk down to the Baker Visitor Center from there.
• Plan to arrive on time or shortly after your time, as they cannot allow people in early.
• The staff makes arrival and parking very easy - Just follow the directions from the entry gate, drive down the entry road, and watch for the parking attendants who will point you to the right place.
• The area is very dark, which makes the lights beautiful, BUT, it makes it difficult to get photos with a camera. Using your iPhone or a higher end digital camera is your best option.

Tube World - Maggie Valley

Located right here in our home base of Maggie Valley is Tube World, which is owned and operated by nearby Cataloochee Ski Resort.  

Tube World is located just across from the main parking area for the old Ghost Town in the Sky amusement park.  Tube World provides 12 different groomed tubing lanes. 

You'll grab one of their specially designed tubes, and fit the late perfectly, and head up the carpet covered and moving lift to the top.

We highly recommend you reserve your time and book your tickets online, to avoid long waits. Tickets can be reserved up to 2-weeks in advance. Minimum height requirement is 42".

Hungry or thirsty? Be sure to stop by Harvest Moon Crepes food truck for some great food and beverages!

Moonshine Mountain Snow Tubing Park - Hendersonville

Moonshine Mountain Snow Tubing Park is a wonderful place to go snow tubing near Asheville NC, with over 500 feet of snowy tubing fun!  

The park is fun for the whole family and provides for a fun day full of winter adventure. Visitors can zoom down the slopes solo or as a group train.

Tubing will work up and hungry and thirst, so grab a snack and warm up by the fire at the lodge, or visit the BBQ food truck to refuel.

The best way to experience Moonshine Mountain is arguably by train—snow-tube train. Link up your individual tubes for a 500-foot plunge into the crisp man-made powder. The tubes are provided by the park and sanitized between riders.

Once you’ve got your fill of the thrills, stop at the on-site Haus Heidelberg food truck for cozy German fare, like schnitzel and bratwurst. Then go back to the hill for more—on weekends, Moonshine Mountain is open for night-riding until 10pm.

Zip N Slip Snow Tubing Park - Mars Hill

Zip N Slip Snow Tubing Park in Mars Hill NC, just north of Asheville NC provides a premiere snow tubing experience for the whole family (ages 3 and up).  Tubers can use the parks multiple tubing lanes 20-30 times her hour. The magic carpet will take you back to the top, time and time again.  

Not into tubing, but want to watch?   Enjoy the Solarium with fireplace, for the perfect warm view.  You can also enjoy complimentary marshmallows over he open fire.

Reserve tickets are strongly recommended as Zip N Slip often sells out. Kids 5 and under are free!

Black Bear Snow Tubing - Hendersonville

For 2022, Black Bear Snow Tubing opens on December 17th for tons of winter tubing fun!   Black Bear offers multiple lane runs that are over 500 foot in length, made up of real snow.   Amenities include: rides to the top, a heated lodge for viewers, drinks, food, snacks, and a playground.

Black Bear provides some of the best snow tubing near Asheville NC, and is very popular with locals and visitors to the area.  Book your tickets in advance online to avoid waits and for optimal times.

Bonus - Black Bear offers summer tubing as well!

About Devil's Courthouse

Long before the parkway, roads, or even cars existed, the Cherokee lived, hunted, and traded in the surrounding mountains of Devil's Courthouse. The mountain itself was believed by the Cherokee to be where the devil (Judaculla in English and Tsul'Kalu in Cherokee) held court in the caves below the mountain.

Today, the mountain is a popular stopping point and overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The overlook has a large parking area that provides exceptional views of the towering mountain and bare cliffs near the top. There is also a picnic table here.  

Hiking to the top of Devil's Courthouse

For those looking for a more adventurous challenge, you'll want to hike up tp the very top where there is an observation deck that provides incredible high elevation, and early 360 degree scenic views of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains.  Devil’s Courthouse is 5,720 feet at the summit.

We say "challenge", because the trail is short, but very steep.  Going to the top is definitely a workout, but beautiful.

