Great Hiking Communities – From the Coast to the Mountains
Anyone who hikes on a regular basis is accustomed to the rush and invigorating feeling of well-being that comes with outdoor trekking. In fact, hiking for just one hour burns a significant number of calories and provides numerous cardio health benefits. And if you’re fortunate enough to have access to trails, your ankles and knees will thank you. Natural surfaces are much easier on your joints than asphalt or concrete.
Taking all of these positives into account, it’s no wonder that walking and hiking trails have become one of the most desired amenities for people choosing their top places to retire. Here are four of our favorite communities that provide great trails and even better scenery for your walking and hiking.
The Cliffs Communities
Based on their awe-inspiring location in the Blue Ridge Mountains, it should come as no surprise that The Cliffs Communities boasts some amazing hiking opportunities within their gates, and just outside of them.
There are literally tens of thousands of acres of protected land just outside the gates of The Cliffs. Between the Table Rock, Devil’s Fork, Keowee-Toxaway, and Paris Mountain State Parks, you can explore different trails or discover your favorites throughout the year. There are also 75 magnificent waterfalls to enjoy within 30 miles of the communities.
Hiking inside the gates of The Cliffs is also a treat, in addition to being convenient and exclusive to residents. The Cliffs at Mountain Park features a “supertrail” system that’s accessible by foot, bike or car. In all, Mountain Park has eight miles of trails, featuring streams, wooden bridges, and amazing views.
In addition to the all of the opportunities to explore on their own, residents can also enjoy group outings in and around The Cliffs communities through the Outdoor Pursuits program, which was developed with the sole purpose of getting people active and outside.
Palmetto Bluff
If you’re considering coastal communities, you’re going to love Palmetto Bluff – an outdoor paradise of over 20,000 acres rich in wildlife, nestled under century-old live oaks in South Carolina’s storied Lowcountry. The trail system winds through the whole property, connecting residential neighbor- hoods to parks, recreational activities, and Wilson and Moreland Villages. You simply won’t find a more spectacular piece of Bluffton real estate.
On the 5.4-mile Old Palmetto Bluff Road Trail, you’ll pass May River Forest and the Headwaters Conservation area. The Calder Trail is 2.8 miles of improved surface winding through May River Forest, the golf course and Calder Park. And the Wilson Village Trail, featuring 2.2 miles of sidewalks and gravel trails, is another option for walking or biking.
For residents looking for a greater challenge, the 5.3-mile River road Trail, with its unimproved surface, takes you to Barge Landing and Moreland Landing.
Through the Palmetto Bluff Conservancy, an organization dedicated to protecting the community’s natural resources, residents are encouraged to take advantage of the vast “outdoor classroom” that surrounds them.
When you’re looking at Bluffton real estate, Palmetto Bluff stands out among coastal communities for its spectacular setting and abundant wildlife. It’s a wonderful environment for hiking and other outdoor activities.
Tellico Village and The Coves Mountain River Club
The mountain communities of Tellico Village and The Coves Mountain River Club allow hikers to take full advantage of the natural splendor that surrounds them. As you follow their remarkable trails, you’ll discover amazing new views around every turn.
A standout in the Knoxville real estate market, Tellico Village has more than 20 miles of walking and hiking trails - nearly all of them built by resident volunteers. Across Tellico Parkway, you’ll find the Toqua walking trail, which takes hikers in and out of forested areas, and by the Toqua Golf Course. On the Coyatee trail, residents can venture into the woods without leaving the community.
You can hike three miles through the Kahite neighborhood, skirting Tellico Lake. The 30.3-mile East Lakeshore National Recreation Trail starts at the Tellico Dam and wanders through forests. And the “Boy Scout” Trails afford panoramic views of Tellico Lake, the Village and the Smoky Mountains.
One of the most popular retirement communities in Eastern Tennessee, Tellico Village gives you easy access to some of the best hiking the country.
Living at The Coves Mountain River Club, another renowned mountain community near Asheville, NC, you’ll find hiking trails that lead to cascading waterfalls, secret swimming holes or scenic lookouts. Located in the stunning Blue Ridge foothills of North Carolina, The Coves offers the perfect escape from the stresses of city life.
The Coves’ 16-mile system of trails is spread across 3,600 acres, with each taking advantage of the properties unique features like waterfalls, an abandoned gold mine, swimming holes on the river, scenic overlooks, and even a historic Civil War-era cemetery. Many of the trails also feature gorgeous wooden bridges. These remarkable highlights led to The Coves receiving the 2018 Bliss Award for Best Hiking Community of the Year.
A popular choice for retirees considering Asheville real estate, The Coves Mountain River Club offers hikers elevations from 1,040 at the entrance up to 1,700 feet at its Pisgah Mountain Lodge, where you’ll find 360-degree panoramic views of Table Rock, Grandfather Mountain, and the South Mountain ranges.
To learn more about these communities, or for more information click on the links below.
