Posted in North Carolina Hiking, Nature November 04, 2020 by

11 Incredible Hikes Under 5 Miles Everyone In North Carolina Should Take

North Carolina is positively chock-full of hiking trails. And many of them are quite lengthy, meandering on for miles and miles as they make their way across mountains or along the coastline. Yet sometimes you want an immersive hike that can be easily completed in a day. So the next time you’re looking for a great workout, unforgettable views, and relatively easy to moderate effort, check out these truly amazing hikes under 5 miles in North Carolina.

1. Linville Falls, Erwin's View
Craig Zerbe / Getty Images
Nick Feathers / AllTrails
When it comes to the best hikes under 5 miles in North Carolina, you can't go wrong with Erwin's View Trail. Erwin's View takes you to the three main lookout points of Linville Falls. On this 1.5-mile moderate hike, you'll climb through majestic forests of old-growth Hemlock and White Pines. Once you reach the famous Erwin's View you'll be speechless. It's easy to see why this perspective of Linville Falls is one of the most photographed on the east coast.
2. Sugarloaf Dune Trail, Carolina Beach State Park
spfeifle1 / Getty Images
Flickr / teresaphillips1985
Trade in the mountain views for sandy dunes. The 2.8-mile Sugarloaf Dune Trail takes you through diverse coastal habitat. You might even spot a Venus Fly Trap! If you're visiting the beach and want a little exercise, this is the perfect place to go.
3. Jomeokee Trail, Pilot Mountain
Flickr / Susan Smith
For an easy 0.9-mile hike with beautiful scenery, try Jomeokee Trail at Pilot Mountain. You can even start with Jomeokee and try more daring trails after. It takes you around the big pinnacle. For a date idea or to take a rest, there are plenty of cozy nooks to sit down and have a picnic.
4. Old Mitchell Trail, Mt. Mitchell
Flickr / Kolin Toney
Julia Visconte / AllTrails
Dare to be different and hike to the top of Mt. Mitchell instead of driving. The hilly trail spans for just four miles. You'll pass the historic Camp Alice, and witness the changing ecosystem with each mile accomplished. This trek is one of the most scenic hikes under 5 miles in North Carolina.
5. Flat Laurel Creek Trail
wes hill / flickr
Flat Laurel Creek is a great, peaceful alternative to the popular Graveyard Fields Trail. The 2.5-mile hike starts at a high elevation valley with grassy balds and dark, spruce-fir trees. The trail lies beneath both Sam's Knob and Black Balsam Knob. From here, you can also hike to a waterfall on Flat Laurel Creek.
6. Whiteside Mountain
Flickr / John Picklesimer
This 2.5-mile moderate trail takes you to the top of Whiteside Mountain, and the endpoint is amazing. A 700-foot cliff leaves little to be desired. It's suggested the best time for hiking is mid-June. Flowers overtake the rough terrain, adding colorful beauty...perfect for some photos!
7. Crabtree Falls Loop Trail
Robert Cable / Getty Images
For the perfect late morning-early afternoon hike, this somewhat strenuous, 2.5-mile hike is well worth it. It starts at mile post 339.5 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Once you start hiking you'll go through growths of birch and hemlock. This trail loops around the beautiful Crabtree Falls.
8. Hickory Nut Gorge and Falls
Flickr / Brian Leon
Starting at cliffs along the gorge and leading to the breathtaking Hickory Nut Falls, this moderate 1.5-mile hike is safe and fun for the whole family. It's a vibrant hike that takes you along diverse landscapes.
9. Craggy Gardens
Flickr / Selena N.B.H
Mike Dee / AllTrails
This easy, 1.4-mile hike is filled with lush, twirling-trees lining the trails and piling on top of one another. The enchanted but charted nature trail leads to a gorgeous summit lookout. It's best to go in the early summer for the rhododendrons and mid-summer for the blueberries!
10. Camp Alice Trail
Flickr / Doug Bradley
For those seeking a Walden-esque hike, this lesser-used trail leads you to open fields with Mount Mitchell looming in the distance. The quiet terrain and peaceful hike spanning 3.6 miles will bring back your inner zen.
11. Moore's Wall Loop Trail, Hanging Rock State Park
Flickr / Amy Meredith
Hanging Rock is one of the most popular hiking destinations near the Triad. For the perfect beginner hike that still lets you see the sights, Moore's Wall takes you on a brisk 4.3-mile journey where you're rewarded at the end with 360-degree views from a rocky platform.