From the parking area, the trail begins in the corner of the parking area closest to the Parkway and the mountain. The trail is paved most of the way up, then turns to gravel with some stairs on the final stretch.  

The scenery along the trail, as you can see if our video, is just beautiful. Devil's Courthouse is home to many rare high-altitude plants, so please stay on the trail to avoid damaging them. Some of these plants are what remains of plants from the glacial period. So yeah, they're old.

The views from the top are nearly 360 degrees and panoramic. From the summit, you can see North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee.

While tough, the hike up is definitely worth it. Please be sure to stay within the overlook walls, as the drops at the summit are significant and would be fatal.

1 - Vinnie's Italian

Vinnie's is our favorite place to eat when visiting Asheville as a family (with our kids).   They have something for everyone.  They provide fantastic Italian food and a super friendly vibe that is just contagious.  

We just never tire of hearing the staff yell "Welcome to Vinnie's!".   Many others must agree with us, as there is always a line when they open, and they seem to stay busy right up to closing time, daily.

Vinnie's now as two locations, but we still prefer the original on Merrimon Avenue, near downtown.  We really enjoy sitting outside on the patio during the summer.   All of the food is fantastic and they serve both traditional Italian meals and their own unique dishes, and pizza as well.

If you're looking for a fun, uplifting, family-friendly place, with fantastic Italian food, at reasonable prices, Vinnie's Italian is the place for you!

2 - Wild Ginger Noodle Bar

Near the Blue Ridge Parkway entrance and not far from Biltmore, this small, but excellent Noodle Bar has wonderful food, and specializes in Pho.    

If you've never tried Pho (it's Pho-nominal ... ok, I'll stop), think of it as a noodle soup, with lots of proteins,  veggies and herbs.   Pho is one of our favorite Asian dishes, and Wild Ginger knows how to make it and offers up a number of different styles and flavors.

They also have a number of other fantastic Thai dishes as well.  The service is fast and high quality. 

Wild Ginger is always busy, but we've never had to wait "too long", and have found the food and staff to be well worth the wait.    Be sure to get the steamed dumplings too ... delicious!

3 - Sunset Terrace, Omni Grove Park Inn

We've only eaten here a handful of times, and honestly, the Sunset Terrace a bit out of our normal dining price range, but if you're looking for that luxurious high-end dinner, this is the place.  We really enjoy going here on special occasions or celebrations.  

The food, service, and view at the Sunset Terrace are second to none and just outstanding.  One of the best dining experiences we've ever had anywhere.

If you can, book your reservations well in advance, and at sunset, because the Sunset terrace gets its name for a very good reason ... outstanding sunset views of Asheville and the surrounding mountains.

You cannot help but enjoy the gourmet meals, served on a beautiful outdoor terrace, surrounded by the gorgeous peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains AND with a stunning sunset.

4 - Juicy Lucy's Burgers

Another great place for family dining is Juicy Lucy's in Asheville NC.   They have a little bit of everything, but their speciality is a "Juicy Lucy" cheeseburger, where the cheese is inside the burger.  They have a very large selection of burgers, and other items, including a long list of locally crafted beers as well.

Juicy Lucy's is a casual restaurant, with both indoor and outdoor seating.  Service and food are always top notch, and we enjoy eating here after a busy day in Asheville, hiking the surrounding area, or visiting Biltmore.

If you want to try something that is fantastic, but a bit unexpected, go with their Lamb Gyro, which is fantastic, especially with a side of greek salad!

5 - Mela Indian Food

We absolutely love Indian food, and really enjoy heading into downtown Asheville for a visit to Mela Indian Food, especially for lunch when they have their huge lunch buffet.    There are a few Indian restaurants in Asheville, and they are all very good, but the ambience, downtown setting, and quality of food at Mela brings us back every time.

Mela provides all the essential Indian dishes, but also has a few specialities that are unique to their restaurant.   We've tried many of the different dishes, and have loved them all.  Their Tikka Masala and Saag Paneer are outstanding, and be sure to get a side of Garlic Naan as well, made fresh in house. 

