Skip the Crowds: Explore North Carolina’s 5 Quietest Trails and Parks This Month

For many people, solitude in nature is the appeal of hiking. I know for me, I love nothing more than to get out onto a trail and feel like I'm all alone. Just me and Mother Nature. If that sentiment rings true for you too, then we've curated a list of hiking trails in North Carolina to add to your bucket list. We start off slow and steady with a few smaller trails and lead up to the grand finale at a 15-miler with some of the best views around. So strap on your hiking boots and get ready to hit the trails!

1. Mingo Falls Trail - Cherokee, NC

Short and sweet - that's how I like to start off some of my hiking lists, just to work our way up to the grand finale. That's why we're kicking off with a 0.3-mile out-and-back waterfall trail to get our feet wet so to speak. The Mingo Falls Trail is very popular throughout the spring and summer, but around late fall and into winter, the traffic dies down a bit, making it a great time to visit if you aim for solitude. Make sure to bring a camera for this one - you won't want to miss the falls in all its glory!

2. Panther Top Trail - Murphy, NC

Next up, we have Panther Top in the Nantahala National Forest, clocking in at 2.2 miles out and back. While it's been dubbed a popular trail for hiking, biking, and running, it has been noted to have periods of quiet during certain times of the day. This one is open all year long, so you can plan a visit each season to get an entirely different vantage point.

3. Cedar Ridge Trail Loop - Raleigh, NC

The Cedar Ridge Trail Loop in William B. Umstead State Park is a longer trek at over six miles, but it's a great option for anyone looking for a great workout with minimal elevation changes. The route follows a hilly multi-purpose trail, but the views around the water always add some value. Dogs are allowed here, just make sure to protect their paws from some of the loose gravel pathways!

4. Craggy Gardens Trail - Barnardsville, NC

As we make our way to the grand finale hike, Craggy Gardens Trail makes for the perfect lead-up with some incredible views. At just over two miles out and back, at the midway point of this hike, you'll see a stretch of bald land with views for miles in almost every direction. Hikers have noted this trail is especially nice during the spring and summer months when flowers are in bloom, and there is peak foliage!

5. Yancey Ridge Trail - Collettsville, NC

We're going to end this one with a bang just because the views are worth it. The 15.4-mile out-and-back Yancey Ridge Trail near Collettsville, North Carolina, is considered a challenging route, not just because of the length but because the elevation changes are upwards of 3,300 feet. Hikers along this trail have also noted that it makes for a great mountain biking ride, and leashed dogs are welcome if you don't want to trek alone. It takes the average hiker around eight hours to complete.

Also, make sure to sign up for an Alltrails Plus membership before you hike! That way, you can get even more information before you start your journey.