This has been our favourite walk forever. Do not let the couple of bad characters hinder you from…read morethis beautiful hike, because getting to the top is its own reward with sheer beauty. This property was donated to the state park and open to all. Very clean and well-kept trails, dog friendly, and a nice place to rest and relax, including restrooms at the science centre.

I discovered this place through my daughter. She has gone here twice- once through her middle…read moreschool, and once through a local camp. She raved about it, and we finally got a chance to check it out. So happy we did! Purchase Knob was generously donated by the McNeil-Gilmore family to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is 535 acres of land that rises ultimately to 5,086 feet at the knob. In the meadow below the knob, at 4,850 feet, there are two buildings housing offices, a lab, a classroom for fifty students, and housing for up to eight scientists. Views are 180 degrees. You can hit the Cataloochee Divide Trail here, too. A refurbished cabin originally from the 1870s is nearby, which I will get to in a bit. When you get to the park, you will be blocked by a gate with a sign to the left identifying the park. It is open once in a while for scheduled visits/field trip students. It is easy to get your vehicle locked within the park. (People cannot get locked in.) Park your car on the sides of the road. Just walk around the gate if it is locked. Bring water, and a jacket in the spring or fall. The 2.5 mile round trip trail is basically a wide, dirt road that will eventually lead up to the main buildings. It is well maintained. When you get a glimpse of the building at the top, you will also see a grass trail leading upwards. I would take that trail. It is a shortcut. If you like to walk, just keep going, and the road will eventually lead to the building as well. On the way up, you will see many types of wildflowers. We heard (up) and spotted a hawk (down). I got a photo of nightshade, all the while with my body centimeters from a hidden cliff edge. Be careful on grassy edges! The open areas and tree-filled areas were of equal beauty. In early September I saw purples, greens, grays, and yellows, all framed by a clear blue sky graced by fluffy clouds. Your soul will take this in, and it will hold on to it. When we got to the top, we relaxed. We did not go to the knob proper. We used the very clean bathrooms, and laid down in the field right in front of the buildings. There is a water fountain. You are allowed on the deck, but not in the buildings unless you are with a scheduled group. There are picnic tables grouped close together, and bear-proof trashcans and recycling bins. You can check out the outside of the weather station that is a bit away. I would not traipse around the adjacent fields. I saw tagged plants and left that area so that we would not screw up any data. If you decide to go to the actual knob, you have to blaze your own trail. As of two days ago, the footbridge leading to Cataloochee was out. There is a sign warning of that; be careful crossing creeks. Anyway, that trail is easy to find; just look for signs. Check out the bulletin board for lists of the types of birds and butterflies that you can see there. I saw (possibly) a Cloudless skipper. It was fluorescent yellow! My first. To get down to the restored Ferguson cabin, just leave via the "grass carpet" trail. Make an obvious right and hitch your horse, or kids. This right will lead you to the cabin. The Fergusons were the first farmers to have an elevated farm. Their apples are still there. Do not pick anything. Do not get in the boar trap. Do not get near bears. Do not bother the cow spirits. Call to make sure horses are indeed still allowed. Bears and boars can hurt you. We leave all snacks in the car. You never know. Call the general number to see if bear activity is intense before going to this park. Middle school and up teachers, call this number to schedule a visit: 828-926-6251. This park welcomes wimpy and tough hikers mid-March through November. Call if you have a desire to hike in the deep winter. Remember to check out the Purchase Knob WebCam online for weather and views. To get to this park, take Exit 20, stay on 276 South for five miles. Get on Hemphill Road and stay on Hemphill Road for four miles. This review is dedicated to my daughter Sophie, a quick, beautiful trailblazer.

Great little path- I believe it's under on mile there. Also dogs on leashes seem to be allowed as…read morewell and has its own parking spaces. Great photo ops here. Beautiful place and the walk isn't too far from the parking lot either just very steep so wear good shoes

Soco Falls has been updated with a huge parking lot, observation deck at the top (beginning) and…read moresecond observation deck at the falls with new concrete steps and wood railing. Some trashy, low class dregs of humanity have already vandalised parts of the decks and railing-which were installed and graciously gifted by the Cherokee Reservation Indians, how gross do you have to be to do something so awful? Regardless, it's a beautiful half mile hike each way and the serenity of the falls is so worth it. Hopefully garbage humans dont ruin it for the rest of us to enjoy this magical.place.