6 - White Duck Tacos

Looking for some of the most unique and best tasting tacos you've ever had?   White Duck in Asheville has you covered.   I mean where else can you get tacos like: Crispy Chicken BLT, Spicy Buffalo Chicken, Bangkok Shrimp, Korean Beef Bulgogi, Lamb Gyro, Thai Peanut Chicken, and much much more, including speciality tacos that rotate ?

I know, sounds "different" right?  Well they are, but in a fabulously good way.   We've tried all the tacos, and have liked them all, but of course we have our favorites, namely the Duck and Gyro tacos.    Be sure to try their Queso and chips, and their freshly made Margaritas as well.

At the Asheville location, they have outdoor riverside seating, that is dog friendly.  You might even  see a few real white ducks too!

7 - Apollo Flame Bistro

If you love Greek food, you'll find no better place than Apollo Flame Bistro in Asheville.  There are two locations, but we always visit the Hendersonville Rd location, near I-40.   

Apollo Flame Bistro is family-owned, and has been for 3 generations.   They offer both indoor and outdoor seating, and standard Greek dish options, and pizza.  Our favorite are the Gyros, with the huge Greek Salad.   They bring out in-house made dressing on the side, that is well, amazing.   They also have other traditional dishes such as spaghetti (which our daughter loves) and other pasta dishes, and hot and cold subs.

Don't forget the in-house made desserts, the Baklava is to die for ...

We've been many times, and have always found the food and service top-notch.  Their Gyros are the best we've ever had.

Where is Asheville NC?

Asheville NC is located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina, right off of I-40.  The city is literally surrounded by mountain peaks exceeding 5,000 feet in elevation.  The Blue Ridge Parkway even runs through Asheville and some amazing sights and scenery along the Parkway can be seen by riving just a few minutes from the heart of Asheville NC.

What's in Asheville NC?

Asheville is full of unique coffee shops, shopping venues, award winning restaurants, outdoor activities, and of course breweries.

 Did you know that Asheville has more breweries per capita, than any other US City?  Yep, true story!   In fact, at the time this guide was written, Asheville currently has more than 26 breweries in the city alone, and more than 60 more in the Asheville area!

Asheville also has a number of unique hotels, bed and breakfasts and mountain side cabins for you to stay in while exploring the city and surrounding areas.

Of course when thinking of Asheville NC, you can't forgot that it's also home to Biltmore Estate, the largest and most visited private home in the United States.   Biltmore Estate is not only a historic home that you can tour, but also has acres of hiking trails, gardens, horse back riding as well as shopping and fine dining.   Biltmore even has two highly acclaimed hotels you can stay at.

The bottom line? You won't run out of things to do and see when visiting Asheville!

Asheville NC Videos

We not far from Asheville, and visit often.  Here are our videos of Asheville and surrounding areas:

What to do in Asheville NC

As we've mentioned, Asheville is the largest city in Western NC, and one of the largest cities in the Blue Ridge Mountains.  As a result, Asheville is full of things to see and do.  Of course you have your normal to do items, as you would find in most any other large city, but Asheville really delivers on unique things to do in and around the city.

Asheville provides various tours, hiking, museums, historic locations, waterfalls, outdoor adventure, and more.  Here are just some of the great  and unique things to do in Asheville NC when visiting!

Take a Tour!

Asheville offers a number of really cool tours, including beer and brewery tours, Ghost Tours and historic downtown tours.

Where to Stay in Asheville NC

Asheville is full of unique hotels, Bed & Breakfasts, Airbnbs and cabins for you to stay in when visiting.    We love staying in Asheville just for the Bed & Breakfasts, as there are many award winning ones that really pamper you.

We've stayed overnight a few times during our weekend visits, and can highly recommend the Omni Grove Park Inn, A Moment In Time Bed & Breakfast, and The 1899 Wright Inn & Carriage House.

Best Hotels and Bed & Breakfasts In Asheville NC

See more of the Best Hotels In Asheville NC

Best Cabins In Asheville NC

Asheville is full of beautiful rental cabins for you to enjoy while visiting Asheville and the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains.  Cabin rentals are becoming increasing popular with visitors of all ages, and with services like VRBO and AirBnB, it's super easy to find and book one for your vacation.

