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  • North Carolina

    North Carolina is a great destination for outdoor activities and attractions. From the scenic trails of the Blue Ridge Mountains to the sandy beaches of the Outer Banks, there is something for everyone. For those looking for an outdoor adventure, the best trails and outdoor activities in and near the area include hiking, biking, kayaking, and camping. The Appalachian Trail, Linville Gorge, and Cape Hatteras National Seashore are all must-visit locations. For those looking for a more relaxed experience, the area also offers plenty of opportunities for bird watching, fishing, and picnicking. No matter what type of outdoor activities you’re looking for, North Carolina has something for everyone.

    Top Spots in and near North Carolina

    • Tuckasegee, North Carolina

      Paradise Falls

      4.3
      0.74 mi / 167 ft gain
      To the north of Panthertown lies a chain of dammed lakes that are some of the most peaceful waters in Western North Carolina. These make up the headwaters of the East Fork of the Tuckasegee River. The gorges that run between the top lakes are wild, scenic, and adventurous to even the most experie...
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    • Canton, North Carolina

      Sam Knob and Flat Laurel Creek Loop

      4.9
      3.84 mi / 807 ft gain
      This is one of my favorite quick "getaway" loops in the Pisgah Ranger District. Turn onto Black Balsam Knob Road (Mile Marker 420 on the Blue Ridge Parkway) go until you reach a dead end and park at the parking lot. You'll see the Sam Knob trail to the right of the public bathrooms. From there, i...
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    • Old Fort, North Carolina

      Catawba Falls

      4.8
      2.19 mi / 394 ft gain
      Please note, Catawba Falls is temporarily closed. You can learn more about updates at www.fs.usda.gov. This quick and relatively easy hike is located close to Asheville, NC. If you're looking to have the trail to yourself, it can be a little tough. It's best to get there as early as possible or ...
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    • Bakersville, North Carolina

      Grassy Ridge Bald in the Roan Highlands

      5.0
      4.84 mi / 932 ft gain
      Once you've parked at Carver's Gap (5500'), the trailhead is pretty easy to find. Simply cross the highway and jump onto the Appalachian Trail, right on the border of North Carolina and Tennessee. Head north on the AT as you head through the Roan Mountain Balds. In the very beginning of the hike,...
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    • Brevard, North Carolina

      Looking Glass Falls

      4.3
      0.08 mi / 0 ft gain
      Looking Glass Rock located along the Blue Ridge Parkway (North) is one of the largest masses of granite in the Eastern US. It got it's name for the way the sunlight hits its rocky surface when wet, creating a shimmering, reflective, mirror-like effect. The views from this overlook are vast and cl...
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    • Bryson City, North Carolina

      Clingmans Dome

      4.4
      1.23 mi
      The drive to Clingmans Dome is miles of scenic overlooks that provide endless views of ridges and valleys. Clingmans Dome Road comes to a parking lot from which you follow a .5 mile paved trail to the summit. There are also several trails that start on Clingmans Dome Road. Most notably The Appal...
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    • Brevard, North Carolina

      Art Loeb Trail

      4.8
      30.07 mi / 7467 ft gain
      Start at The Davidson River Campground just outside of Brevard, NC (276 Pisgah Ranger District). Have a shuttle car or a friend waiting at the Daniel Boone Boy Scout camp for the finish line. Hop on the 30.1 mile long Art Loeb Trail at the trailhead in the Davidson River Campground. Pull into th...
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    • Brevard, North Carolina

      Looking Glass Rock

      4.6
      5.43 mi / 1572 ft gain
      This is a really nice, moderately difficult hike along a cascading creek, up switchbacks, and through wildflower fields. A couple miles in, you'll reach a helipad that is used for rescuing injured rock climbers - Looking Glass Rock is a popular destination for world class climbing. There is a sma...
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    • Linville, North Carolina

      Rough Ridge Lookout

      4.3
      0.5 mi / 92 ft gain
      The trailhead for Rough Ridge will be on your righthand side when driving the Blue Ridge Parkway from Boone, NC. This trail gets busy in the warmer months, but parking usually is not too much of an issue. This trail is not open in the winter. Rough Ridge will take you around 30-45 minutes to rea...
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    • Linville, North Carolina

