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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Raleigh, North Carolina
Lake Johnson West Loop Trail
5.02.18 mi / 148 ft gainLake Johnson West Loop Trail is a loop trail where you may see local wildlife located near Raleigh, North Carolina.Read more -
Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina
Wright Brothers Walkway
4.02.72 mi / 115 ft gainWright Brothers Walkway is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina.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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
Durham, North Carolina
Pump Station Trail Loop
5.01.29 mi / 157 ft gainPump Station Trail Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Durham, North Carolina.Read more -
Durham, North Carolina
Pea Creek Trail
3.01.27 mi / 141 ft gainPea Creek Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Durham, 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 -
Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Old Field Bluff Trail
3.08 mi / 223 ft gainThe Old Field Bluff Trail is one of the marquee routes at Johnston Mill Nature Preserve — a 296-acre nature preserve owned and managed by the Triangle Land Conservancy (TLC) along the banks of New Hope Creek between Chapel Hill and Hillsborough, NC. The full trail network at Johnston Mill totals ...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 -
Morganton, North Carolina
Babel Tower Trail
5.02.26 mi / 965 ft gainThe Babel Tower Trail near Morganton, North Carolina, offers hikers a challenging yet rewarding experience within the Linville Gorge Wilderness. This approximately 1.5-mile trail descends about 900 feet, leading adventurers to the iconic Babel Tower—a towering rock formation that provides panor...Read more -
Nags Head, North Carolina
Jockey's Ridge Soundside Nature Trail
5.00.83 mi / 33 ft gainJockey's Ridge Soundside Nature Trail is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Nags Head, North Carolina.Read more -
Canton, North Carolina
Graveyard Ridge Trail and Mountains to Sea Trail Loop
3.89 mi / 623 ft gainGraveyard Ridge Trail and Mountains to Sea Trail Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Canton, North Carolina.Read more -
Hillsborough, North CarolinaWood Duck Way
5.01.23 mi / 92 ft gainWood Duck Way is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Hillsborough, North Carolina.Read more -
Lake Toxaway, North CarolinaRhapsodie Falls
2.98 mi / 623 ft gainRhapsodie Falls is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Lake Toxaway, North Carolina.Read more