Here are a few of our top picks for the best cabins in Asheville NC: 

See More of the Best Cabins in Asheville NC

Where to Eat In Asheville NC - Best Restaurants in Asheville

One of the main reasons we visit Asheville NC is for the restaurants.  Asheville has the most variety of restaurant options in Western NC.  There is tons of cultural diversity as well, meaning you can pretty much find any style of food you desire.

We visit Asheville often on our adventures, and often stop and eat there on the way home or while doing some shopping.  We've tried many of the different restaurants and venues, and have a few favorites that we would highly recommend you try out when visiting.

See Our favorite places to eat in Asheville NC

Best Bars near Asheville NC

Being a larger city, not only do you get a wonderful variety of dining options, but there are also some really outstanding bars as well.  Here are our top picks for the Best Bars near Asheville NC:

Craggy Pinnacle Trail

Devil's Courthouse

Cat Gap Loop Trail

Black Balsam Knob

Sam's Knob Trail

Graveyard Fields

Mount Pisgah Trail

One of the most prominent and visible mountains from Asheville is Mount Pisgah. In fact, many of the windows from Biltmore house provide direct views of the 5,721 foot tall Mount Pisgah.

The trailhead to the summit is at MP407.6, off the Blue Ridge Parkway. The trail is moderate in difficulty, and 2.6 miles round-trip. On the way to the top, you'll see incredible views, including Frying Pan Mountain and the fire tower. You'll reach the observation platform at the top for beautiful long distance views on a clear day.

Moore Cove Trail and Falls

Max Patch

Dupont Waterfalls Trail

Crabtree Falls Trail

Rainbow Falls Trail

Looking Glass Rock Trail

Getting to Living Waters and the Trailhead

Living Waters is located 9 miles south on Highway 215 from the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina, in a community called Balsam Grove.  You'll see the Living waters buildings on your right.  Drive down just past the buildings, and you'll see pull-over parking on your right.   Additional parking is available across the road and also on down.

The trailhead down is just south of the pull-over parking, and past the mill building.   You'll see both Mill Shoals Falls, and French Broad Falls from the trail as you are coming down.   The trail down to Cathedral Falls goes to the left.

Living Waters Ministry Waterfalls Video

Hike with us as we take you on a full tour of Living Waters Ministry and the waterfalls.

Mill Shoals Falls and French Broad Falls

As you come down the beginning of the trailhead, you immediately see the absolutely stunning twin falls of Mill Shoals and French Broad Falls.   Even better?  Mill Shoals falls sits directly below a beautiful historic and bright red grist mill, that is part of the ministry.

Both falls are about 15-20 foot high, and the pools below the falls are the intersection of Shoal Creek and the north fork of the french board river.  

The scene makes for some gorgeous photo opportunities.   The falls and pools below it, are a common swimming area for kids and adults.  There are lots of rocks and boulders to hang out on, and some shallow water for younger kids as well.   These two falls will be the highlight of your visit.

Cathedral Falls, and two other un-named waterfalls

From the twin falls, head back towards the parking area, and you'll see a trail heading to your right along the creekside.   Follow this trail down about 1/4 - 1/2 mile to Cathedral Falls (also called Bird Rock Falls)

While hiking along this easy trail, you'll cross a number of bridges, and pass a few small trails going down to two other very nice waterfalls.   You'll also pass by a beautiful overlook, and a small cave area that is used by the ministry for counseling and campfires.   

The trail follows the creek down, and you'll find yourself hiking through lots of Rhododendron, which form a tunnel around you.  The trail is really pretty pretty, and well maintained by the Ministry.

The last portion of the trail to Cathedral falls goes down a large rock to the creek.  Be careful here, as the rock can be slick.  Cathedral Falls will be to your right and a very tall rocky cliff directly in front of you.

Other Waterfalls Nearby

Highway 215 is full of waterfalls, and some you will pass right by on the way to Living Waters.  These include:

• Lower and Upper Dill Falls
• Courthouse Falls
• Wildcat Falls
• Sunburst Falls
• Upper and Lower Bubbling Springs Branch Falls

You can find all of our waterfalls guides on our Waterfalls Page.

