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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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 -
Morrisville, North Carolina
Hatcher Creek Greenway
5.05.25 mi / 112 ft gainHatcher Creek Greenway is an excellent paved walking, running, and biking path in Morrisville, NC. This greenway connects to Crabtree Lake Greenway. You can also use this greenway to travel to the Morrisville community library, Morrisville Community Park, and access shopping and restaurants in th...Read more -
Corolla, North Carolina
Wild Horses in Currituck National Wildlife Refuge
Currituck National Wildlife Refuge is located near Corolla Beach, NC. At this refuge, you can can visit wild horses on the beach! Please remember to be respectful of wild animals in their habitat and keep a respectful distance. There are two main ways to get a glimpse of these horses: You can p...Read more -
Graham, North Carolina
Kayak Swepsonville River Park to Saxapahaw Lake Paddle Access
This 5.5-mile stretch of the Haw River, often called "Sweps to Sax", is perfect for beginners or a relaxing paddle. This section of the river sits between two dams and creates waters calm enough for an out-and-back paddle if you want to double the mileage. When you put in at Swepsonville River ...Read more -
Washington, North Carolina
Palmetto Boardwalk
5.01.59 mi / 52 ft gainThe Palmetto Boardwalk trail in Goose Creek State Park takes you through the woods and a cypress swamp. Start by parking in the lot by the park office and then head out on the boardwalk as an out-and-back trail or connect to the Ivey Gut or Tar Kiln trails if you're looking for a longer loop. N...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 -
Burnsville, North Carolina
Roaring Fork Falls
1.52 mi / 302 ft gainRoaring Fork Falls is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Burnsville, North Carolina.Read more -
Robbinsville, North Carolina
Gregory Bald via Twentymile
4.015.42 mi / 3694 ft gainGregory Bald via Twentymile is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Robbinsville, 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 -
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 -
Atlantic Beach, North Carolina
Fort Macon Nature Trail
5.00.3 mi / 7 ft gainFort Macon Nature Trail is a loop trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Morehead City, North Carolina.Read more -
Summerfield, North Carolina
Piedmont Trail
5.67 mi / 289 ft gainPiedmont Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Greensboro, North Carolina.Read more -
Greenville, North Carolina
Greenville Greenway Trail
5.07.59 mi / 125 ft gainGreenville Greenway Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a river located near Greenville, 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 -
Asheville, North Carolina
Stroll through Montford Park
Close to downtown and in between several bed and breakfasts in Montford, NC, you'll find Montford Park. Though you may not expect it, the park boasts a couple of tennis courts, a basketball court, and some green space for picnicking, relaxing with friends, or getting lost in a good book. People...Read more