North Carolina has great wilderness and nature to explore. One of the best ways to explore North Carolina is to hit up the hiking trails. These hiking trails will take you to many lovely towns throughout the Appalachian. Heading outdoors on the different trails is going to give you such a fun way to spend the summer. All the outdoor activities truly makes North Carolina worth visiting.
Western North Carolina
Some of these stops are great while you’re driving from Charlotte to Gatlinburg, Tennessee. The mountain areas have so many wonderful hikes in Western North Carolina.
Mount Mitchell
Mount Mitchell is the tallest peak east of the Mississippi. You can climb this mountain with your car and then hike the last half mile or so to the summit. You can also take Old Mitchell Trail which is about a 4-mile hike to the summit. Near the summit, there are many different trails that branch off. As the tallest peak in North Carolina, it is a popular hiking trail.
There are 14 different hiking trails on Mount Mitchell. Not all of them will take you to the summit and not all of them start at the base. Finally since you can drive up the mountain, several different places throughout the mountain allow you to do different lengths and difficulty of trails.
NOTE: The Smokey Mountains are known for being foggy hence the smokey name. Be aware on early foggy mornings you may not be able to see anything.
Looking Glass Rock
Looking Glass Rock is a beautiful, but strenuous 6.2-mile hike. Named for its huge, reflective rock walls, the hike to the summit offers incredible panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Located about an hour from Downtown Asheville, this makes for a great day trip and escape from the many activities in the city.
The best time to visit this trail is between March and November. Additionally, it is also one of the more popular hiking trails in North Carolina so you are bound to run into people while on the trail. Luckily, dogs are also welcome on the hike, but they must remain on a leash.
Hanging Rock State Park
Located closer to Winston-Salem, Hanging Rock State Park features many attractions including hiking, biking, swimming, horseback riding, and boat rentals. Moore’s Wall Loop Trail takes you to a breathtaking, rock outcropping view! This trail is about 4.3 miles long round-trip.
If you have any additional energy, you can check out the Lower Cascade Trail to see some amazing falls. Additionally, there are several different trails in the state park. Finally, they are marked with trail markers such as orange circles or white circles or red squares. These markers really help people from getting lost while hiking through these trails in North Carolina.
Craggy Pinnacle Overlook
Craggy Pinnacle Overlook is a gorgeous 1.4-mile walk. The overlook brings you a gorgeous view. The best time to go is late May-June as the rhododendrons illuminate the landscape in beautiful colors. Additionally, in the summer there are even more wildflowers and many berry bushes. This truly makes the hike even more incredible.
From the parking lot, this hiking trail starts with a stone staircase. This staircase brings you to a dense, gnarled forest. Of the hiking trails in North Carolina, this one may be short, but the terrain is rocky and full of gnarled roots. Which makes for a unique ecosystem and a wonderful hike.
Pilot Mountain
Pilot Mountain has many shorter hiking trails in North Carolina. The state park also allows horses on two of the trails as well as dogs on a leash on all the other trails. However they do not allow for mountain bikes on the trails. Don’t forget to pack plenty of water and bug spray if you’re going on the many hikes.
The trails at Pilot Mountain are great for when you’re looking for a fun adventure. The view is perfect for a picnic at the top of the mountain. The lakes at Pilot Mountain allow for fishing and paddling. This is a good place for an adventure near Winston-Salem.
Grandfather Mountain
Grandfather Mountain is definitely for a more seasoned explorer. This 7-mile hike will take you to see the best views of Grandfather Mountain. While the view up Profile Hike is completely worth it, Grandfather Mountain has a lot more to offer as well.
There is a fun Mile High Swinging Bridge, a Nature Center, Wildlife habitats, and a grill. However there is an entrance fee for the Mile-High Swinging Bridge since Grandfather Mountain is privately owned. But the Blue Ridge Mountain Trails which sandwich Grandfather Mountain do not have any entrance fees.
Whiteside Mountain
Whiteside Mountain can be found near the North Carolina/Georgia border. A brisk, 2.5-mile hike takes you to the peak of Whiteside Mountain. The 700-foot cliff takes your breath away; however, you will want to be careful as some areas do not have rails. The best time to hike is mid-June as flowers overtake the rough terrain
The hike starts off fairly steep but quickly evens out, so don’t give up at the beginning. Then you will reach a fork in the trail, choose whichever side you want as the trail is one large loop. The right side is steeper, but it gets you to the top faster than the left side. So if you’re in a rush to get to the breathtaking views then go to the right!
Clingman’s Dome
Clingmans Dome is found on the Tennessee/North Carolina border. At 6,643 feet this tower is the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. It overlooks the beauty of the Appalachian Mountains. Additionally on a nice clear day, you can see up to 100 miles away. Getting up to the tower is only part of the experience, first, you will make a 7-mile drive to the parking lot then walk the last 0.5 mile.
As the third highest point east of the Mississippi, Clingmans Dome is a must-see! It is about 10-20F colder than the bottom of the peak. Pets and bicycles are not permitted on the paved portion or in the tower. However there are many pull-outs and trails on the drive up to the dome that do allow dogs and bicycles as well as some incredible views.
Check out some of the most incredible Waterfall Hiking Trails in North Carolina!
Central North Carolina
Raven Rock
Raven Rock is a 40-mile drive south of the capital of North Carolina, Raleigh. Known for its 150-foot crystalline Raven structure that overlooks Cape Fear River, Raven Rock has a lot to offer. There are about 26 miles of hiking, 13.5 miles of biking, and even 8 miles of horseback riding trails. This is also a popular camping site.
The most popular trails are along the bluff that leads to the raven rock. Those trails are spotted with beautiful wildflowers that make the whole experience even more enjoyable. Alternatively, there are trails that lead toward the river. The rapids offer a great place for fishing, paddling, and even some swimming. Finally, Raven Rock also had biking trails, horseback riding trails, and access to camping grounds. Truly something for everyone!
Jordan Lake
Jordan Lake is about 30 miles west of downtown Raleigh. This is a great getaway from the city without having to drive for many hours. There are 15 miles of hiking trails in this North Carolina park. In the summer it is very popular to go swimming at Jordan Lake. Additionally, there is even a dog beach for your furry family members.
Aside from hiking and swimming, Jordan Lake has campgrounds, fishing areas, and boat rentals. It is truly a must-visit summer spot! The coolest part about Jordan Lake is that it is the summer home for many Bald Eagles. There is an observation platform that allows you to spot these majestic birds.
Final Thoughts about Hiking Trails in North Carolina
North Carolina has many wonderful hiking trails. Given the mountains, you will never run out of beauty in North Carolina. But you don’t have to go all the way to the mountains to experience the wonderful nature North Carolina has to offer. From the beaches to the many parks in Central NC, there is never a shortage of outdoor activities! Put on your sturdy hiking shoes and hit the trail this summer! We might just see you there.
