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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Banner Elk, North Carolina
Explore Boone Fork Creek
0.25 mi / 75 ft gainBoone Fork Bridge and creek is situated at the base of Grandfather Mountain, on the Blue Ridge Parkway, milepost 299.9. Elevation 3905'.The trailhead is at the left side of Boone Fork Creek parking area and the trail is a gentle meander through Rhododendrons and a hardwood forest.As you head tow...Read more -
Bakersville, North Carolina
Round Bald via Carver's Gap
4.31.72 mi / 338 ft gainThis super easy hike to the campsites near Round Bald is the perfect intro to backpacking for kids or newbies, but serves just as well for the more experienced backpackers who can't squeeze a longer trip in over the weekend. This short (.5 mile) hike in leads to a grassy opening with amazing vie...Read more -
Pinnacle, North Carolina
Rock Climb at Pilot Mountain SP
5.0Wide assortment of climbing on some of the best granite in the world. The grades range from 5.5 to 5.13 so anyone could find their level. It is a very top rope friendly climbing area. All thanks to the Carolina Climbers Coalition who regularly check and maintain all of the bolts located on all of...Read more -
Wilmington, North Carolina
Freeman Park (Carolina Beach)
5.0Carolina Beach is a long and broad beach in North Carolina, just south of Wrightsville Beach and Wilmington. Camping is allowed only in designated areas (there are 21 campsites). Reservations must be made in advance, camping is $50 per night. A daily access pass or season pass is also required to...Read more -
Green Mountain, North Carolina
Hike to Beauty Spot Gap
5.02.13 mi / 1277 ft gainBeauty Spot Gap is located on the Appalachian Trail on the border of North Carolina and Tennessee. The bald offers a panoramic view of Cherokee National Forest and the city of Erwin. This is a popular destination for hikers of the AT to set up camp and watch the sunset. From the Tennessee side, t...Read more -
Durham, North Carolina
Cabe Lands Trail and Eno Quarry Loop
4.82.25 mi / 364 ft gainEscape the NC heat at the quarry at Eno River State Park. Access the Eno Quarry via Cabe Lands Access Point (parking lot off Howe Street). Follow the Cabe Lands Trail (red blazes) from the parking lot. About 80 yards down the path you'll see a trail split off to the left or right. Keep going on ...Read more -
Statesville, North Carolina
Hike the Lake Shore Trail at Lake Norman
4.45 mi / 75 ft gainFrom the Cove Picnic area in Lake Norman State Park, you immediately begin hiking along the lakeshore. If you don't want to take the full lake loop, use Short Turn Trail for a 2.5 mile hike. This trail makes for a moderate hike or solid trail run route.Read more -
Montreat, North Carolina
Hike Lookout Mountain, Montreat
5.01.1 mi / 623 ft gainNestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains is Montreat, North Carolina. Just down the road from Asheville, it neighbors Black Mountain and doesn't disappoint for views. Montreat itself houses a plethora of hiking trails, but the cream of the crop HAS to be Lookout Mountain. After a weekend of checking o...Read more -
Bryson City, North Carolina
Explore Old 288 and the Lands Creek Bridge
2.51 miNC 288 was constructed in the 1920's, but did not last long with the construction of the Fontana Dam as the resulting lake covered the highway. The U.S. government entered an agreement in which they would provide a replacement road, but to this day it has not been completed and is know by locals ...Read more -
Connelly Springs, North Carolina
Sawtooth Campground via Chestnut Knob Trail
5.06.18 mi / 1299 ft gainThis 6.2-mile total trip will take you through the highlights of South Mountains State Park with an overnight stay in one of the drier campsites. OPTIONAL: You can get a warm-up in by starting with a 2.5-mile loop to High Shoal Falls that you can do without packs before picking up with a 3-mile...Read more -
Cherokee, North Carolina
Mingo Falls
4.20.22 mi / 148 ft gainAlthough it is not much of a hike at just 0.3 miles, it is accessible to people of all fitness levels. A climb up a series of stairs leads you to a trail overlooking Mingo creek. You will then find a 20 foot wide bridge which serves as the viewing platform of the falls. If you care to advent...Read more -
Bryson City, North Carolina
Hike to Lonesome Pine Overlook
5.06.82 mi / 2208 ft gainTo start the hike to Lonesome Pine Overlook begin from the Noland Divide Trailhead in Deep Creek. The trail is a steady climb with an average gain of 700 ft. every mile. Approaching the top you'll walk along a rocky ridge line where you are able to see the overlook. As you continue, be sure to lo...Read more -
Traphill, North Carolina
Hike to Wolf Rock and Cedar Rock
5.0This easy 3.0 mile hike begins at the Lower Trailhead Parking Lot at Stone Mountain State Park and includes a 400' ascent to two granite outcrops with nice views. This hike can be combined with the Stone Mountain Loop hike for a 6.5 mile strenuous hike.From the parking lot, walk towards the strea...Read more -
Bryson City, North Carolina
Tom Branch and Indian Creek Falls
4.51.76 mi / 285 ft gainFrom the Deep Creek Trailhead, you can hike to both waterfalls heading up the Deep Creek Trail. You will come across Tom Branch Falls quickly, after 0.2 miles. Once you've had your fill of Tom Branch, head further along the Deep Creek Trail for another 0.5 miles. Turn right on the Indian Creek Tr...Read more -
Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina
Wrightsville Beach
4.72.61 mi / 7.22 ft gainThe great part about this adventure is that you can start anywhere on the island at any time of day. The island is four miles long, running from Mason Inlet to the north down to Masonboro Inlet to the south. The best fishing can be found on the north end of the island from Public Access 1 to the...Read more -
Spruce Pine, North Carolina
Grassy Creek Falls
1.01.5 mi / 312 ft gainGrassy Creek Falls is a beautiful waterfall that lies on private property just north of Little Switzerland's downtown area. The trailhead is easy to find. From Little Switzerland simply go under the Blue Ridge Parkway and the driveway is immediately on the right. You will park at the top of the...Read more
