On a warm Wednesday afternoon, we ventured out on a sunny August day for a peaceful hike to Roaring Fork Falls near Mount Mitchell. The 1.3-mile round-trip trail was the perfect quick escape into nature, and to our delight, the trail was uncrowded, making the experience even more enjoyable. With lush greenery surrounding us and the sound of the cascading waterfall growing louder as we neared, it was a serene reminder of why we love these hidden gems in the North Carolina mountains.