Hiking to Schoolhouse Falls

Just down from the main parking area is a closed gate.  There are two trailheads here, one to the right and left of the information board.  You'll want to go right onto Panthertown Valley trailhead (#474).  The trail will descend down for a bit through some gorgeous forest, where it will cross a wood bridge, and go left onto an old road bed.   This portion of the trail will be wider.

The road will take you under some large power poles, and down through the forest.   Shortly after, you will come to a Y.   The main trail will go left, and a smaller side trail to the right.  You'll want to follow the main trail/road to the left.   The main trail is easy to follow due to being covered with larger gravel. 

Follow the main trail through a few switchbacks, and continue your descent.   At a trail intersection, Devils Elbow Trail (#448) will to right, and Panthertown Valley Trail (#474) will go straight.   Continue straight on Panthertown Valley Trail.  You will pass a few small campsites on your right.

 Shortly after, you will  reach a larger wood bridge that crosses Greenland Creek.  Just after the bridge, Little Green Trail (#485) will go left.  This trail takes you to Schoolhouse Falls in about .15 miles.   You can hear the falls from here, and often hear voices of people enjoying the Falls.

Shortly after starting down the Little Green Trail, it will Y.  Go right to avoid to the mud, but both trails lead to the same place.   You will eventually reach a long wooden, and curvy bridge, followed by some short steps down to the falls.

Schoolhouse Falls NC

Schoolhouse Falls is the center point of a small and scenic valley surrounded by lush forest, full of rhododendron.  Schoolhouse Falls cascades from a stream and rock outcrop in the center of the valley and down into a large pool before narrowing again into a stream that heads off into the forest. 

The pool itself is large, and beautiful, and makes for the perfect summertime swimming hole.  The large pool is surrounded by large and flat rocks, that make the perfect spot to place yourself and your gear on, and just enjoy the beauty and sounds.

One of the unique features of Schoolhouse Falls is that you can walk behind it.   The rocks can be very slippery though, so be careful, and you'll find that a good pair of water shoes really help!

Hiking Back

Return the same way you arrived, however the hike back up is a more of a workout, since you are going up instead of down.   You'll reach the trailhead and parking area again in 1.3 miles, making the full roundtrip hike 2.6 miles.

Buzzard's Roost North Carolina

A popular destination for locals and more adventurous visitors, is Buzzard's Roost, located in the Harmon Den area, off I-40 in North Carolina.

Buzzard's Roost (or Buzzard Roost as some call it), is a rustic, unofficial, and unmaintained scenic overlook, located off FR288 (Forest Service Road 288).  The road up to Buzzard's Roost is rustic, and moderately maintained.  The road is also fairly narrow, with steep drop-offs on the side.

Off road vehicles will be fine, as will most other other vehicles.  Vehicles with lower ground clearance will want to be very careful or possibly pass on this destination.

FR288 will take you right to the trailhead, although calling the path a trail is a stretch.

 The trail down to Buzzard's Roost is very short, but very steep.  This is not a trail we would recommend for everyone, and only those comfortable with walking up and down a steep and worn path, that requires hanging onto small trees and branches as you go down and up.  Our video below will show you the trail.

Buzzard's Roost Videos

Come along with us, as we hike down and enjoy the view at Buzzard's Roost.

Buzzard's Roost Trailhead

From the exit off I-40, the trailhead is located almost exactly 4.8 miles up FR288.  The trailhead is not marked, and is very easy to miss.   We were able to maintain a cell phone connection, and Google Maps showed us the location for the trailhead.

There is a small pullover to the left, just past the trailhead.  There is also some purple graffiti on the tree next to the trailhead, and we've been told by others, ribbons are often tied around the trees at the trailhead as well, to mark it.  We did not see any when we were there.

Buzzard's Roost Overlook

The trail down to the overlook is very short, less than 500 feet, but again, very steep.   As you reach the bottom, you'll clearly see the overlook and view ahead of you, and just to the right, between two trees.   

