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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Purlear, North Carolina
Cascades Trail
5.00.86 mi / 220 ft gainCascades Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Deep Gap, North Carolina.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 -
Raleigh, North Carolina
Sal's Branch Trail
5.02.55 mi / 331 ft gainSal's Branch Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Morrisville, North Carolina.Read more -
Morganton, North Carolina
Little Table Rock Trail
5.02.73 mi / 1148 ft gainLittle Table Rock Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Morganton, North Carolina.Read more -
Sapphire, North Carolina
John's Jump Falls and DEW Falls
4.00.59 mi / 39 ft gainJohn's Jump Falls and DEW Falls is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Sapphire, North Carolina.Read more -
Bakersville, North Carolina
Appalachian Trail: Carvers Gap to Roan Mountain
5.06.98 mi / 1204 ft gainAppalachian Trail: Carvers Gap to Roan Mountain is an out-and-back trail near Bakersville, North Carolina. This trail is not too crowded, so don't be surprised if you're the only one taking in the view. Keep in mind the 1200+ foot climb along this trail if you're accustomed to hiking a longer dis...Read more -
Rodanthe, North Carolina
Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge North Pond Wildlife Trail
4.51.23 mi / 10 ft gainPea Island National Wildlife Refuge North Pond Wildlife Trail is an out-and-back trail that provides a good opportunity to view wildlife located near Nags Head, North Carolina.Read more -
Arden, North Carolina
Photograph the French Broad Overlook
5.0The French Broad Overlook is one of several overlook spots along the Blue Ridge Parkway. It's not known to be the most breathtakingly scenic spot of the batch, but it's still a nice viewpoint that will offer you sights of the French Broad River, one of the few north flowing rivers in the US. Yo...Read more -
Connelly Springs, North Carolina
High Shoals Waterfall and H.Q. Loop Trail
4.83 mi / 1043 ft gainHigh Shoals Waterfall and H.Q. Loop Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Connelly Springs, North Carolina.Read more -
Blowing Rock, North Carolina
Boone Fork Trail
4.05.06 mi / 1030 ft gainBoone Fork Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Boone, North Carolina.Read more -
Bakersville, North Carolina
Cloudland Trail
5.02.46 mi / 276 ft gainCloudland Trail is an out-and-back trail offering up expansive views of the surrounding area especially from Roan Bluff. This trail is located near Bakersville, North Carolina. With minimal ups and downs, this makes for a decent family-friendly option. The trail is also dog friendly on-leash.Read more -
Collettsville, North Carolina
South Harper Creek Falls
5.03.46 mi / 564 ft gainSouth Harper Creek Falls is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Collettsville, North Carolina.Read more -
Purlear, North Carolina
The Lump Trail
4.00.27 mi / 82 ft gainThe Lump Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Purlear, North Carolina.Read more -
Wake Forest, North Carolina
Neuse River Trail
5.027.38 mi / 1306 ft gainNeuse River Trail is a point-to-point trail that takes you by a lake located near Raleigh, North Carolina.Read more -
Cary, North Carolina
Bond Park Lake Trail
5.02.02 mi / 108 ft gainBond Park Lake Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Cary, North Carolina.Read more -
Graham, North Carolina
Saxapahaw Island Park
1.3 mi / 30 ft gainSaxapahaw Island Park is an urban park along the Haw River. The Saxapahaw Island Loop Trail is a well-maintained 1.3-mile loop. The trail parallels a section of the Haw River Trail/Mountains-to-Sea Trail. Many park visitors run laps around the loop while others fish along the river's edge, chil...Read more