North Carolina
Looking for the best hiking in North Carolina? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around North Carolina. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.
Top Hiking Spots in and near North Carolina
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Bryson City, North Carolina
Deep Creek to Clingmans Dome Loop
32.82 mi / 7400 ft gainThis is a ~36 mile loop that goes up Clingman's Dome (the tallest point in Tennessee). Pretty challenging, not for the novice backpacker. Park at Deep Creek campground in Bryson City, NC. We did it as a 3-day, 2-night camping at sites 53 and 61. As it is a loop it could easily be done in reverse....Read more -
Asheville, North Carolina
Explore Lake Powhatan
Lake Powhatan is located just minutes away from Asheville, NC and offers a number of fun activities for you, your friends, and your family. In the warm summer months, the Lake is a popular spot for swimming. The small stretch of beach along the lake is a nice place to lay out and soak in the sun....Read more -
Glenville, North Carolina
Hike to Blackrock Overlook
3 mi / 700 ft gainThis is probably one of my favorite hikes I've done in Panthertown Valley. Its also one of the easier views to access. You start from the Salt Rock Gap Parking lot, taking the Blackrock Trail (447) up Blackrock Mountain. This trail is located about 100 yards to the left if you are standing lookin...Read more -
Nags Head, North Carolina
Hike Tracks in the Sand Trail at Jockey’s Ridge State Park
4.01.2 miThis scenic trail is a 1.2 mile out and back hike that offers views of the dunes, the ocean, and Roanoke Sound. It’s a beautiful hike with 360 degree views. This is a must-do if you are in the Outer Banks area! Plus it’s one of the rare free state parks! Informative and cool visitor center F...Read more -
Tellico Plains, North Carolina
Hike to Whiggs Meadow
3 mi / 700 ft gainYou will start your hike off of the Cherohala Skyway. The trail-head is a small asphalt pull-off on the right if you are coming from Tellico Plains. From the trail-head the trail starts up and almost all of the trial is an uphill incline on the way there with about 700 feet of elevation change ov...Read more -
Purlear, North Carolina
Cascades Trail
5.00.86 mi / 220 ft gainCascades Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Deep Gap, North Carolina.Read more -
Seven Devils, North Carolina
Calloway Peak via Profile Trail
7.11 mi / 2493 ft gainCalloway Peak via Profile Trail is an out-and-back trail with waterfall views located near Banner Elk, North Carolina in Grandfather Mountain State Park.Read more -
UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens, North Carolina
Walk through The Botanical Gardens in Asheville
0.5 miJust a little under 2 miles away from downtown Asheville, NC, you'll find the beautiful Botanical Gardens. If you're looking for the perfect place to walk around, explore, and go at your own pace...look no further. The entire wooded property is roughly 10 acres, but you can wander along the sho...Read more -
Raleigh, North Carolina
Sal's Branch Trail
5.02.55 mi / 331 ft gainSal's Branch Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Morrisville, North Carolina.Read more -
Morganton, North Carolina
Little Table Rock Trail
5.02.73 mi / 1148 ft gainLittle Table Rock Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Morganton, North Carolina.Read more -
Bakersville, North Carolina
Appalachian Trail: Carvers Gap to Roan Mountain
5.06.98 mi / 1204 ft gainAppalachian Trail: Carvers Gap to Roan Mountain is an out-and-back trail near Bakersville, North Carolina. This trail is not too crowded, so don't be surprised if you're the only one taking in the view. Keep in mind the 1200+ foot climb along this trail if you're accustomed to hiking a longer dis...Read more -
Rodanthe, North Carolina
Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge North Pond Wildlife Trail
4.51.23 mi / 10 ft gainPea Island National Wildlife Refuge North Pond Wildlife Trail is an out-and-back trail that provides a good opportunity to view wildlife located near Nags Head, North Carolina.Read more -
Arden, North Carolina
Photograph the French Broad Overlook
5.0The French Broad Overlook is one of several overlook spots along the Blue Ridge Parkway. It's not known to be the most breathtakingly scenic spot of the batch, but it's still a nice viewpoint that will offer you sights of the French Broad River, one of the few north flowing rivers in the US. Yo...Read more -
Bakersville, North Carolina
Cloudland Trail
5.02.46 mi / 276 ft gainCloudland Trail is an out-and-back trail offering up expansive views of the surrounding area especially from Roan Bluff. This trail is located near Bakersville, North Carolina. With minimal ups and downs, this makes for a decent family-friendly option. The trail is also dog friendly on-leash.Read more -
Connelly Springs, North Carolina
High Shoals Waterfall and H.Q. Loop Trail
4.83 mi / 1043 ft gainHigh Shoals Waterfall and H.Q. Loop Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Connelly Springs, North Carolina.Read more -
Blowing Rock, North Carolina
Boone Fork Trail
4.05.06 mi / 1030 ft gainBoone Fork Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Boone, North Carolina.Read more