Fodor's Expert Review Mt. Scenery

Stone and concrete steps—1,064 of them—rise to a mahogany grove at the roughly 2,900-foot summit. En route, the steps pass giant elephant ears, ferns, begonias, mangoes, palms, and orchids—six identifiable ecosystems in all. Staff at the Trail Shop in Windwardside can provide a field guide (by advanced reservation). Have your hotel pack a lunch, wear sturdy shoes, and take a jacket and water. The three-hour round-trip is best begun in the early morning.