Top 20 Best Trails and Hikes in North Carolina

1. Looking Glass Rock Trail

It includes an iconic, domed mountaintop near Broward, North Carolina with gorgeous and lofty views. The moderately challenging route is a popular hiking spot among hikers.

Just about an hour's distance from downtown Asheville, this is a perfect place to escape from the noise and chaotic environment and one of the most preferred spots near Asheville North Carolina

An easy park, a dog-friendly and less crowded hikes in Asheville North Carolina that offers you beautiful views of the wildflowers, colorful mushrooms, and lush green forests along the trail.

• Length: 9.8km
• Elevation gain: 513m
• Route type: Out and back
• Difficulty level: Moderately challenging
• Time: 3 hours and 31 minutes on average

2. Crabtree Falls Trail

Explore this beautiful hiking trail in North Carolina with a tall and gorgeous waterfall as the main attraction, it has been a popular choice among travelers. Some sections may be rocky or muddy depending on weather conditions. Hiking poles and bug spray are recommended.

It is an easy-to-park place with not much of a crowd and great conditions. Hiking early in the morning would be great. Wearing bright-colored clothes is advised if you are planning to visit hunting seasons. Apart from that it's also a dog-friendly spot as well as suitable for all ages.

• Length: 4.2km
• Elevation gain: 176m
• Route type: Loop
• Difficulty level: Moderately challenging
• Time: 1 hour and 21 minutes on average

3. Hanging Rock Trail

The relatively short trail is located near Danbury, North Carolina that leads to beautiful picturesque spots, waterfalls, and rock outcrops. The partially paved and well-marked paths are easy to follow. It may get crowded during weekends but usually, it's less crowded.

It's dog-friendly and easy to park but make sure you bring enough water to keep hydrating yourself. Pets are permitted but should abide by the rules and regulations.

• Length: 5.8km
• Elevation gain: 197m
• Route type: Out and back
• Difficulty level: Challenging
• Time: 1 hour and 43 minutes on average

4. Mount Mitchell Trail

It lies near Montreat, North Carolina, and is a challenging route with significant elevation gain. Conditions include rocky terrain and maybe slippery or muddy as per the weather conditions. The well-marked trail leads you through the lush green forest and rivers offering spectacular views.

Mainly known for hiking and camping, this route is dog-friendly and has easy parking conditions. Being difficult prepare prepare yourself accordingly and is not suitable for all ages.

• Length: 18km
• Elevation gain: 1,125m
• Route type: Out and back
• Difficulty level: Challenging
• Time: 7 hours and 7 minutes on average

5. Grandfather Trail to Calloway Peak

Grandfather trails in a demanding route that lies in Linville, North Carolina. Several ladlers, rock climbing, and scrambles make it on the tough trail that requires a mixture of experience and skills. Thus, it's not suitable for everyone but you can attempt it if you like being challenged.

Some areas may have slippery conditions depending on the weather and going early to avoid the possible crowd is recommended. This place isn’t dog friendly and also requires a certain amount as an entry fee with easy parking.

• Length: 6.9km
• Elevation gain: 481m
• Route type: Out and back
• Difficulty level: Challenging

6. Triple Falls Trail

Explore this easy-to-moderate trail located near Hendersonville, North Carolina. Despite a bit of difficulty, this route is kid-friendly and a great option for families to get out and enjoy this majestic trail. It is also a nice place for a picnic overlooking the waterfalls.

You can company yourself with your dogs but make sure to keep them on a leash. A well-maintained trail that can get crowded during weekends. Do not forget to bring enough water and do not worry about bathrooms. It also has easy parking.

• Length: 3.7km
• Elevation gain: 97m
• Route type: Out and back
• Difficulty level: Moderately challenging
• Time: 1 hour and 11 minutes on average

7. Stone Mountain Loop Trail

This will certainly test your patience and passion for hiking as it demands great effort before rewarding you with spectacular views. Remaining behind the wooden fence is recommended in the waterfall. Carry enough water and snacks to keep your energy high.

