I’ve Been Gatekeeping 4 Little-Known Hiking Trails in North Carolina

New year, new trails? There are so many incredible hiking trails in North Carolina, you could tackle a new trail every day and still not traverse them all. From summit vista views to sandy beaches with excellent sunrises, there’s always a hiking trail nearby, and I love the various landscapes you can hike through. 

While popular hiking trails like the Kuwohi Observation Tower Trail and the Triple Falls Trails get their well-deserved glory, I’m a fan of the little-known places in North Carolina where you can find lesser-known trails. These trails offer a chance to step off the beaten path and find yourself in a new spot. Who knows, maybe one of these trails might become your favorite hiking trail in North Carolina!

Densons Creek Nature Loop

The Uwharrie National Forest clocks in at 50,000 acres, and yet it's the smallest of the four National Forests in North Carolina. There are more than 50 miles of hiking, biking, and ATV trails that weave throughout the forest, and the Densons Creek Nature Loop is a good place to start. The two-mile loop is well-marked with white diamond blazes and is a perfect dog-friendly trail (keep them on a leash, please!). The trail meanders through the forest with a few streams along the way. 

Cane Creek Purple Trail

Sitting pretty in the southwest corner of the state, Cane Creek Park is a bit of a hidden gem for folks who don’t wander through this part of North Carolina. The lakefront park in Waxhaw is a favorite during the warmer months and offers plenty of fishing, boating, swimming, and horseback riding opportunities. There are a couple of trails here, but my favorite is the Cane Creek Purple Trail because it hugs the water. The 4.3-mile out-and-back trail leads you through a dense oak and hickory forest with plenty of opportunities to admire the waterfront views. This is a spectacular spot to watch the sunrise, too!

Talking Tree Trail

This loop trail is just shy of a mile, but don’t let the length fool you—it’s steep enough to give your quads a workout. There are benches along the way if you need to rest (or just take in the view). While you’re in the area, it’s worth it to check out the Amadehy Waterfalls Trail. There is an easier, 2.8-mile trail (the other trail is almost four miles and rated as hard), and it gives you a chance to further explore the Rendezvous Mountain State Forest. 

Bennetts Creek Trail

Merchants Millpond State Park is full of fabulous hiking trails. The state park spans 3,520 acres, and its main attraction is the 200-year-old, 700-acre millpond and Lassiter Swamp. It’s a popular spot to go canoeing, but if you’d rather stay on land, you can’t go wrong with the Bennetts Creek Trail. The 2.3-mile loop trail hugs the water for a bit before leading into the woods, offering a “best of both worlds” type of hike. Dogs are welcome to join in on the adventure, just keep them on a leash. 

Which of these little-known hiking trails in North Carolina are you interested in checking out? Share this article with your fellow hiking buddy and start making plans to hit the trails. Feeling inspired? Try planning your own trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.