It is always wonderful to get outside and hike one of the best hikes in North Carolina! When you get outside and explore the wilderness, you are rejuvenated and experience a combination of joy and peace. Sometimes it can be daunting to figure out where to hike. But don’t worry! There’s no need to search for “hiking trails near me.” We’ve put together a list of 10 easy hikes in North Carolina that virtually anyone can conquer. Take a look below and then make plans to get outside and play!

1. Triple Falls Trail - near Cedar Mountain
DuPont State Recreational Forest, Staton Rd, Cedar Mountain, NC 28718, USA
alltrails.com/Bill Watson
alltrails.com/Rebecca Rogers
alltrails.com
Take this 2.3-mile loop trail in Dupont State Forest for a mere 0.3 miles before you reach the staggered triple falls. The trail is well marked and easy to follow. From the parking lot, head through the bridge and then look for signs. Check out the parking lot and trailhead, then plan your next visit. Such a short but rewarding trail makes this one of the most kid-friendly hikes around North Carolina.
2. Max Patch Trail - near Hot Springs
Max Patch Road, Max Patch Rd, United States
alltrails.com/Keith Hall
alltrails.com/Erika Woodfin
alltrails.com
This nice little 1.5-mile loop trail is a sweet hike to a bald patch on top of a hill dishing up panoramic views of North Carolina. It's a great hike for everyone, even beginners — but it is all uphill at the beginning. From the parking area, take the trail up the mountain and keep climbing. The Appalachian Trail intersects the Max Patch Trail, increasing your chances of meeting through-hikers on your own journey to Max Patch.
3. Deep Creek Loop Trail - near Bryson City
Bryson City, NC 28713, USA
alltrails.com/Justin P
alltrails.com/Mary Knight
alltrails.com
Hike under a canopy of trees on a moderately trafficked five-mile loop trail that some beginner hikers may find a bit challenging simply due to the length. Others consider it a relatively easy and super enjoyable trek with a variety of features including waterfalls and bridges. Learn more about one of the most scenic hikes in North Carolina, then pencil in your next visit.
4. Piedmont Trail - Greensboro
Piedmont Parkway, Piedmont Pkwy, Greensboro, NC, USA
alltrails.com/Kelly Smith
alltrails.com/ben ridings
alltrails.com
This lakeside trail is a wonderful retreat where you can easily opt to do all of the 5.3 miles out and back, or just a section, and then turn back to your starting point. Enjoy picturesque views of Lake Brandt as you meander along the flat terrain. Check out this scenic photo of Lake Brandt, then go take your own photos on this hike!
5. Craggy Pinnacle Trail - near Barnardsville
Craggy Pinnacle Hike, 3641 Blue Ridge Pkwy, Barnardsville, NC 28709, USA
alltrails.com/Scott Densmore
alltrails.com/Maria Pahang
alltrails.com
A nice and easy trek on this upward bound trail takes you to not one, but two overlook options. Head to the upper overlook for the best view, then on the way back down, check out the lower overlook too. The trail is 0.9 miles out and back, and is a super easy climb from the parking area. You'll find the trailhead and parking area at milepost 364.1 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. This is one of the best hikes in North Carolina, so start planning your visit today!
6. Old Field Bluff Trail - Chapel Hill
Bluff Trail, Chapel Hill, NC 27516, USA
alltrails.com/Bill Watson
alltrails.com/Bill Watson
alltrails.com
The Johnston Mill Nature Preserve has a few trails that intertwine, making it a great place to explore. Take the Old Field Bluff Trail as a starting point, and then branch off on one of the other well-marked trails to explore the beautiful preserve further. This is one of the most historic hikes in North Carolina, so go check it out!
7. Cascades Trail - near West Jefferson
Boone, NC, USA
alltrails.com/Bill Watson
alltrails.com/Tracy Schindler
alltrails.com
This short and sweet hike will leave you with plenty of time to have a picnic or just relax and enjoy the big payoff at the end: a cascading waterfall that's straight out of a fairy tale. The hike is less than a mile in loop format and features some lovely climbs on rustic steps made of wood and stone. This trail is perfect for the whole family and definitely photo-worthy!
8. Mouse Creek Falls via Big Creek Trail - near Waynesville
Big Creek Trail, North Carolina, USA
alltrails.com/Justin P
alltrails.com/Keith Whitmer
alltrails.com
If you love meeting new people while hiking, then this will be an excellent opportunity! This 5.7-mile out-and-back trail is a favorite, with two gorgeous waterfalls waiting to be discovered. At the 1.5-mile mark, you'll be thrilled by the waterfall called Midnight Hole. Continue on to the 2.0-mile mark to reach the enchanting waterfall known as Mouse Creek Falls. Find the parking area, then pay this fantastic hike a visit.
9. Pink Beds Trail - near Brevard
Pink Beds Trail Loop, US-276, Pisgah Forest, NC 28768, USA
alltrails.com/Derek Clements
alltrails.com/Kim Walker
alltrails.com
This may be the flattest trail around, but it is six miles long, so eat your Wheaties the night before! The hike features a variety of terrain including some boardwalks, dirt paths, and bridges. Avoid going too soon after a rainy period or you could be ankle-deep in the mud. Learn more about Pink Beds Trail and then spend the weekend exploring the area.
10. Cape Fear River Trail - Fayetteville
Cape Fear River Trail, Fayetteville, NC 28301, USA
alltrails.com/Marnelli Holland
alltrails.com
Aptly named, the Cape Fear River Trail follows the river with the same name. It winds for 5.5 miles over mostly paved or hard surfaces, making it a picture-perfect walking path as well as a hiking trail and jogging path. It's one of the best easy hikes in North Carolina, so bring the whole family when you visit.

It doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner or a pro, these 10 best hikes in North Carolina are perfect for trekkers at all skill levels! For more outdoor fun in North Carolina, check out the one place in the Tarheel State that offers the ultimate outdoor experience.

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More to Explore

best hikes in North Carolina

Jessica Bohl | June 02, 2022

What are some historic hikes in North Carolina?

There are some amazing historic hikes in North Carolina. People often associate hiking with nature lovers, but there are also some fantastic trails for history lovers as well. North Carolina is full of history and stunning hikes, so there are plenty of historic hikes to explore. For Revolutionary War buffs, you should definitely check out the Guildford Courthouse National Military Park in Greensboro, which features an easy 1.7-mile loop for exploring. There are historical markers and monuments throughout, so you can learn and exercise at the same time. The Mingus Creek Trail in Cherokee is another fantastic historic hike. This 5.8-mile trail takes you past streams and wildflowers en route to the Mingus Grist Mill which was built in 1866. The two-story mill still operates today!

Are there any kid-friendly hikes around North Carolina?

There are fantastic kid-friendly hikes around North Carolina that you will want to check out with the whole family. Hikes that qualify as kid-friendly are usually short, relatively flat, and have lovely scenery. And fortunately, in North Carolina, there are a lot of hikes that check off all of these boxes. For instance, Mount Mitchell Summit Trail in Burnsville is perfect for the whole family. You can drive your car to the top of the mountain and then hike a mere .04-miles to reach the summit. The views from the top are truly breathtaking, so be sure you bring your camera.

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