The 5 Best Outdoorsy Towns to Explore in North Carolina

Growing up in North Carolina, I was spoiled for choice in terms of being in proximity to the mountains, beach, and lakes, which opened up a plethora of chances to get out in nature and escape from the city. Just about wherever you are in the state, you can easily hop in the car, drive a few hours, and see the rolling hills of the Piedmont, trek the majestic peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and wade the salty waters of the coastline. Some of the most outdoorsy towns in North Carolina offer chances to hike, bike, paddle, and get some fresh air, which is just what the soul needs. 

1. Waynesville

Waynesville, North Carolina, is the gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. I have fond memories growing up frolicking outdoors during the summer, visiting the shores of Lake Junaluska, going horseback riding, and hanging out at the pool and golf courses at Laurel Ridge Country Club. 

This outdoorsy town in North Carolina is also perfect for a long bike ride on the Waynesville Greenway, where you can take your bathing suit along afterward to float in Richland Creek. Waynesville is home to plenty of places for prime bird watching, as many flocks of migrating birds call Lake Junaluska home in the winter. 

2. Black Mountain

This nature town in North Carolina is tucked into the lush Blue Ridge Mountains. Outdoor recreation activities are in every direction you look, such as walking along the trails of Montreat and seeing the peaks of the Seven Sisters Mountains in the background. You can also embark on the 0.55-mile loop trail around Lake Tomahawk to walk, swim, and enjoy the views of Graybeard Mountain’s peaks. 

The town is called “the front porch of Western North Carolina” for a reason – the great outdoors are easily accessible, so that you can spend the day admiring the rushing waters of Catawba Falls, trekking the nearby hiking trails, and more outdoor adventures.  

3. Creswell

While the lake options in North Carolina are plentiful, nothing is better than going somewhere that offers it all – camping, hiking, fishing, picknicking, bird-watching – you name it. 

As one of the best small-town state parks, Pettigrew State Park offers all of these outdoor activities and more, with a background of the clear waters and rich wildlife of Lake Phelps and the Scuppernog River. Lake Phelps is the second-largest natural lake in North Carolina and thus hosts a fascinating ecosystem to explore. Cypress Point offers a fantastic boardwalk and fishing pier with beautiful views of the river and a chance to admire the serenity of the state park.

4. Elk Park

While Elk Park is a town of under 1,000, it makes up for it with its beauty and countless outdoor activities, making it one of the best nature towns in North Carolina. Elk Park is home to Elk River Falls, a picturesque waterfall that you can enjoy in Pisgah National Forest. Take a short and relatively flat hike around the waterfall that’s lined with rhododendron in the summer. However, do not attempt to get into the water above the waterfall or dive from a rock cliff, as conditions can be dangerous.

5. Beaufort

If you're looking for outdoor adventures that feel just as relaxing as they are scenic, look no further than Beaufort. Take some kayaks out to go explore Rachel Carson Reserve, and witness the wild horses that were brought to the site by a local citizen in the 1940s and have been non-native inhabitants of the island ever since. For other outdoorsy things to do in Beaufort, consider taking the ferry to look for seashells at Shackleford Banks, or going deep-sea fishing in nearby Morehead City. Visit Beaufort and the Crystal Coast in the spring or fall to experience mild temperatures and escape the summer crowds.

Which outdoorsy town are you most excited to check out? Don't forget to send this article to a fellow outdoor lover to plan your next excursion.