Outbound Collective logo

Morganton, North Carolina

Looking for the best hiking in Morganton? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Morganton. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Hiking Spots in and near Morganton

  • Montreat, North Carolina

    Hike Lookout Mountain, Montreat

    5.0
    1.1 mi / 623 ft gain
    Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains is Montreat, North Carolina. Just down the road from Asheville, it neighbors Black Mountain and doesn't disappoint for views. Montreat itself houses a plethora of hiking trails, but the cream of the crop HAS to be Lookout Mountain. After a weekend of checking o...
    Read more
  • Burnsville, North Carolina

    Backpack the Black Mountain Crest Trail

    12 mi / 5390 ft gain
    The Black Mountain Crest Trail is legendary among hikers in the southeast. It is the highest trail east of the Mississippi, as it traverses the summit of several peaks over 6,000 feet. It is also widely acknowledged as one of the premier hikes on the east coast. To whit, the trail immediately asc...
    Read more
  • Appalachian Trail, Tennessee

    Jones Falls via Appalachian Trail

    5.0
    10.65 mi / 2484 ft gain
    Starting at the Appalachian Trail (AT) trailhead at US 19E, follow the AT north for 3.1 miles until you reach the intersection of the trail with Buck Mountain Rd. This section of the AT has an elevation gain of almost 1000 ft, and large sections of trail with significant meadows offering magnific...
    Read more
  • Hiddenite, United States

    Hike The Hollow Rock Trail at Rocky Face Mountain

    4.0
    2.4 mi / 514 ft gain
    From the parking lot, head northwest to find the trailhead for Buzzard Roost Loop. Follow that and stay left to meet up with the Hollow Rock Trail. This is a moderate hike with great views of the park. Perfect for a quick escape with the family. For a quick and tasty bite after your hike, hit up ...
    Read more
  • Elk Park, North Carolina

    Elk River Falls

    4.6
    0.35 mi / 62 ft gain
    The coordinates for the parking area are 36.198288, -81.970137. You'll see a parking area that's dirt/gravel on the right side of the road. At the far end of the parking lot is a sign that says Elk River Falls with an arrow pointing up the hill. From this point its about a .2 mile long walk to th...
    Read more
  • Bakersville, North Carolina

    Hiking from Carver's Gap to Hwy. 19 on the AT

    5.0
    20.7 mi
    The AT from Carver's Gap to HWY 19 is about 14.5 miles, but with side adventures, it could be roughly 20 miles. The trail crosses the road and continues up about a 400 ft. elevation gain to the first of the balds. This section of the AT is beautiful at near 6000 ft. above sea level and you will g...
    Read more
  • Bakersville, North Carolina

    Cloudland Trail

    5.0
    2.46 mi / 276 ft gain
    Cloudland 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
  • Lake Lure, North Carolina

    Hike to Party Rock

    4.5
    2.4 mi / 1549 ft gain
    This hike is a strenuous 2.4 miles that takes about 1.5 hours to complete. The trail is not maintained--it is an old logging road--so there are lots of loose rocks and you frequently have to hop over the washout/creek. However, the difficulty on the way up is extremely rewarding at the top!The tr...
    Read more
  • Lake Lure, North Carolina

    Boulder at Rumbling Bald

    4.5
    1.5 mi
    Located off of Boys Camp Rd. in Lake Lure, North Carolina, Rumbling Bald is a huge boulder yard that has been in use since the 1970's and has begun to flourish. Conveniently at the trail head is a gravel parking lot with three Port A Johns to use. Make sure you get to the parking lot early thou...
    Read more
  • Black Mountain, North Carolina

    Eagle Rock

    0.7 mi / 151 ft gain
    Eagle Rock is located in Chimney Rock State Park and is a hot spot for climbers and hikers! The hike to the overlook at Eagle Rock is 0.4 miles, and it's one of the most bang-for-your-buck trails in the area. We love to picnic out on the rock as it's in the sun most of the day. If you decide to...
    Read more
  • Purlear, North Carolina

    Cascades Trail

    5.0
    0.86 mi / 220 ft gain
    Cascades Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Deep Gap, North Carolina.
    Read more
  • Roan Mountain, Tennessee

    Hughes Gap to Roan High Bluff

    10.92 mi / 2986 ft gain
    Hughes Gap to Roan High Bluff is an out-and-back trail that provides a good opportunity to view wildlife located near Bakersville, North Carolina.
    Read more
  • Lake Lure, North Carolina

    Hike to Hickory Nut Falls

    5.0
    2 mi / 200 ft gain
    This waterfall is located inside of the Chimney Rock State Park. There is a fee of 15 dollars to go to the State Park but it is very worth it because of the beautiful scenery and beautiful views. The hike to the waterfall is partially uphill on the way. When you get to the waterfall there are a f...
    Read more
  • Lake Lure, North Carolina

    Exclamation Point and Skyline Trail to Hickory Nut Falls

    5.0
    2.98 mi / 1204 ft gain
    Exclamation Point and Skyline Trail to Hickory Nut Falls is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Chimney Rock, North Carolina.
    Read more
  • Lake Lure, North Carolina

    Explore Chimney Rock

    4.0
    0.5 mi
    Chimney rock is a beautiful slab of weather granite that is visible from miles around. To get to this hike you'll want to head to Lake Lure in North Carolina, a beautiful lake located in the mountains of western North Carolina. Follow the signs for Chimney Rock and take the switchback road up t...
    Read more
  • Barnardsville, North Carolina

    Douglas Falls

    5.0
    1.11 mi / 125 ft gain
    The trail begins at the back of the parking area and is marked by a trail sign. Once on the trail, it is a straight shot to the waterfall with no turnoffs. Overall the trail is very easy and is a slight descent all the way down. Around .3 miles into the trail you enter a forest of now-dead hemloc...
    Read more