Date: 09/08/2026
Name: Clifftop Vista & Ranger Falls Loop Trails
Distance: 5.6
Difficulty: Moderate
Total Climbing Elevation: 1,332
Type: Loop
Notes: We beat the heat today with cool but humid 63°F to 67°F temperatures under mostly cloudy skies. Our hike started with a short steep climb up the Skitty Creek Trail from the trailhead on US Hwy 64N before we continued up the Clifftop Nature and Vista Trails. While the Skitty Creek Trail was in fair shape, the Clifftop Nature and Vista Trails unfortunately show a complete lack of ongoing maintenance leaving numerous small and large storm blowdowns across our path. Along the way, we visited the old collapsed shelter on Clifftop Vista which offers a somewhat obstructed view to the southeast dominated by Satulah Mountain—a spot that would be a beautiful overlook if properly kept up. Continuing downhill, we crossed Skitty Creek over an almost destroyed bridge and then headed up the Ranger Falls Trail. This section is maintained but so heavily used that there are numerous exposed roots requiring very careful footing. You will pass a few short side paths with views of small cascades and pools just before reaching Ranger Falls itself which looks much taller than its official 30-foot height. On our mostly downhill return, we passed through an old homestead area where the historic apple trees and elderberry bushes are sadly overgrown and inaccessible. We finished the loop by walking through the picnic area to admire the beautiful 1930s CCC-constructed stone and log shelters. We saw only a few wildflowers today, but there was an incredible array of colorful mushrooms all along the forest floor. Overall, this remains a moderately difficult hike that would likely be even more enjoyable if tackled in the early spring when the wildflowers are in bloom. Today's hikers: Renée Corbett, Kim Helton, Matt Henderson & Toby, Jenny Bell & Mike Bell.
AllTrails Link: Clifftop Vista & Ranger Falls Loop Trails near Highlands, NC
Additional Search Terms: September