7 Totally Kid-Friendly Hikes In North Carolina That Are 1 Mile And Under
It can be difficult with small children to choose a hike in North Carolina that’s safe for the entire family and not so long that you end up carrying the smallest members of the pack for most of the journey. Below are seven kid-friendly trails where everyone can enjoy the trek, get some exercise, and see the sights! And to top it off, they are some of the best kid-friendly hikes in North Carolina. Let’s go on an adventure!
Drive your car all the way to the top of the mountain, yet still be at the base of the summit of North Carolina's highest peak. From the parking area and visitor center, it's a mere .04 miles to reach the summit. The views from up here are phenomenal on a clear day! It's one of the most scenic hikes in North Carolina. Learn more about Mount Mitchell Summit Trail on the North Carolina State Parks website.
Mount Mitchell Summit Trail, North Carolina 28714, USA
Head to the North Carolina/Tennessee Border at Carvers Gap and then take the small service road all the way to the top of the mountain to access the Cloudland Trail. You can enter the trail at various points, the shortest hike of which is a mere .05 mile to the pinnacle where the views seem to go on forever. Kids love this hike, there is much to see and do in the moss-covered forest along the way. It's truly one of the most kid-friendly hikes around North Carolina. Read more about Cloudland Trail on the US Forest Service website and plan your next visit there. This is one of the best family-friendly hikes you can take in North Carolina.
While some of the hikes around Linville Falls can be a bit more lengthy (and challenging), this short 0.4-mile trek from the parking area is a fun excursion with the kids and features a cute little waterfall seen from a bridge. It's one of the best family hikes in North Carolina. Learn more about Duggers Creek Falls on the NC Waterfalls website, then take the whole family there for a hike.
Check out this video on Duggers Creek Falls by Cathy Anderson:
Hike to one of only two remaining covered bridges in the entire state on this short 0.2-mile loop trail near Asheboro. If the distance is too short, then hike it twice to tire the kiddos out. Bring a picnic and enjoy the scenery! It's one of the best hikes in North Carolina for small kids. Pisgah Covered Bridge's trail begins at 6875 Pisgah Covered Bridge Rd, Asheboro, NC 27205.
6875 Pisgah Covered Bridge Rd, Asheboro, NC 27205, USA
At only 0.7 miles (on a loop), the Cascades Trail provides some short-lived high adventure with creek crossings on fairytale footbridges, some enchanting stairways, and more as the trail winds along a creek and features more than one cascading waterfall. The trail can be a little rugged and it can get muddy after a hard rain. Learn more about Cascades Trail on the US Forest Service website.
West Jefferson, NC 28694, USA
6. Craggy Pinnacle Trail - Blue Ridge Parkway, MP 364.4
The view from the overlook on this trail is amazing; however, getting up there is a steady uphill climb for half a mile. Prepare for stepping over some roots and navigating some rock steps. It's a well-traveled trail so expect the share the path! Learn more about Craggy Pinnacle Trail on the National Park Service website to see if it's right for your family.
Check out this video on Craggy Pinnacle Trail by Austin & Tina:
A short 0.8-mile hike (round trip), the trail to Toms Creek Falls is smattered with wildflowers in the spring. The trail is well-marked and well-traveled. It ends up at the base of Toms Creek Falls. Another trail that's more dangerous leads to the top of the falls, but is not recommended for the kiddos. Check out this map for directions to the Toms Creek Falls trailhead.
Toms Creek Falls Trail, 1250 Huskins Branch Rd, Marion, NC 28752, USA
Ready for an adventure the whole family will love? These are some of the best kid-friendly hikes in North Carolina for families with small kids. Want some trails that are a bit longer, but still easy enough for the family to enjoy? Check out these easy and beautiful North Carolina hikes.
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The OIYS Visitor Center
best hikes in North Carolina
April 05, 2022
Jessica Bohl
What are some scenic hikes in North Carolina?
Some of the most scenic hikes in North Carolina include:
The 2.5-mile hike at Whiteside Mountain. There, a 700-foot cliff with views, so be sure to bring your camera.
For waterfall lovers, be sure to check out Crabtree Falls. The 2.5-mile trail is not super long but can be a bit strenuous. Be prepared with proper gear and lots of water.
Beach hikes abound in North Carolina, and the Sugarloaf Dune Trail at Carolina Beach State Park is a lovely 2.8-mile hike anyone will love.
These three hikes will get you started, but read about some other amazing scenic hikes in North Carolina and add them to your list.
What are some difficult hikes in North Carolina?
One of the most difficult hikes in North Carolina is the Grandfather Mountain Trail, which leads hikers to the summit of the 5,956-foot Grandfather Mountain. The trail is incredibly difficult and involves ladders, cables, and scaling rocks and cliffs. So do not attempt this hike if you are a beginner. Check out more on the challenging Grandfather Mountain Trail.
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Robin Jarvis is a travel writer and editor for OnlyInYourState.com with a bachelor's degree in Journalism. Her love for travel has taken her to many parts of the world. She's lived in the Carolinas for nearly three decades and currently resides in Charleston. When she's not working, she loves to cook with friends and check out new adventures. General questions and FAM tours: rjarvis@onlyinyourstate.com.
