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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Marion, North Carolina
Drive the Scenic Lake Tahoma
This scenic drive is along NC 80 between a small town called Pleasant Gardens and Micaville. It can also be taken in the opposite direction depending on where you are driving from, but the main attraction is Lake Tahoma. Lake Tahoma is a private lake in the Western North Carolina Mountains, but ...Read more -
Burnsville, North Carolina
Backpack the Black Mountain Crest Trail
12 mi / 5390 ft gainThe Black Mountain Crest Trail is legendary among hikers in the southeast. It is the highest trail east of the Mississippi, as it traverses the summit of several peaks over 6,000 feet. It is also widely acknowledged as one of the premier hikes on the east coast. To whit, the trail immediately asc...Read more -
Lake Toxaway, North Carolina
Hike to Raven Rock Falls
0.5 miIf you want to see a great waterfall without hiking all day, this is the perfect trail for you. Getting there - The trailhead is about 2 miles from the intersection of Cold Mountain and Panther Ridge Road (exact coordinates: 35.1594, -82.9801). There is a small grassy pull out where you can park...Read more -
Asheville, North Carolina
Mountain Biking Bent Creek
4.0Bent Creek is my favorite Mountain Biking spot in the Southeast, and epitomizes the fun and beauty to be found biking in the North Carolina mountains. Riding is open year round, but spring and fall are ideal when temperatures are still cool and colors are exploding. You can easily spend hours ...Read more -
Cullowhee, North Carolina
Hike to Yellow Mountain Fire Tower via Cloud Catcher Lane
5.01.5 mi / 700 ft gainYellow Mountain Fire Tower features some of the best views, looking out over both the Northern Georgia mountains as well as seeing the flat-lands of South Carolina past the mountain ranges. This hike is pretty well known for its 12-mile round trip trek, starting in Cashiers, NC, however, there's ...Read more -
Lake Toxaway, North Carolina
Hike to Schoolhouse Falls and Little Green
5.03 miTrail signs in Panthertown Valley are limited. Be sure to bring a map! Starting at the Cold Mountain parking lot, hike to Schoolhouse Falls. This is a nice waterfall with a pool at the bottom. In the summer, you are bound to run into other fellow hikers here. From Schoolhouse Falls, you have the...Read more -
Franklin, North Carolina
Siler Bald from Wayah Gap
5.03.66 mi / 1060 ft gainThe Appalachian Trail does not need a lot of hype beyond its existing legendary status. However, there are certain parts of it that do stand out as being a little extra special. Siler Bald is one of those spots. A large clearing starting from Snowbird Gap and going all the way up to Siler Bald...Read more -
Marion, North Carolina
Hike the Rock Jock Trail
6 mi / 700 ft gainOne of the first things I noticed when researching this hike was the conflicting information regarding finding the trail head, length of the hike, and the hike's correct route. Hopefully, as of September 2017, this report will contain the most up-to-date information currently available. To find t...Read more -
Catawba, North Carolina
Visit Murray's Mill
4.5The Murray's Mill Historic District features Murray's Mill (constructed in 1913) with its 28 ft. waterwheel, a general store constructed in the 1890's, Wheathouse Exhibit gallery, and the John Murray House. Free and open to the public to visit, this is a great place to stop and stretch your legs...Read more -
Nags Head, North Carolina
Photograph Bodie Island Lighthouse
5.0Bodie Island Lighthouse is one of five lighthouses located on the Outer Banks in North Carolina. Located just 10 miles south of Nags Head, NC. To reach the lighthouse follow Cape Hatteras National Park Rd (HWY 12) from the intersection of HWY 158 for 5.2 mile then turn right onto Bodie Island L...Read more -
Newland, North Carolina
Hike to Bradley Gap along the Appalachian Trail
4.6 mi / 1339 ft gainBradley Gap rests along the Appalachian Trail overlooking North Carolina and Tennessee mountains. Part of the Roan Highlands, Bradley Gap can be accessed via Yellow Mountain Gap Trailhead. Follow the Roaring Fork Trail from the trailhead until you intersect the Appalachian Trail (White Blaze) app...Read more -
Todd, North Carolina
Hike the Elk Knob Summit Trail
5.03.8 mi / 1000 ft gainThere are no bathrooms at the trailhead, so if needed, drive a little past it to the park bathrooms on the left. Park at the summit trailhead and start your hike on the new gravel path. The trail gains 1000 ft in elevation in just under 2 miles so take your time if need be - and bring plenty of w...Read more -
Wilmington, North Carolina
Explore River Road Park
5.0At the end of River Road Park Rd. there is a small pier to fish off of or to just lounge on. On both the right and left side of the pier there are trails in the forest to wander through. The trails on the right walk you on the edge of the water and open up to a large field of wild grass. This ...Read more -
Tuckasegee, North Carolina
Paddling The Slab and Eternity Hole
5.0The Slab and Eternity hole, located on the East Fork of the Tuckasegee River, are two of Western, NC's best play spots for kayakers of all levels. Paddle down only yards from the public boat launch to The Slab where you can perfect your surfing in kayak, SUP, or whatever boat you float. A few hun...Read more -
Canton, North Carolina
Hike Big East Fork Shining Rock Loop
4.014 miWe began this trip by camping overnight in Graveyard Fields. Those camp sites are .5 miles from the car, so we kept our food there over night. Bear activity has increased, so it's strongly advised to bring a bear canister and be wise about food storage. We woke up early the next morning made bre...Read more -
Sparta, North Carolina
Hike the Bluff Mountain Trail
1.8 mi / 270 ft gainBefore you head out, check the status of the Blue Ridge Parkway (it periodically closes during the winter). The entire Bluff Mountain Trail is a 7.1 mile trail that traverses the Doughton Park Area along the Blue Ridge Parkway. To do this particular hike, park at the bathrooms in the Doughton P...Read more
