The 25 Best Hikes in North Carolina

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