Great Hikes by Southern Living Mag

Georgia

- Tenstate Gap to Neels Gap:  about 20 miles from Dahlonega off State 348 (exit for US 19).
- The hike:  walk sound over Cowrock and Levelland views of Yonah Mountain's sheer rock face.  It's rugged and takes a half-day.  Inquire at Mountain Crossings at Walasi-Yi (US 19 south of Vogel State Park) about rides to trailhead.

Tennessee

- Spence and Russell Fields Loop:  20 minutes east of Townsend, in Cades Cove Campground in Great Smokey Mountains National Park.
- The hike:  follow Anthony Creek Trail at Cades Cove up to the AT.  The mountaintop's two fields offer stunning vistas.  Great overnighter (register with the National Park service in Cades Cove).


Virginia

- Hawksbill Summit Trail:  start at Skyline Drive milepost 45.6 in Shenandoah National Park.
- The hike:  climb through a balsam and spruce forest that starts and ends at Skyline Drive and winds past a stonewalled overlook at the summit.  A moderate hike with a photo-op payoff.