Easy parking conditions are available along with the bathrooms. Mid to late October conditions are considered best to visit this place for the fall colors. Dogs are permitted on leash.

• Length: 7.9km
• Elevation gain: 295m
• Route type: Loop
• Difficulty level: Challenging
• Time: 2 hours and 25 minutes on average

8. Cox Mountain Trail

Cox Mountain Trail is a moderately challenging but suitable route for all ages. It includes walking through the lush woodlands along with the nice and beautiful river views. Some parts are rocky so sturdy shoes are recommended. Depending on weather conditions path might be muddy.

Easy to park in conditions and the trail isn’t usually crowded. Shaded condition enhances energy and enjoyment. Dogs are allowed on a leash.

• Length: 6.6km
• Elevation gain: 123m
• Route type: Loop
• Difficulty level: Moderately challenging
• Time: 1 hour and 36 minutes on average

9. Linville Falls Trail

This easy and short trail near Jonas Ridge, North Carolina, is best for all ages. It takes you to the upper Linville Falls observation area, which is the central attraction of this trail. A stroller and wheelchair can also access this family-friendly route. Being a popular and easy route, it may get crowded, especially on weekends.

Parking and restroom amenities are available. Dogs are allowed here but, should be kept on a leash at all times. Overall, the park has great views and conditions to make your day a beautiful and memorable one.

• Length: 1.4km
• Elevation gain: 25m
• Route type: Out and back
• Difficulty level: Easy
• Time: 22 minutes on average

10. Rainbow Falls, Turtleback Falls, and Drift Falls

This is the best hike for the waterfall fans that takes you along with the Horsepasture River and offers amazing views of the three waterfalls. This easy-to-moderate hike is ideal for all ages. Thus, families also can have a great day here with forests, rivers, and most importantly, waterfalls views.

The trail is generally not crowded and has nice swimming opportunities. It also has good parking and bathroom facilities. This easy-to-follow path also allows the dogs on leash.

• Length: 6.3km
• Elevation gain: 235m
• Route type: Out and back
• Difficulty level: Moderately challenging
• Time: Around 2 hours

11. Great Blue Heron Loop Trail

Another easy and short trail is situated near Greensboro, North Carolina. It features easy terrain and shaded areas making it suitable for families as well as pets. While enjoying the natural vegetation, be cautious about the bugs as dense parts may have the possibility, and bug spray is recommended.

It offers you mesmerizing forest, wildflowers, and wildlife views. Usually not crowded but may get busy during weekends. It has easy parking and bathroom facilities. The trail is open throughout the year and is best suitable to visit at any time of the year.

• Length: 6.1km
• Elevation gain: 63m
• Route type: Loop
• Difficulty level: Easy
• Time: 1 hour and 20 minutes on average

12. Flytrap Trail

Enjoy this one of the shortest and easiest North Carolina hiking trails. A suitable route for all ages mainly features flytraps, pocosin wetlands, longleaf pine forests, and wiregrass savanna communities. It starts from the parking area the trail ends at the nature trail lane.

• Length: 0.6km
• Elevation gain: 0 m
• Route type: Loop
• Difficulty level: Easy
• Time: 08 minutes on average

13. Morrow Mountain Loop Trail

This trail is located on the top of Morrow Mountain at Morrow Mountain State Park North Carolina and offers a beautiful journey through the Uwharrie mountains. The trail winds through lush forests and rocky terrains with rewarding summit views.

This hike not only connects you with nature but also with the deep geological history of one of the oldest mountain ranges in the Eastern United States.

The trail has ample parking space and clean restrooms as well as picnic areas offering convenient areas to rest before and after the hike. It also has a drinking water station so the hikes stay hydrated. Overall the facilities are well maintained. You are also allowed to take your dogs to the trail.

