Jackrabbit Recreation Area
Looking for a close-by but "in the woods" hiking adventure? Look no further than nearby Jackrabbit Recreation Area of the Nantahala National Forest. With its miles and miles of biking & hiking trails-- in the woods and along the lakefront-- Jackrabbit is a short 10-minute drive from Blackwell Branch Cabin and Gili's Cove Cottage.
The trails at Jackrabbit are configured in loops, so you can hike as long or as short, as up and as down, as in the woods and along the lakefront as you want. The main loop, rated easy-to-moderate, is just about 3 miles and perfect for just about any family group, even the youngest kids. For a more challenging hike, add on as many of the other "lollipop" loops, all of which branch off the main loop. Some of these other trails will take you up in elevation to some beautiful vistas of Lake Chatuge. Other loops simply meander in the woods. All of the trails are very well maintained and marked with easily identified colored blazes. And because they all loop back around to the main loop (white blaze) there's little worry about finding your way.
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Jackrabbit Trial system is one of my favorite go-to places when I want either a quick jaunt in the woods or a long, secluded hike to recharge my batteries. I'll either hike the bike/hike trail system of loops along the lakefront or I'll head down the road a bit farther to the Jackrabbit Mountain Trail (no bikes) where a moderate, 3+ miles loop trail gives you a great workout.