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The 25 Best Hikes in North Carolina
Catch a sunset in the Smokies.
North Carolina is home to some of the tallest mountains east of the Mississippi and while they may be half the size of some of the peaks out west, they're just as much fun to hike. What North Carolina lacks in massive, rocky peaks it more than makes up for in rolling hills, waterfalls, and unbeatable sunsets. If you haven't already, it's time you added North Carolina to your adventure bucket list. Check out some of our favorite hikes across the state and get ready to hit the trail!
1. Summit Calloway Peak in Grandfather Mountain SP
Photo: Justin Costner
2. Hike Looking Glass Rock
Photo: Justin Costner
3. Catch a Sunset on Green Knob
Photo: Steve Yocom
4. Hike Deep Gap Trail at Mt. Mitchell State Park
Photo: Kelley Dodge
5. Hike the Sam Knob Loop
Photo: Steve Yocom
6. Hike to Linville Falls
Photo: Elyse Clark
7. Hike the Craggy Pinnacle Trail
Photo: Michael Sommers
8. Hike to Paradise Falls
Photo: Rob Giersch
9. Hike to Catawba Falls
Photo: Justin Costner
10. Hike to Grassy Ridge Bald in the Roan Highlands
Photo: Steve Yocom
11. Hike to Clingman’s Dome
Photo: Spenser Reid
12. Hike the Art Loeb Trail
Photo: Steve Yocom
13. Hike to the Summit of Shortoff Mountain
Photo: Justin Costner
14. Hike Rough Ridge
Photo: McKenzie Roers
15. Hike Charlie’s Bunion
Photo: Tiffany Edmiston
16. Hike Andrews Bald
Photo: Nathan Szwarc
17. Hike to Rainbow Falls in Gorges SP
Photo: Edward Day
18. Hike to the Wesser Bald Fire Tower
Photo: Nathan Szwarc
19. Hike to Lower Cascade Falls
Photo: Melissa Willard
20. Hike to Janes Bald
Photo: Tommy White
21. Hike to Pinnacle in Pinnacle Park
Photo: Steve Yocom
22. Hike to Huckleberry Knob
Photo: Nathan Szwarc
23. Day Hike to Hemphill Bald
Photo: Steve Yocom
24. Day Hike Tennent Mountain
Photo: Steve Yocom
25. Hike to Black Balsam Knob via Art Loeb Trail
Photo: Alyssa Ramirez
Cover photo: Steve Yocom
We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
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