11 Of The Greatest Hiking Trails On Earth Are Right Here In North Carolina
North Carolina is a dream for any explorer. From some of the highest peaks on the east coast to trails that lead you beside rushing waterfalls, and even coastal habitats where you might spot a Venus flytrap or two – it’s no surprise some of the best hiking trails ever can be discovered here. Next time you’re looking for an epic outdoor adventure, consider taking a hike down one of the best hiking trails in North Carolina.






Read our guide to hiking trails in DuPont here.





North Carolina is so beautiful and there are SO many hiking trails it’s hard to decide just which ones to try first – but this is a pretty good bucket list. Which ones have you done, which ones would you like to try?
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best hiking trails in North Carolina
Are there any other places I should go hiking in North Carolina?
When it comes to hiking trails, North Carolina doesn’t disappoint. With its varied terrain, hikers can enjoy everything from waterfall views to sweeping treetop mountain vistas. For mountaintop hikes, Black Balsam Knob near Asheville offers incredible 360-degree views, as does the Looking Glass Rock at the Pisgah National Forest. While you’re there, the 5-mile Pink Beds Loop at Pisgah National Forest is a beautiful trail that will surround you with lush ferns, breathtaking meadows and babbling brooks throughout your hike.
What are the best outdoor adventures in North Carolina?
North Carolina has some of the most gorgeous natural scenery in the country. From majestic mountaintops to white sandy beaches, North Carolina really does offer something for everyone. For an epic outdoor adventure, you’ll want to kayak the French Broad River near Asheville, North Carolina. This paddle trail opened in 2012 and gives kayakers a direct connection to Douglas Lake, Tennessee if you choose to paddle down the entire trail. If you’re feeling really brave, you can go rock climbing at Chimney Rock State Park, a world-class destination for bouldering and rock climbing. If you’ve got the need for speed, a zip line through the Blue Ridge Mountains is right up your alley. Navitat Canopy Adventures in Asheville is one of the most popular spots to go zip-lining in North Carolina, and you’ll have a blast soaring through the tree tops.
What are the most remote places in North Carolina?
With such an incredibly diverse landscape, North Carolina is full of remote locations that are just waiting to be explored. One of the most popular remote places in North Carolina is the Road to Nowhere, which has a very interesting history. While there, you’ll be treated to beautiful views of Fontana Lake and the Smoky Mountains. For beach views, Carova is perfect. As one of the least developed locations on the Outer Banks and only accessibly by four-wheel drive, getting to Carova is certainly no easy task, but your efforts will be rewarded with incredible sunrises, private beaches, and even a few wild horses.
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