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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Snow Camp, North Carolina
Cane Creek Mountains Northern Approach Loop
2.32 mi / 351 ft gainThe Cane Creek Mountains Natural Area is a nature park in the Piedmont Region of North Carolina. Pine Hill Trailhead is the first phase of the park and includes 3.5 miles of trails. All the trails are color-coded and marked with matching blazes every tenth of a mile. The 2.5-mile Northern Approac...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 -
Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Old Field Bluff Trail
3.08 mi / 223 ft gainOld Field Bluff Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Chapel Hill, North Carolina.Read more -
Bakersville, North Carolina
Appalachian Trail: Carvers Gap to Yellow Mountain Barn
12.28 mi / 2720 ft gainAppalachian Trail: Carvers Gap to Yellow Mountain Barn is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Bakersville, North Carolina.Read more -
Cary, North Carolina
Loblolly and Reedy Creek Trail Loop
5.04.03 mi / 456 ft gainThe Loblolly and Reedy Creek Trail Loop is a great loop trail for hiking, running and biking in Umstead State Park near Raleigh, North Carolina. TRAILI started my run on the Loblolly Trail from the parking area and then continued on the Reedy Creek Trail. Combining these two trails forms a loop...Read more -
Buxton, North Carolina
Open Ponds Trail
5.08.87 mi / 207 ft gainOpen Ponds Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Buxton, North Carolina.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 -
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 -
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 -
Asheville, North Carolina
Run through Carrier Park
If you're in Asheville, NC and want a fun place to be outside, buzzing with activity-- you'll need to check out Carrier Park. Here, you can run along the trails, bike in the Velodrome (former race track), launch your kayak or inner tube from one of the free launches, hammock from a tree, do yoga ...Read more -
Cary, North Carolina
Reedy Creek and Loblolly Trail
4.02 mi / 456 ft gainReedy Creek and Loblolly Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Raleigh, North Carolina.Read more -
Bryson City, North Carolina
Charlies Bunion via Kephart Loop
14.14 mi / 3671 ft gainCharlies Bunion via Kephart Loop is a loop trail located near Cherokee, North Carolina. This is a longer version of the Charlies Bunion hike starting from the Newfound Gap parking lot. The added benefit of this longer loop is the opportunity to see more of the Great Smokey Mountains! You'll pass ...Read more -
Graham, North Carolina
Kayak Swepsonville River Park to Saxapahaw Lake Paddle Access
This 5.5-mile stretch of the Haw River, often called "Sweps to Sax", is perfect for beginners or a relaxing paddle. This section of the river sits between two dams and creates waters calm enough for an out-and-back paddle if you want to double the mileage. When you put in at Swepsonville River ...Read more -
Corolla, North Carolina
Wild Horses in Currituck National Wildlife Refuge
Currituck National Wildlife Refuge is located near Corolla Beach, NC. At this refuge, you can can visit wild horses on the beach! Please remember to be respectful of wild animals in their habitat and keep a respectful distance. There are two main ways to get a glimpse of these horses: You can p...Read more -
Morrisville, North Carolina
Hatcher Creek Greenway
5.05.25 mi / 112 ft gainHatcher Creek Greenway is an excellent paved walking, running, and biking path in Morrisville, NC. This greenway connects to Crabtree Lake Greenway. You can also use this greenway to travel to the Morrisville community library, Morrisville Community Park, and access shopping and restaurants in th...Read more -
Wake Forest, North Carolina
Blue Dot and Falls Lake Loop
5.00.93 mi / 102 ft gainBlue Dot and Falls Lake Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Raleigh, North Carolina.Read more