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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Bryson City, North Carolina
Tom Branch and Indian Creek Falls
4.51.76 miFrom the Deep Creek Trailhead, you can hike to both waterfalls heading up the Deep Creek Trail. You will come across Tom Branch Falls quickly, after 0.2 miles. Once you've had your fill of Tom Branch, head further along the Deep Creek Trail for another 0.5 miles. Turn right on the Indian Creek Tr...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 -
Montreat, North Carolina
Hike Lookout Mountain, Montreat
5.01.1 mi / 623 ft gainNestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains is Montreat, North Carolina. Just down the road from Asheville, it neighbors Black Mountain and doesn't disappoint for views. Montreat itself houses a plethora of hiking trails, but the cream of the crop HAS to be Lookout Mountain. After a weekend of checking o...Read more -
Bryson City, North Carolina
Explore Old 288 and the Lands Creek Bridge
2.51 miNC 288 was constructed in the 1920's, but did not last long with the construction of the Fontana Dam as the resulting lake covered the highway. The U.S. government entered an agreement in which they would provide a replacement road, but to this day it has not been completed and is know by locals ...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 -
Morganton, North Carolina
Camp at the Chimneys in the Linville Wilderness
5.01 mi / 138 ft gainThe Chimneys area is a lesser-known camping destination within the Linville Wilderness. The Chimneys are a series of rock formations that rise above Linville Gorge and provide unobstructed panoramic views of the gorge and surrounding mountains. These rocks sit adjacent to Table Rock which hosts w...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 -
Bryson City, North Carolina
Clingmans Dome Loop
25.75 mi / 4000 ft gainThe first day of the hike is either 12.3 miles or 10.5 miles (depending on the campsite) almost all downhill, and the second half of the loop is 13.3 miles or 11.5 miles, again depending on the campsite, almost exclusively uphill. Just as a reference the first day took us about 6 and a half hours...Read more -
Wilmington, North Carolina
Hike through Carolina Beach State Park
6 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 -
Morganton, North Carolina
Hike to Hawksbill Mountain
5.02.1 mi / 660 ft gainStarting at the Hawksbill Mountain Trailhead, which is clearly marked start hiking up! The trail starts out with some easy uphill switchbacks and leads you to the first lookout point. Enjoy sometime at the lookout point, but you'll want to keep going for a more incredible view. Keep hiking uphill...Read more -
Hendersonville, North Carolina
Hike along The World's Edge
0.7 mi / 40 ft gainPark at the end of The World's Edge Road, but be aware that parking is very limited. There is a private residence up to the right so do not block their driveway/gate. Begin your hike by going through the leftmost gate, and continue straight until you reach the first view less than half a mile in....Read more -
Bryson City, North Carolina
Hike Ledbetter Creek
5.0Leaving the Nantahala Outdoor Center, drive upriver for 6.5 miles until you see a pull off on the right. Walk past the picnic tables, cross the railroad tracks, then follow the trail to arrive at the creek. Once you're there, it's up to you on what to do next.One of the most popular activities he...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 -
Hot Springs, North Carolina
Camp at 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 -
Bryson City, North Carolina
Hike the Juney Whank Falls Loop
4.00.65 mi / 150 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 -
Flat Rock, North Carolina
Watch the Green Race
5.01.8 mi / 500 ft gainOn the first Saturday of November the best creek boaters in the world gather at the Green River in North Carolina to see who can storm the Narrows and claim the top title (at least for the next year!). For paddlers, creek boating is a pursuit along tight and narrow steeps that most of us have ne...Read more
