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
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Highlands, North Carolina
Explore Cullasaja Falls
5.00.3 mi / 200 ft gainThis is an awesome waterfall that offers views from several different spots along the road as well as a quick hike down to the base! The small pull-off area is located towards the top of the falls. There isn't much space (3 maybe 4 cars at a time), but there are additional pull-off areas further ...Read more -
Danbury, North Carolina
Hanging Rock and Cole Gap Mountain Loop
4.53.95 mi / 623 ft gainBeautiful hike through the forest up to an elevation of 2000+ feet for Hanging Rock. The Hanging Rock Trail is 1.3 miles one way. It includes a moderate incline up a well-kept dirt and gravel trail then, turns into steps made of timber, rock, and boulders (330 steps to be more exact!). Well worth...Read more -
Tuckasegee, North Carolina
Hike to Cedar Cliff Rock
2.4 mi / 830 ft gainCedar Cliff Rock is one of those local places that exemplifies the Blue Ridge mountains oh-so-well. From the top you can see the Tuckaseegee River along with both Cedar Cliff and Bear Creek Reservoirs. While there are a few homes in between, much of the view is untouched, allowing a big mountain ...Read more -
Canton, North Carolina
Hike to Bubling Spring Falls
0.1 mi / 50 ft gainThe road to get to this waterfall is right off of NC 215 which comes right off of the Blue Ridge Parkway and is only about 3 miles away from parkway. The parking area is very small and does not offer many parking spots but since it is not that popular of an area parking is usually not a problem. ...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 -
Franklin, North Carolina
Photograph Wayah Bald Lookout Tower
0.1 mi / 0 ft gainThe Wayah Bald Lookout Tower is located in Nantahala National Forest in one of the oldest part of the protected land. It was first built in the 1920s then it was rebuilt throughout the years until it was finally made out of stone and concrete. The current tower that stands offers great views of t...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 -
Murphy, North Carolina
Hike to Panther Top Fire Tower
1.5 mi / 450 ft gainThe Panther Top fire tower is located in the Nantahala National Forest outside of Murphy, NC. To get there you get off of US 74 then turn onto panther top rd and continue till you see the signs for the tower. Once you get there the hike is about .75 there mostly up on the way to the top of the to...Read more -
Harkers Island, North Carolina
Cape Lookout
5.04.07 mi / 59 ft gainCape Lookout is a loop trail that provides a good opportunity to view wildlife located near Gloucester, North Carolina.Read more -
Walnut Cove, North Carolina
Hike the Sauratown Trail
22 mi / 800 ft gainYou can through-hike or section hike. I did it from Tory's Den to the Corridor Trail Parking Lot in about 10 hours. Check the Sauratown Trail Association's website before traveling. It is a bridle and hiking trail so the hiking is fairly easy. A lot of it travels beside streams. In other places...Read more -
Purlear, North Carolina
The Lump Trail
4.00.27 mi / 82 ft gainThe Lump Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Purlear, North Carolina.Read more -
Cary, North Carolina
Company Mill Trail
5.05.13 mi / 620 ft gainStart your hike from the Reedy Creek Parking Area. Hike through the woods down to the Reedy Creek. At this point, cross the bridge and hike along the river to the ruins of an old mill and some nice rock formations. Continue up the hill to the River Creek Multi-use trail and then back down the hil...Read more -
Bryson City, North Carolina
Deep Creek to Clingmans Dome Loop
32.82 mi / 7067 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 -
Robbinsville, North Carolina
Big Fat Gap Trail Loop
11.7 mi / 3448 ft gainThere are many trailheads leading into the wilderness on either the Tennessee or North Carolina side. My favorite is the Big Fat Gap trail on the North Carolina side at an elevation of 3,060'. To see the best of what this area has to offer take the Hangover Lead South Trail to the 5,180' Hangover...Read more -
Graham, North Carolina
Saxapahaw Island Park
1.3 mi / 30 ft gainSaxapahaw Island Park is an urban park along the Haw River. The Saxapahaw Island Loop Trail is a well-maintained 1.3-mile loop. The trail parallels a section of the Haw River Trail/Mountains-to-Sea Trail. Many park visitors run laps around the loop while others fish along the river's edge, chil...Read more -
Nebo, North Carolina
Explore Lake James State Park
The park has about 15 miles of trails with different levels of difficulties . Hiked the Lake Channel Trail along the lake with good views of the lake and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Hiked the Mill's creek trail which is nicely shaded and offers good views of the lake and the Linville Gorge area. ...Read more