      Shortoff Mountain Summit

      4.8
      4.64 mi / 1178 ft gain
      Start your hike from the Shortoff Mountain Trail off of Wolf Pit Road at the base of Lake James. From the summit there is a small grassy area off a side trail that provided awesome cliff side views of the Gorge and Linville River! You can setup after making the hour and a half trek (maybe just in...
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    • Pisgah Forest, North Carolina

      Cool Off at Sliding Rock Falls

      4.6
      This natural mountain waterfall and slide in the Pisgah National Forest is a local favorite to cool off in and have a little fun during the warmer months. You can walk up the line to the top of the falls and have a quick wait as others go down this 60 foot boulder. This water varies between 50-6...
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    • Morganton, North Carolina

      Hawksbill Mountain Trail

      4.9
      1.87 mi / 633 ft gain
      Hidden far above the beautiful Linville Gorge stands Hawksbill Mountain, among many other fantastic hikes. The roughly 1.7 mile hike from the dusty gravel parking lot is steep but worth every step. It took me about an hour to conquer with a few water bottle-guzzling stops. At the top, you are al...
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    • Walnut Cove, North Carolina

      Lower Cascade Falls

      4.4
      0.75 mi / 105 ft gain
      A beautiful hike through the forest of Hanging Rock State Park. Trail meanders through pines and hardwoods filled with boulders, mountain laurel, scenic views, and the occasional deer or turkey. The trail begins as gravel and dirt then turns into steps made of wood and stone. Also on the trail is...
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    • Franklin, North Carolina

      Wesser Bald Fire Tower

      4.7
      2.36 mi / 807 ft gain
      The road leading to the trailhead is rough the last mile, but doable in any car. Just make sure to take it easy going up and be careful, especially if there has been any rain or snow. You will have reached the parking area for the hike once you see a large green Appalachian trail sign and a few...
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    • Danbury, North Carolina

      Hike to Hanging Rock

      4.4
      2.45 mi / 515 ft gain
      Park in the main parking lot for Hanging Rock State Park, and the trailhead can easily be found in the upper parking lot (furthest away from the main building), and is clearly marked. The trail starts off by descending, but don't be fooled, it quickly turns into a steady climb that will have you ...
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    • Old Fort, North Carolina

      Green Knob Lookout Tower

      4.8
      0.76 mi / 292 ft gain
      Green Knob Lookout Tower is an abandoned fire tower near Mt. Mitchell and located directly off the Blue Ridge Parkway. The tower boasts a full 360-degree, unobstructed view of Mt. Mitchell, Craggy Mountains, Table Rock, Grandfather Mountain, and the Parkway. Unlike most fire towers, this tower is...
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    Camping and Lodging in North Carolina

    Outer Banks West / Currituck Sound KOA Holiday
    Coinjock, North Carolina

    Outer Banks West / Currituck Sound KOA Holiday

    Collins Creek Picnic Pavilion
    Cherokee, North Carolina

    Collins Creek Picnic Pavilion

    Cape Point Campground
    Lake Landing, North Carolina

    Cape Point Campground

    Deep Creek Picnic Pavilion
    Bryson City, North Carolina

    Deep Creek Picnic Pavilion

    Balsam Lake Lodge
    Tuckasegee, North Carolina

    Balsam Lake Lodge

    Cheoah Point Cabin 1
    Bryson City, North Carolina

    Cheoah Point Cabin 1

    Guides, Insights and Stories from North Carolina

    Add these three North Carolina destinations to your must-visit list

    Add these three North Carolina destinations to your must-visit list

    The Outbound Collective

    Part I: Exploring the Blue Ridge Parkway near Asheville - North

    Part I: Exploring the Blue Ridge Parkway near Asheville - North

    Erin McGrady

    6 Urban Parks in Asheville, North Carolina

    6 Urban Parks in Asheville, North Carolina

    Erin McGrady

    Top 5 Best Places to Stargaze and Shoot the Milky Way in the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains

    Top 5 Best Places to Stargaze and Shoot the Milky Way in the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains

    Jared Beeler

    10 Amazing waterfall hikes in North Carolina

    10 Amazing waterfall hikes in North Carolina

    The Outbound Collective