North Carolina is home to famed landscapes ranging from craggy peaks in the west, popular with advanced hikers, to coastal plains in the east, a popular destination for families. However, no matter your skill level, the Tar Heel state is filled with pathways, marshes, and densely packed forests to explore.
Whether you’re going out for an afternoon hike or spending months in the wild, one thing is certain in North Carolina — you’re never far from the great outdoors. Here’s our guide to the best hikes in the state.
1. The Appalachian Trail: The Best Hike for Hardcore Trekkers
96.4 miles, time varies
There’s a reason this 2000-mile trail from Georgia to Maine is the most famous in the country. However, you don’t have to commit to a multimonth expedition to experience the Appalachian Trail (AT).
North Carolina has a number of section hikes on the trail’s nearly 100 miles within the state, running from the Blue Ridge Mountains north to the Virginia border. One of the most approachable sections is from outside of Hot Springs to Max Patch Bald.
Other sections reach Clingmans Dome, the highest point on the trail, and the Nantahala River Gorge. The AT’s terrain is largely mountainous, including incredibly rocky sections and some bodies of water to cross.
2. Basin Trail at Fort Fisher Recreation Area: The Best Hike for Beach Bums
1.1 miles one way, around 1½ hours
Leaving from near the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher in Kure Beach, the mile-long Basin Trail is a stunning coastal hike on wooden platforms across the marsh. Some sections are sandy, so step carefully.
Don’t miss the World War II-era bunker, where a self-described hermit named Robert Harrill lived and welcomed visitors from 1955 until his mysterious death in 1972. The beach also offers driving access with a permit and access to a ferry to Southport.
3. Black Balsam Knob: The Best Hike for Views
1.5 miles round trip, around 1 hour
Don’t let the 1.5-mile distance fool you. Nearly an hour from Asheville, the Black Balsam Knob hike on the Art Loeb Trail is difficult, with plenty of rocks, but it opens up onto one of western North Carolina’s most stunning views, especially for sunrise and sunset.
The trailhead is located off the Blue Ridge Parkway. Because of its location at over 6000ft, wind and rain can be a concern, so check conditions before you venture out. The trail is also pet and kid-friendly, with camping available nearby.
4. Company Mill Trail at William B Umstead State Park: The Best Hike for Solitude
5.8 miles round trip, around 3½ hours
One of the best hikes near Raleigh is in Umstead State Park, among North Carolina’s most visited parks. Umstead encompasses more than 5000 acres of forest and lakes, with 22 miles of hiking trails for all experience levels ranging from under one mile of flat terrain to over seven miles. The Company Mill Trail is a moderate option that meanders through the site of former mills along the banks of a creek.
5. Looking Glass Rock Trail: The Best Hike for Chasing Waterfalls
6.2 miles round trip, around 4 hours
If you’re looking for a memorable hike near Asheville, the views from Looking Glass Rock are worth the climb. It’s right off the Blue Ridge Parkway and features incredible plant life such as mountain laurel.
The hike itself has a number of switchbacks and gains over 1700ft in elevation at a moderate incline. However, it’s well marked. While you’re here, also check out the nearby waterfalls, including Looking Glass Falls and Sliding Rock, a popular summer spot.
6. The Mountains-to-Sea Trail: The Best Hike for Charming Small Towns
1175 miles one-way, time varies
The most scenic of North Carolina’s long hikes is the Mountains-to-Sea Trail (MST), which runs from the Great Smoky Mountains to the west to the Outer Banks to the east.
As with the AT, the trail can be hiked in its entirety (1175 miles) or broken up into sections, depending on how much time you have to set aside. MST is North Carolina’s longest marked footpath and showcases the state’s diverse landscape — hikers can enjoy everything from coastal swamps to towering mountains to small farms in Piedmont.
It’s still a work in progress, but there are 725 miles to choose from. One interesting section is the 66-mile Segment 11, which starts outside of Raleigh and passes through the town of Smithfield, famous for being the birthplace of Ava Gardner. This paved, multiuse path can be explored on foot or by bike, cutting through the forest with an easy grade.
7. Whitewater Center Lake Loop: The Best Hike for Those Short on Time
2.8 miles one way, 1 hour
Charlotte’s US National Whitewater Center is known for the artificial rafting course where Olympians train. Moreover, it’s a sprawling site featuring a zipline course, multiple restaurants, and 50 miles of trails of varying lengths.
The aptly named lake loop rounds one of the park’s waterways and is popular with four-legged friends, who can cool off in the water. Because some trails are multiuse, it’s advisable to keep an eye out for mountain bikers as you navigate the red-clay soil. Best of all, you can conclude your hike with a local craft beer at the center’s beer garden.
This article was first published Jun 12, 2022, and updated Sep 26, 2023.
