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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New Bern, North Carolina
Flanners Beach and Croatan National Forest Loop
4.5 mi / 295 ft gainFlanners Beach and Croatan National Forest Loop is a loop trail that takes you through a nice forest located near New Bern, North Carolina.Read more -
Cary, North Carolina
Black Creek Greenway to Lake Crabtree
5.02.04 mi / 213 ft gainBlack Creek Greenway to Lake Crabtree is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Morrisville, North Carolina.Read more -
Greenville, North Carolina
South Tar River Greenway
7.59 mi / 125 ft gainRoughly an hour east of Raleigh, N.C., sits the college town of Greenville. Downtown Greenville is on the Tar River, which flows into the Pamlico Sound. To my knowledge, one of the oldest European records of the Pamlico Sound was in 1524, when Italian Explorer Giovanni de Verrazzano mistook the s...Read more -
Wake Forest, North Carolina
Blue Dot and Falls Lake Loop
5.00.93 mi / 102 ft gainBlue Dot and Falls Lake Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Raleigh, 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 -
Wake Forest, North Carolina
Neuse River Trail
5.027.38 mi / 1306 ft gainNeuse River Trail is a point-to-point trail that takes you by a lake located near Raleigh, 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 -
Collettsville, North Carolina
South Harper Creek Falls
5.03.46 mi / 564 ft gainSouth Harper Creek Falls is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Collettsville, North Carolina.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 -
Black Mountain, North Carolina
Eagle Rock
0.7 mi / 151 ft gainEagle 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 -
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 -
Raleigh, North Carolina
Durant Nature Preserve Border Loop
5.02.56 mi / 384 ft gainDurant Nature Preserve Border Loop is a very nice short hike with little altitude change. Two lakes to explore: Camp Durant Lake 1 & Camp Durant Lake 2. With the foliage surrounding the lake, this a a great spot to take in the fall colors.Read more -
Asheville, North Carolina
Take in the Sights at Pack Square Park
If you're in Asheville, it'll be quite difficult to miss out on going to or at least hearing about Pack Square Park. The park is bustling with activity as it's a common, middle ground place for people to meet up, to take a lunch break, or to catch some rays of sun on a warm day. It's also a commo...Read more -
Burnsville, North CarolinaBalsam Nature Trail to Mount Mitchell
5.00.94 mi / 92 ft gainBalsam Nature Trail to Mount Mitchell is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Burnsville, North Carolina.Read more -
Cary, North Carolina
Reedy Creek and Loblolly Trail
4.02 mi / 456 ft gainReedy Creek and Loblolly Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Raleigh, North Carolina.Read more -
Atlantic Beach, North Carolina
Hoop Pole Creek Nature Preserve Trail
0.99 mi / 36 ft gainHoop Pole Creek Nature Preserve Trail is a short and easy out-and-back hike leading to Money Island Bay near Atlantic Beach, North Carolina. Along the trail, you'll see many different bird species and fauna. The total hiking time is about 15-20 minutes roundtrip.Read more
