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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Glenville, North Carolina
Hike to Granny Burrell Falls
2.4 mi / 440 ft gainPanthertown Valley has a unique system of trails, with each trail having a specific number. Some of the trails listed at the information hut in the parking lot are accessed by taking one or two other trails to get to the start of the trail you are seeking. That is the case when hiking to Granny B...Read more -
Lake Lure, North Carolina
Exclamation Point and Skyline Trail to Hickory Nut Falls
5.02.98 mi / 1204 ft gainExclamation Point and Skyline Trail to Hickory Nut Falls is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Chimney Rock, North Carolina.Read more -
Kings Mountain, North Carolina
Drive the Crowders Mountain Drive
Drove this scenic road to my way to Crowders Mountain State Park. Very pretty views.Read more -
Asheboro, North Carolina
Drive the Uwharrie Scenic Road
This peaceful drive begins at the intersection of US 64 & NC 49 in Asheboro, North Carolina. Follow NC 49 along the the Carolina slate belt southwest toward Concord. Along this 50 mile drive, you'll take in amazing views of the Uwharrie National Forest, so have your camera ready!Read more -
Glenville, North Carolina
Hike to Wilderness Falls
1.4 mi / 300 ft gainWilderness Falls offers a beautiful hike with a simple yet captivating falls. All of the maintained trails in Pantertown Valley are marked by a number system (there is an information hut in the parking lot with information about other local trails, distance of different trails, and emergency cont...Read more -
Canton, North Carolina
Photograph Sunburst Falls
This waterfall is right off the side of the road on NC 215. NC 215 is straight off of the blue ridge parkway and is just north of Brevard. The waterfall has to main parts one that is above the road and one that is below. The part below the road is the most scenic and the easiest to walk too. The ...Read more -
Cary, North Carolina
Hike the Reedy Creek Lake Trail
5.01.4 mi / 129 ft gainStart the hike from the Reedy Creek parking lot. Hike down a section of the Loblolly Trail and then join the Reedy Creek Lake Trail. The trail is loose gravel and is fairly wide. The walk is not too difficult at all. In spring, you'll see many beautiful wildflowers along the way and at any point ...Read more -
Canton, North Carolina
Hike to Bubling Spring Falls
0.1 mi / 50 ft gainThe road to get to this waterfall is right off of NC 215 which comes right off of the Blue Ridge Parkway and is only about 3 miles away from parkway. The parking area is very small and does not offer many parking spots but since it is not that popular of an area parking is usually not a problem. ...Read more -
Bryson City, North Carolina
Deep Creek to Clingmans Dome Loop
32.82 mi / 7400 ft gainThis is a ~36 mile loop that goes up Clingman's Dome (the tallest point in Tennessee). Pretty challenging, not for the novice backpacker. Park at Deep Creek campground in Bryson City, NC. We did it as a 3-day, 2-night camping at sites 53 and 61. As it is a loop it could easily be done in reverse....Read more -
Glenville, North Carolina
Hike to Blackrock Overlook
3 mi / 700 ft gainThis is probably one of my favorite hikes I've done in Panthertown Valley. Its also one of the easier views to access. You start from the Salt Rock Gap Parking lot, taking the Blackrock Trail (447) up Blackrock Mountain. This trail is located about 100 yards to the left if you are standing lookin...Read more -
Asheville, North Carolina
Photograph Haw Creek Valley Overlook
The Haw Creek Valley Overlook is only 8 miles from downtown Asheville. If you're in the downtown area, it's a rather easy place to zip on over to if you're in need of some time away from urban life. This overlook is a hot spot for sunset watching and picture taking. If you plan on seeing what th...Read more -
Asheville, North Carolina
Explore Lake Powhatan
Lake Powhatan is located just minutes away from Asheville, NC and offers a number of fun activities for you, your friends, and your family. In the warm summer months, the Lake is a popular spot for swimming. The small stretch of beach along the lake is a nice place to lay out and soak in the sun....Read more -
Beaufort, North Carolina
Explore Historic Beaufort
Spend a day exploring the old center of town and photographing the old, historic homes and churches. Explored the old cemeteries dating back to the American Revolution. This town has very good views of the inlet where you can watch the boats go by.Read more -
Tellico Plains, North Carolina
Hike to Whiggs Meadow
3 mi / 700 ft gainYou will start your hike off of the Cherohala Skyway. The trail-head is a small asphalt pull-off on the right if you are coming from Tellico Plains. From the trail-head the trail starts up and almost all of the trial is an uphill incline on the way there with about 700 feet of elevation change ov...Read more -
Nags Head, North Carolina
Hike Tracks in the Sand Trail at Jockey’s Ridge State Park
4.01.2 miThis scenic trail is a 1.2 mile out and back hike that offers views of the dunes, the ocean, and Roanoke Sound. It’s a beautiful hike with 360 degree views. This is a must-do if you are in the Outer Banks area! Plus it’s one of the rare free state parks! Informative and cool visitor center F...Read more -
UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens, North Carolina
Walk through The Botanical Gardens in Asheville
0.5 miJust a little under 2 miles away from downtown Asheville, NC, you'll find the beautiful Botanical Gardens. If you're looking for the perfect place to walk around, explore, and go at your own pace...look no further. The entire wooded property is roughly 10 acres, but you can wander along the sho...Read more
