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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Gastonia, North Carolina
Hike Crowders Mountain
4.64.2 mi / 1100 ft gainCrowders Mountain State Park is the closest green space to downtown Charlotte and it will not disappoint. There are two peaks worth checking out: The Pinnacle and Crowders Mountain. Crowders Mountain stands at 1,600' offering incredible views of the surrounding area and on a clear day you can see...Read more -
Hot Springs, North Carolina
Rich Mountain Fire Tower
5.0Rich Mountain fire tower is located in the Cherokee National Forest just outside of Hot springs North Carolina. Getting there is pretty easy once you get off of US 25W you drive up a gravel road for about 5 miles until you get to the tower. Once you get to the top its about a 100 foot walk until ...Read more -
Balsam Grove, North Carolina
Hike to Courthouse Falls
4.70.07 mi / 40 ft gainFirst off, I want to say although the road is gravel it is accessible for 2WD cars you do not need a 4WD car to access this hike. The trail begins just over the bridge that crosses Panther Branch Creek. Just over the bridge there is a pullout where you can park that should fit at least 3 cars. Th...Read more -
138 Silver Mine Road, North Carolina
Hike the Lovers Leap Loop Trail
5.01.8 mi / 472 ft gainLovers Leap Loop trail is a 1.8 mile loop in Hot Springs, NC. The address of the trailhead is 138 Silver Mine Rd, Hot Springs, NC 28743. Once you arrive at the parking lot, you will see a trail leading up into the mountain with a post next to it. This is where you want to begin. It is part of the...Read more -
Linville, North Carolina
Rough Ridge via the Tanawha Trail from Beacon Heights
5.07.49 mi / 1280 ft gainIf you're feeling frisky, set your alarm for the early am and park at the Beacon Heights Parking area about 30 minutes before dawn. Put on your head lamp and hike the short trip to Beacon Heights, bask in the glory of the warm morning sun, then head back down and connect with the Tanawha Trail. A...Read more -
Lake Lure, North Carolina
Hike to Party Rock
4.52.4 mi / 1549 ft gainThis hike is a strenuous 2.4 miles that takes about 1.5 hours to complete. The trail is not maintained--it is an old logging road--so there are lots of loose rocks and you frequently have to hop over the washout/creek. However, the difficulty on the way up is extremely rewarding at the top!The tr...Read more -
Pinnacle, North Carolina
Hike the Jomeokee Trail at Pilot Mountain SP
4.30.8 mi / 100 ft gainThis unique peak, also known as the Big Pinnacle, is in Pilot Mountain State Park. From the main parking area on top of the mountain on Pilot Knob Park Road, you can first view the Big Pinnacle from the overlook attached to the parking lot. The prominent mountain behind the Big Pinnacle is Hang...Read more -
Bryson City, North Carolina
Hike to Alarka Falls
4.71 mi / 100 ft gainTo visit the falls, take US-74 west from Bryson City to exit 64 . Take a left at the exit and drive on Alarka Road for about 10 miles. Follow the road all the way to the end where you will find a turnaround. Don't make the mistake of following the forest service road (it is gated), as it is not ...Read more -
Sylva, North Carolina
Abandoned Cessna 414A at Waterrock Knob (Removed)
3.71.72 mi / 430 ft gainNOTE: The wreckage has now been removed. Please see the press release on NPS.gov for more details. Ever hiked to an abandoned plane in the middle of the woods? Yeah me neither until I heard of this gem. This is an AWESOME day hike for anyone looking to get outside for a few hours and see some ...Read more -
Linville, North Carolina
Profile Trail to Calloway Peak
5.06.2 mi / 2300 ft gainIf you're looking for a challenge and hoping to escape the crowds at Grandfather Mountain, this is the hike for you. Climbing up the back side of the mountain (opposite the famed mile-high swinging bridge) this trail is fee-free and easy-to-access with its own parking lot. The trail, marked w...Read more -
Wilmington, North Carolina
Hike through Carolina Beach State Park
4.06 miCarolina Beach State Park is a great day trip for anyone visiting the east coast of North Carolina or in town on vacation at the many beaches in the area. The park is located right next to Carolina Beach just across the bridge that spans Snows Cut (look for the big Carolina Beach State Park sign)...Read more -
Brevard, North Carolina
Hike to John Rock
5.05 mi / 1000 ft gainThis 5 mile loop begins at the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education and State Fish Hatchery near Brevard, NC. Ample parking is available adjacent to the trailhead with bathrooms and water accessible. Grab a map from inside as well. To start the hike, look at the education center, to the left is t...Read more -
Newland, North Carolina
Big Hump Mountain via the Appalachian Trail
4.57.83 mi / 2021 ft gainTowering over Little Hump Mountain, Big Hump Mountain offers one of the clearest views on the Appalachian Trail. Big Hump Mountain is located in the Roan Highlands North of Bradley Gap. This peak is not as traveled as other popular hikes in the area despite its massive size because of the intense...Read more -
Canton, North Carolina
Climb Fryingpan Mountain Lookout Tower
4.51.5 miThis is an extremely easy trail with a minimal incline. The tower, built in 1941, standing 70 feet above the summit, can be nerve wracking, even for those who aren't scared of heights. However, most feel it's worth the view. Expect to see fellow hikers. On pretty days there can be a few people w...Read more -
Fairview, North Carolina
Hike the Trombatore Trail to Blue Ridge Pastures
5.05 mi / 1350 ft gainPark along the road at Bearwallow Gap - this is also the parking area for Bearwallow Mountain. Starting at a little over 3600ft, the Trombatore Trail has been well marked by the Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy with red blazes. Parts of the trail border private land, so pay attention to the sig...Read more -
Bryson City, North Carolina
Hike the Juney Whank Falls Loop
4.50.65 mi / 240 ft gainStarting at the Deep Creek Trailhead, take a short walk until the trail meets up with Juney Whank Falls Trail. From here, hang a left and head onto the Juney Whank Falls Trail. Once you've reached the falls, continue the loop to get back to the trailhead. The falls are said to be named after Mr...Read more