At the overlook, you'll be looking east, and the view, as seen in the cover photo, is gorgeous.   Below you, is I-40 and the Pigeon River.  You'll clearly hear the cars and trucks driving along I-40, far below.

We cannot caution readers enough on how dangerous this place is.  The view is stunning, but at the overlook, you are literally standing 1,000 foot or more above the I-40 corridor.  The drop below you is a sheer cliff.  People have died here, so be careful if you visit.

We do not recommend bringing small children or pets.  But if you decide to do so, keep them very very close.  We just cannot stress this enough.

Hiking Sam's Knob and Flat Laurel Creek Trail Loop

The trailhead for the loop along Sam's Knob and Flat Laurel Creek Trail is at the end of Black Balsam Rd, past the trailhead for Black Balsam Knob, off the Blue Ridge Parkway, at MP 420.2. The parking area here serves as the starting point for a few hikes.  

Sam's Knob Trail

For Flat Laurel Creek Trail, you'll want to head down the hike to Sam's Knob, located to the right of the pit toilets.  The hike begins on an old roadbed, through some forest and  along the side of a ridge.

You'll very soon reach a clearing, and then decend down wooden stairs to a gorgeous meadow.  The clearing and meadow are full of beautiful and colorful wildflowers during the spring, summer and Fall.  If you're a photographer, you'll want to plan to spend some time here.  There are often thousands of butterflies here as well.

As you look at the trail ahead, you'll see Sam's Knob in front of you. Stay on the trail through the meadow until you arrive at a T intersection on the far side the meadow. The photo above is looking back through the meadow from the T intersection.

Sam's Knob Trail Intersection

This hike goes left, and you'll follow the signs saying "Flat Laurel Creek". You can optionally head up the .6 (1.2 mile round trip) mile hike to the top of Sam's Knob, which provides stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The hike up is pretty rocky, and a bit steep.

The trail we'll follow to the left isn't Flat Laurel Creek Trail yet, but a connector trail from Sam's Knob Trail to Flat Laurel Creek Trail.  The connector trail follows along the edge of the meadow for a bit, and then begins to decend down a rocky trail.  

The trail narrows and becomes more and more rocky through this stretch. The trail here is also very eroded and often wet and muddy, so watch your footing.  Good hiking poles are a real asset here for those with balance issues. 

You'll soon pass through a popular camping area, with a creek to the right.  Shortly following that, you'll cross through a swampy, bog area where not getting muddy and wet is a bit of a challenge.   There is a really cool "frog pond" here to the left, that makes for some interesting photo opportunities.

Flat Laurel Creek Crossing

A little further down the trail, you'll reach a set of stairs that take you down to Flat Laurel Creek.  We love to stop here, relax on the large rocks, and let our kids play in the water and in the small waterfalls here.  This is one of the most beautiful parts of the trail, and a great place to take a break and have some snacks.

To cross, you'll have to rock hop.  We've never had a problem getting across, but during periods of high water, this could possibly be a real challenge, especially given the small waterfall just to your right.

Flat Laurel Creek Trail

Just past the creek, you'll reach the wide, and frequently travelled Flat Laurel Creek Trail.  The trail will come from the right, continue past you going left.  You can head to the right, but this will take you off the loop.  To the right takes you down to Highway 215, and past Wildcat Falls.

Again, for this hike, we'll go left.  This portion of the trail takes you along an old railroad grade, so while it's a steady climb up, the accent is easy.  The trail also takes you alongside Flat Laurel Creek, and through a mainly evergreen forest, with lots of birch as well.  There are a number of side trails along this section that take you up into the forest, or down to the creek.  We find it fun to explore these.

You'll then begin a gradual turn to the left, that will bring you to another creek crossing and you'll begin to accend shortly after, back to the parking area.  

The forest will slowly fade away, and you'll be once again in a meadow like area full of large shrubs, rocks and and trees.  You'll be able to hear the sounds of the road and parking area before you actually reach them.

Your hike will end on the opposite side of the parking area from where we began.