This popular 2-mile loop trail along the awe inspiring Whiteside Mountains cliffs offers one of the best view-to-distance ratios of any hike. Nestled in the Nantahala National Forest of North Carolina, for most of a half mile you get view after view, each better than the last.

From the trailhead, the hike heads up a set of steps to connect to an old road. Turn left here. Shortly after this, look for a narrow trail on the right with a post marker for the loop. This is the steeper way up, which this page describes. For an easier hike, continue on the gravel road.

Hike up a series of steep switchbacks, ignore a few obvious side trails. The trail gains elevation at a rate of almost 900 ft/mile. A series of wood steps helps you along a particularly steep section. At one point, the trail splits, but rejoins shortly afterward. It would help if the blazes weren't so sporadic.

At .6 miles you'll come to your first real view. And then another after that. And after that. For the majority of a half mile you'll enjoy back-to-back views along the 1000 foot high cliffs of Whiteside Mountain. Several information signs are scattered along this section. Look for the summit, a rock mound at a fence corner. Just after this, a small hidden view awaits for those that climb down a narrow crack in the rocks along the way. Don't worry, it's fenced as well.

Pass more views and an observation deck before the trail turns away to the left, beginning it's descent back to the trailhead. Ignore a side trail going uphill on the way back down, staying to the outside of the loop. If you want something more, at the last view behind the information sign for "Straddling the Continental Divide", an unmarked trail heads downhill. This leads to Devil's Courthouse, a difficult unmarked trail with numerous side trails but ends at a fantastic view.