10 Hiking Trails in North Carolina That You Shouldn't Miss

November 7, 2021 Myesha Cogley

North Carolina has something for everyone, with the highest mountains in the eastern U.S., 300 miles of pristine coastline, quaint towns and vibrant cities. From the mountains to the sea, explore the natural, scenic beauty, discover outdoor adventure or try one of 500 golf courses, including the legendary Pinehurst No. 2. Discover a favorite among 100 wineries and 60 craft breweries, tour historic and cultural treasures, sample farm to table delicacies and get the thrill of motorsports in the "home" of NASCAR.
Restaurants in North Carolina

1. Mountains to Sea Trail

NC http://www.ncmst.org/
Excellent
80%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 10 reviews

Mountains to Sea Trail

Nine-hundred-mile trail, consisting of footpaths, roads and state bike routes, extends from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to the Outer Banks.

2. Max Patch

Hot Springs, NC https://www.hotspringsnc.org/max-patch/
Excellent
82%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 368 reviews

Max Patch

Reviewed By 122tinar

Max Patch is about a 40 minute drive from Hot Springs, half of that traveled on a gravel road. We did the loop hike and it was an easy hike with an awesome view at the top. Would love to see the sunrise or sunset. You can camp overnight at the top.

3. Sam knob summit

NC
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
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0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 2 reviews

Sam knob summit

4. Richland Creek Canopy Tours

2728 Fairview Farm Rd, Asheboro, NC 27205-8636 +1 336-629-9440 [email protected] http://www.richlandcreekzipline.com/
Excellent
93%
Good
6%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 108 reviews

Richland Creek Canopy Tours

Reviewed By ryoung34 - Asheboro, United States

Tons of fun zipping through the trees. Lots of shade so the temp was nice. Felt safe with the guide that took us

5. Neuse River Trail

Raleigh, NC +1 919-977-5164 http://www.raleighnc.gov/parks/content/ParksRec/Articles/Greenways/NeuseRiverTrail.html
Excellent
83%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 243 reviews

Neuse River Trail

Reviewed By jcornwell10 - Fuquay-Varina, United States

This trail is amazing spanning Wake County all the way to Johnston. Starts at Falls Dam and goes farther than I’ve yet to discover. Was able to train for many distance races of the half and full marathon variety. Course does not overwhelm with hills which is impressive considering the area. Plenty of access points in neighborhoods and running beside river is pretty cool experience. Only issue I have encountered is low spots can get a little wet and during cold months that means ice.

6. Catawba River Greenway

Morganton, NC 28655 +1 828-438-5350 https://morgantonnc.gov/index.php/government/parks-recreation/parks/morganton-greenway-system
Excellent
79%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 66 reviews

Catawba River Greenway

Reviewed By 218garryv - Morganton, United States

Morganton’s greenway is a wonderful stretch of paved walking/biking trail that runs along the river for several miles. It passes through shady and sunny areas, with gently curves and slight rises that make for an interesting stroll. There are several different places to park and gain access to the trail, most of which are also near playgrounds or shopping areas, and all of them are free. It was one of the many amenities that drew us to the community, and it is well used by all ages - safe and fun!

7. Bass Lake

Bass Lake Loop Drive, Blowing Rock, NC 28605 http://www.exploreboone.com/outdoors/hiking/bass-lake/
Excellent
89%
Good
9%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 111 reviews

Bass Lake

Reviewed By 15gregk - Southport, United States

A really beautiful walk around a historic lake without a lot of ups and downs. Fun but not strenuous.

8. Tar River Trail

Rocky Mount, NC 27804 +1 252-972-1235 [email protected] http://www.rockymountnc.gov/departments___services/parks___recreation/trails
Excellent
77%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 13 reviews

Tar River Trail

Reviewed By MRobinson1010 - Myrtle Beach, United States

Being from Myrtle Beach, we wanted a place to avoid crowds. [See my review of Wilson Lake]. Ibam also a bridge photographer, so I love to find different styles all over the USA. This trail started at the Tar River Bridge. We were able to get pictures above and below it. Along the trail there were places to climb down, see the river and other spots to rest and be out of the sun. It was 80° when we went and it was just a beautiful 3 mile hike for myself, my husband, 14 year old daughter and 6 year old shepherd lab mix dog, Justice. As we walked further along the trail, we ended up in Battle Park which was also beautiful. The waterfall dam, the view from the gazebo and the multiple bridges along the way. We found one area that had graffiti, but that's not uncommon for people to deface beauty. Other than that, we can't wait to come Back!

9. Rough Ridge Lookout

3218 Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 302.8, Linville, NC 28646 http://www.romanticasheville.com/rough_ridge.htm
Excellent
95%
Good
5%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 39 reviews

Rough Ridge Lookout

Reviewed By Retriever32 - Winston Salem, United States

Stop at mile marker 302 on the Parkway, follow the steps up to start the 1 mile hike to the top Great overlooks with views of Lin cove viaduct, grandfather mountain and the blue ridge Moderate difficulty Great fun for age 4 to 90

10. Appalachian Trail

NC
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
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0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 2 reviews

Appalachian Trail

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