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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Greenville, North Carolina
South Tar River Greenway
7.59 mi / 125 ft gainRoughly an hour east of Raleigh, N.C., sits the college town of Greenville. Downtown Greenville is on the Tar River, which flows into the Pamlico Sound. To my knowledge, one of the oldest European records of the Pamlico Sound was in 1524, when Italian Explorer Giovanni de Verrazzano mistook the s...Read more -
Nags Head, North Carolina
Jockey's Ridge Soundside Nature Trail
5.00.83 mi / 33 ft gainJockey's Ridge Soundside Nature Trail is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Nags Head, North Carolina.Read more -
Burlington, North Carolina
Rock Creek Trail
1.75 mi / 167 ft gainCedarock Park is a 500-acre park named for the abundance of cedar trees and rock outcroppings. The park features a network of hiking and equestrian trails, disc golf and footgolf courses, primitive camping, a fishing pond, canoe and kayak rentals, basketball and volleyball courts, picnic shelters...Read more -
Green Mountain, North Carolina
Appalachian Trail: Indian Grave Gap to Chestoa
4.08.05 mi / 1165 ft gainAppalachian Trail: Indian Grave Gap to Chestoa is a point-to-point trail that takes you by a river located near Unicoi, Tennessee.Read more -
Black Mountain, North Carolina
Eagle Rock
0.7 mi / 151 ft gainEagle Rock is located in Chimney Rock State Park and is a hot spot for climbers and hikers! The hike to the overlook at Eagle Rock is 0.4 miles, and it's one of the most bang-for-your-buck trails in the area. We love to picnic out on the rock as it's in the sun most of the day. If you decide to...Read more -
Burnsville, North Carolina
Roaring Fork Falls
1.52 mi / 302 ft gainRoaring Fork Falls is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Burnsville, North Carolina.Read more -
Asheville, North Carolina
Take in the Sights at Pack Square Park
If you're in Asheville, it'll be quite difficult to miss out on going to or at least hearing about Pack Square Park. The park is bustling with activity as it's a common, middle ground place for people to meet up, to take a lunch break, or to catch some rays of sun on a warm day. It's also a commo...Read more -
Atlantic Beach, North Carolina
Fort Macon Nature Trail
5.00.3 mi / 7 ft gainFort Macon Nature Trail is a loop trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Morehead City, North Carolina.Read more -
Summerfield, North Carolina
Piedmont Trail
5.67 mi / 289 ft gainPiedmont Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Greensboro, North Carolina.Read more -
Washington, North Carolina
Palmetto Boardwalk
5.01.59 mi / 52 ft gainThe Palmetto Boardwalk trail in Goose Creek State Park takes you through the woods and a cypress swamp. Start by parking in the lot by the park office and then head out on the boardwalk as an out-and-back trail or connect to the Ivey Gut or Tar Kiln trails if you're looking for a longer loop. N...Read more -
Raleigh, North Carolina
Durant Nature Preserve Border Loop
5.02.56 mi / 384 ft gainDurant Nature Preserve Border Loop is a very nice short hike with little altitude change. Two lakes to explore: Camp Durant Lake 1 & Camp Durant Lake 2. With the foliage surrounding the lake, this a a great spot to take in the fall colors.Read more -
New Bern, North Carolina
Flanners Beach and Croatan National Forest Loop
4.5 mi / 295 ft gainFlanners Beach and Croatan National Forest Loop is a loop trail that takes you through a nice forest located near New Bern, North Carolina.Read more -
Robbinsville, North Carolina
Gregory Bald via Twentymile
4.015.42 mi / 3694 ft gainGregory Bald via Twentymile is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Robbinsville, North Carolina.Read more -
Asheville, North Carolina
Relax at Martin Luther King Jr Park
The Martin Luther King Jr Park includes a large multi-purpose field as well as a playground that's great for kids. It's the perfect place to go solo to clear your head and chill with a book or with family and friends for an outdoor game. Right at the entrance to the Park stands a statue of Mart...Read more -
Hickory, North Carolina
Geitner Rotary Park Loop
5.02.65 mi / 354 ft gainGeitner Rotary Park Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Hickory, North Carolina.Read more -
Greenville, North Carolina
Greenville Greenway Trail
5.07.59 mi / 125 ft gainGreenville Greenway Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a river located near Greenville, North Carolina.Read more