What are your thoughts on these hikes under 5 miles in North Carolina? It truly is amazing how many diverse hiking trails our state has, and to be honest, I was a bit surprised by how amazing they are for their relatively short distance. Now you have no excuse not to get out and get active! What are your favorite hikes in North Carolina? Have you hiked any of these trails before?

Address: Linville Falls, NC 28752, USA
Address: Carolina Beach State Park, 1010 State Park Rd, Carolina Beach, NC 28428, USA
Address: Pilot Mountain, NC 27041, USA
Address: Old Mt Mitchell Trail, Burnsville, NC 28714, USA
Address: Flat Laurel Creek Trailhead, Canton, NC 28716, USA
Address: Whiteside Mountain, North Carolina 28741, USA
Address: Crabtree Falls, North Carolina 28777, USA
Address: Hickory Nut Falls, North Carolina 28746, USA
Address: Craggy Gardens Visitor Center, Blue Ridge Parkway, Black Mountain, NC, USA
Address: Mount Mitchell State Park, 2388 NC-128, Burnsville, NC 28714, USA
Address: Hanging Rock State Park, 1790 Hanging Rock Park Rd, Danbury, NC 27016, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center

hikes under 5 miles in North Carolina

November 09, 2020
Beth C.

What are the best short trails in North Carolina?

Our article highlighting some incredible hikes under 5 miles in North Carolina should give you a good start, but it’s by no means the conclusive list. If you’re curious to explore some other short and beautiful trails in North Carolina, there are plenty more that belong on your radar. These include Devil’s Courthouse Trail, Max Patch, Waterrock Knob, the Green Knob Fire Tower, Black Balsam Knob, and Rough Ridge.

Does North Carolina have any hidden gems?

Yes! North Carolina has an abundance of hidden gems, ranging from little-known eateries to fantastic hikes leading to sprawling mountain views. In fact, you could easily devote an entire lifetime to exploring all of North Carolina’s hidden gems. Some of these destinations include the Land of Oz Theme Park in Beech Mountain, Devil’s Tramping Ground in Bear Creek, the Blue Ghost Fireflies in Hendersonville, the Cryptozoology and Paranormal Museum in Littleton, and the Bunker Hill Covered Bridge in Claremont.

What is the tallest mountain in North Carolina?

North Carolina is renowned for having the tallest mountain on the East Coast, which is Mount Mitchell. This towering peak stands at 6,684 feet above sea level. This breathtaking summit is the tallest east of the Mississippi River, and it’s accessible to drivers and hikers alike. Tourists from all over venture to Mount Mitchell State Park to marvel at the unique ecosystem and explore the beautiful alpine trails. Curious to learn more about Mt. Mitchell? Read all about this incredible North Carolina state park.

Address: Linville Falls, NC 28752, USA
Address: Carolina Beach State Park, 1010 State Park Rd, Carolina Beach, NC 28428, USA
Address: Pilot Mountain, NC 27041, USA
Address: Old Mt Mitchell Trail, Burnsville, NC 28714, USA
Address: Flat Laurel Creek Trailhead, Canton, NC 28716, USA
Address: Whiteside Mountain, North Carolina 28741, USA
Address: Crabtree Falls, North Carolina 28777, USA
Address: Hickory Nut Falls, North Carolina 28746, USA
Address: Craggy Gardens Visitor Center, Blue Ridge Parkway, Black Mountain, NC, USA
Address: Mount Mitchell State Park, 2388 NC-128, Burnsville, NC 28714, USA
Address: Hanging Rock State Park, 1790 Hanging Rock Park Rd, Danbury, NC 27016, USA