About 140 steps to the top and you can view a beautiful waterfall. This is at most a 20 minute stop…read moreand well worth a visit.

Plenty of parking, port-a-potties and a very short hike to a spectacular waterfall. 0.2 miles to…read morefalls from parking lot.

This waterfall is a minute walk to the lookout and if you have enough energy, you can walk down and…read moreget closer to the falls park on the street on the side. It was beautiful. Limited parking on street.

Gorgeous place, easy parking on the side of the roads with multiple stopping areas. Dog friendly…read moreand people friendly. Able to swim and to walk around (very cautiously) on rocks. Relaxing to just lay on a massive rock and listen to the waterfall.

Love this hike so much. I do have to say it was quite shocking To go back after not visiting for h…read moreyears- there has been a lot of maintenance since the storms washed the bridge out last year (!?). Still a beauty though. The parking lot has space for about 15 but you can park on the side of the road if you need. It's pretty safe and spacious. This hike is great for everyone- small incline and easy 1 mile ish to a fall. Where you can swim if you wish (maybe not skinny dip though- it's pretty popular). Dog friendly. Some rocks at the end but there are alternative ways and it's not unsafe or unstable. Lots of roots but overall the pathways are lovely and wide. . You can also see the semi famous wnc dragon tree :)

It's not a business but it was a great trail hike with lots of ups downs little bridges and stairs…read more Beautiful reward awaits at the end.

Nice close place Worth short drive and easy walk and was…read moreable to bring kids or older parents

Really beautiful place. The admission was $5 per adult, and it was well worth it. There were other…read morevisitors, but it wasn't overwhelming. The gentleman who helped us was very kind and gave us a map of the trail and grounds. There are picnic tables and benches around. The trail is very easy to walk. There are steps along the way. I have a bad knee, but nothing was very strenuous. The trail is lined with a creek that makes it's way to the falls. There are two different spots to have different views and take photos. I found being here very peaceful. The weather was a bit chilly and very windy otherwise I would've loved to sit there longer. Really important bit of info..... there are no restrooms available so use the facilities somewhere if you need to before arriving. I would recommend visiting! It's been on my list for a while.

The camp host was unprofessional, rude, and threatened to call the sheriffs department because he…read moresaid we were talking too loud. We were not loud and are filing a complaint. We have been coming here for years but will not pay to be treated this way.

Our family loves North Mills River! If you're looking to hike, fish, ride horses, picnic, camp,…read moreetc. this is a solid spot. The picnic area is very well maintained and each picnic table typically has a charcoal grill to go with it. We really love fishing out here! If you're lucky enough to outsmart the elusive fish out here... you can expect to catch rainbow, brook, and brown trout!

Love love this hike. It's been a staple of mine for ages. Get out there and hike it- it's perfect…read morefor all ages and levels. Parking can be dicey so make sure to go an off time if you can (ex-early or on weekdays). You will most likely park on the side of the road but people drive slowly so it's not too bad or dodgy. There are two hikes in this area- sams knob (where the parking lot is) and Black Balsam (what I am reviewing).Honestly you will get great views at any of the hikes around as they're similar. This one had an entrance/ start point right off the road. There is a sign. This hike is about 2 miles total. You have a bit of an incline at first but it's not bad. Lots of space and clean paths. When you get to the top the views are awesome. Clouds? Just wait 5 mins. They move fast :$

I love this place! This was my second time doing the trails because the first time it was too…read morefoggy. It's a well traveled trail and really good for dogs as well. You have a 360 degree views that take your breath away. I did black balsam to art loop.

It's a park/trail/waterfall, not a business. Hubby and I did the 1.1 mile hike. Falls were…read morebeautiful, uphill on way in, and then double the mileage for back out to parking lot. We were early and parking lot was filling up as we left.

Beautiful! Stopped here on our drive to Asheville…read more It's a nice walk to the waterfall, and next time I'd love to plan to spend a little more time at the falls.