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
-
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 -
Bryson City, North Carolina
Charlies Bunion via Kephart Loop
14.14 mi / 3671 ft gainCharlies Bunion via Kephart Loop is a loop trail located near Cherokee, North Carolina. This is a longer version of the Charlies Bunion hike starting from the Newfound Gap parking lot. The added benefit of this longer loop is the opportunity to see more of the Great Smokey Mountains! You'll pass ...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 -
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 -
Snow Camp, North Carolina
Cane Creek Mountains Northern Approach Loop
2.32 mi / 351 ft gainThe Cane Creek Mountains Natural Area is a nature park in the Piedmont Region of North Carolina. Pine Hill Trailhead is the first phase of the park and includes 3.5 miles of trails. All the trails are color-coded and marked with matching blazes every tenth of a mile. The 2.5-mile Northern Approac...Read more -
Durham, North Carolina
Hollow Rock Trail to Headwaters Loop
5.0The Hollow Rock Trail to Headwaters Loop offers a quiet, scenic retreat just minutes from downtown Durham and Chapel Hill. Winding through the Duke Forest Corridor and the New Hope Creek watershed, this moderately easy loop is perfect for hikers, birdwatchers, and nature lovers seeking a tranqu...Read more -
Durham, North Carolina
Penny's Bend
5.0Penny's Bend is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Durham, North Carolina.Read more -
Bahama, North CarolinaHorton Grove
5.07.04 mi / 722 ft gainThe Horton Grove Nature Preserve spans 708 acres and features about eight miles of interconnected trails, including a family-friendly interpretive path (“That Makes Sense”) and longer loop options that approach 7 miles. The full loop traverses diverse habitats—upland oak-hickory and mixed h...Read more -
Durham, North Carolina
Rhododendron Bluff Circuit
2.93 mi / 331 ft gainRhododendron Bluff Circuit is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Chapel Hill, North Carolina.Read more -
Corolla, North Carolina
Wild Horses in Currituck National Wildlife Refuge
5.0Currituck 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 -
Garner, North Carolina
White Deer Park and Lake Benson Park Loop
3.42 mi / 177 ft gainWhite Deer Park and Lake Benson Park Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Garner, North Carolina.Read more -
Cary, North Carolina
Loblolly and Reedy Creek Trail Loop
5.04.03 mi / 456 ft gainThe Loblolly and Reedy Creek Trail Loop is a great loop trail for hiking, running and biking in Umstead State Park near Raleigh, North Carolina. TRAILI started my run on the Loblolly Trail from the parking area and then continued on the Reedy Creek Trail. Combining these two trails forms a loop...Read more -
Chapel Hill, North CarolinaCrow Branch Overlook Loop
3.42 mi / 394 ft gainCrow Branch Overlook Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Chapel Hill, North Carolina.Read more -
Canton, North CarolinaSam Knob Trail
5.02.45 mi / 558 ft gainSam Knob Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Canton, 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 -
Blowing Rock, North Carolina
Price Lake Loop Trail
5.02.23 mi / 387 ft gainPrice Lake Loop Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Blowing Rock, North Carolina.Read more
