Posted in North Carolina April 26, 2020 by

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.

We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
1. Grandfather Trail
Flickr / Frank Kehren
Grandfather Trail might have a reputation for being one of the most dangerous hikes in North Carolina but that doesn't stop plenty of people conquering fears and reaching the top by way of one of the 16 ladders. Scaling Grandfather's Profile takes 2.4-miles with the endpoint at Calloway Peak - one of the highest vistas in the Blue Ridge at 5,946 ft.
2. Linville Gorge
Only In North Carolina / Danny Richard Buxton
Also known as 'The Grand Canyon of the East,' Linville Gorge is home to some 38 miles of hiking trails weaving you in-and-out of the rugged mountain scenery. Each trail offers something a bit different; the more remote trails are a utopia for backpackers. The easiest (yet still rewarding) is the 1.2 mile Table Rock Summit Trail that leads you to the 3,930 ft rocky overlook offer 360-degree views of Linville Gorge. Backpackers love the hard yet rewarding Linville Trail, spanning 11.5 miles. You'll see most of the Gorge while spending a long weekend in this remote haven.
3. Mountains-to-Sea Trail
Flickr / Judy Frederick Photography
The completion of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail (MST) was highly anticipated and today takes hikers on an Appalachian Trail-esque journey through North Carolina. You'll venture through 37 counties and four national parks. The MST ascends the highest peak east of the Mississippi and the highest sand dune on the east coast. It connects to 10 state parks and includes two ferry rides and three lighthouses. In total it takes 2,112,000 footsteps to complete.
4. Appalachian Trail
Flickr / Frank Kehren
As the mecca of eastern U.S hiking, the Appalachian trail spans 2,180 miles from Georgia to Maine. The journey offers some of the most gorgeous views of not just the east coast, but North Carolina. Points of interest include Clingman's Dome, Lovers Leap Loop, Fontana Dam, and Max Patch, a 2.6 mi. hike that takes you to a grassy summit with 360-degree mountain views.
5. Craggy Gardens
Emory Rakestraw
Only a short distance from the Blue Ridge Parkway overlook, an enchanted 1.4-mile hike through rows of twirling rhododendrons and old-growth trees might have you believing you've entered a fairytale. While many come in late spring for the blooms, Craggy Gardens is beautiful year-round. Once you've reached the top, you're treated to panoramic views of some of the highest peaks in the Blue Ridge and two separate overlooks to take it all in.
6. DuPont State Forest
Flickr / Matthew
DuPont State Forest is filled with gorgeous hiking trails ranging from .5 miles to 6 miles, often leading to one of the many waterfalls in this enchanting forest. From the breathtaking High Falls to the cascading Triple Falls, it's worth spending a day or whole weekend here.

Read our guide to hiking trails in DuPont here.
7. Croatoan National Forest
Flickr / LollyKnit
On the other side of the state, Croatoan National Forest is home to gorgeous hiking trails that weave you in and out of coastal scenery. Each trail offers something different. Cedar Creek Trail leads you through tidal marshland. On the Neusiok Trail, you might just want to spend a weekend as it's the longest backpacking trail on the coast. The Island Creek Forest Walk lets you experience untouched coastal Forest while Patsy Pond tucks you amongst beautiful, tall pines. Together the trails total 31 miles.
8. Carver's Gap, Roan Mountain
Flickr / anoldent
While Roan Mountain is home to several different trails that ascend you up different vistas of the massif (like the Cloudland Trail), Carver's Gap is a true adventure. Intersecting with the Appalachian Trail, you'll climb 400 feet in just 3/4 of a mile, all while being surrounded by grassy balds and panoramic views.
9. Whiteside Mountain Trail
Flickr / Frank Kehren
Only appearing twice a year (in early spring and late fall) The Shadow of the Bear attracts hikers and view-seekers from all over. While easily viewed from an overlook, take the journey to make it worth it. The brisk, 2.5 mile Whiteside Mountain Trail takes you to a 700 ft. breathtaking cliff.
10. Old Mitchell Trail
Flickr / Kolin Toney
While you can easily drive to the top of the highest peak east of the Mississippi, it's so much cooler to say you've climbed to the top. The 4-mile Old Mitchell Trail is a journey through ever-changing ecosystems and rare plant life, you'll also pass the historic Camp Alice.
11. Moore's Wall Loop Trail, Hanging Rock
Flickr / Susan Smith
The 4.3-mile hike to the top of Hanging Rock is a well worth-it journey. For a Blue Ridge feel right in the Piedmont, the hike treats you with several rocky outcrop views until you reach your destination. At the top, there are several rocks to dangle yourself over the edge of it all or cozy up for a picnic and some photos.

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?

Address: Grandfather Trail, Linville, NC, USA
Address: Table Rock Mountain, Upper Creek, NC 28655, USA
Address: Appalachian Trail, Maggie Valley, NC 28751, USA
Address: Craggy Gardens, Ivy, NC 28778, USA
Address: Staton Rd, Cedar Mountain, NC 28718, USA
Address: Croatan National Forest, 6, NC 28570, USA
Address: Whiteside Mountain Trail, Hendersonville, NC 28792, USA
Address: Old Mountain Mitchell Trail, Burnsville, NC 28714, USA
Address: Moores Wall, Quaker Gap, NC 27052, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center

best hiking trails in North Carolina

May 10, 2020
Jackie Ann

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.

Address: Grandfather Trail, Linville, NC, USA
Address: Table Rock Mountain, Upper Creek, NC 28655, USA
Address: Appalachian Trail, Maggie Valley, NC 28751, USA
Address: Craggy Gardens, Ivy, NC 28778, USA
Address: Staton Rd, Cedar Mountain, NC 28718, USA
Address: Croatan National Forest, 6, NC 28570, USA
Address: Whiteside Mountain Trail, Hendersonville, NC 28792, USA
Address: Old Mountain Mitchell Trail, Burnsville, NC 28714, USA
Address: Moores Wall, Quaker Gap, NC 27052, USA