• Length: 1.1km
• Elevation gain: 40m
• Route type: Loop
• Difficulty level: Easy
• Time: 20 minutes on average

14. Uwharrie National Recreation Trail

Uwharrie National Recreation Trail offers a rugged and scenic hiking experience through the Uwharrie National Forest in North Carolina. This trail winds through rolling hills, and dense forest alongside serene streams, making it a favorite for both day hikers and backpackers.

The trail is popular for its challenging terrain with a mix of steep climbs and descents with beautiful views of surrounding landscapes. It has car parking at key trailheads along with the bathrooms. Dogs are allowed but must be on leash all the time to ensure the safety of all.

• Length: 43.9km
• Elevation gain: 1,307m
• Route type: Point to point
• Difficulty level: Challenging
• Time: Around 12 hours

15. Elk Knob Summit Trail

The popular hike offers a challenging yet rewarding experience for hikers leading to a summit with stunning panoramic views of the surrounding Appalachian mountains. You will encounter natural landscapes like dense forests and rocky outcrops.

Easy-to-park facilities along with nice clean bathrooms are available. You can also take your dogs but must be on a leash all the time for the safety of all.

• Length: 6.3km
• Elevation gain: 298m
• Route type: Out and back
• Difficulty level: Moderately challenging
• Time: 2 hours and 08 minutes on average

16. High Shoals Falls and Hemlock Nature Loop

The striking waterfall is located in the South Mountain State Park which is renowned for its multi-tiered cascade and scenic beauty. The hemlock nature loo also in the Southe Mountain State Park is a moderate trail that winds through a diverse forest with old hemlocks and offers a chance to experience the area's natural splendor.

May be crowded on weekends but usually not a crowded place that has good parking and bathroom facilities. You can explore with your dogs but must be on a leash all the time.

• Length: 3.9km
• Elevation gain: 172m
• Route type: Loop
• Difficulty level: Moderately challenging
• Time: 1 hour and 17 minutes on average

17. Bakers Mountain Loop

A small country park located near western Catawba country that offers a great wooded walk along with a top beautiful view. The trail has pleasant hiking with gentle inclines suitable for easy to moderate hikers. Despite a bit of a steep incline it is still doable and rewards you with great views and the best hikes in North Carolina.

Trail allows the dogs but make sure you keep them on a leash. Being a kid-friendly route, it is a perfect choice for families. Easy to park along with the good condition bathrooms available. Also, the trail isn’t that crowded so you will get to enjoy nature at its fullest.

• Length: 3.5km
• Elevation gain: 158m
• Route type: Loop
• Difficulty level: Moderately challenging
• Time: 1 hour and 11 minutes on average

18. Broad River Greenway

A great spot for rides, hikes, and picnics which is suitable for visiting any season. The trail is easy to navigate with suitable conditions making it a perfect place for families. All kinds of pets are allowed here but they should be on a leash for the safety of all including pets themselves.

An entry fee is required along with the parking fee of $10.00 per car per day except for the residents of Cleveland country. Depending on weather conditions you may experience some muddy sections. Apart from weekends it is quite peaceful and has good conditions bathrooms available.

• Length: 4.0km
• Elevation gain: 16m
• Route type: Point to point
• Difficulty level: Easy
• Time: 46 minutes on average

19. Mount Pisgah Trail

Mount Pisgah Trail lies in Canton, North Carolina, and features a demanding uphill hike with rocky terrain. Rocky sections may also be slippery after the rain which is why hikers are advised to use caution while they enjoy this nice and beautiful hike. You will be rewarded with amazing views of the summit that will make you forget all the efforts made to reach there.

An entry fee is required with free parking in a medium-sized lot. Also, the trail isn’t usually crowded with exceptions on weekends. As there is the possibility of bugs so, bug spray is recommended. Dogs are allowed on a leash.

• Length: 3.9km
• Elevation gain: 214m
• Route type: Out and back
• Difficulty level: Moderately challenging
• Time: 1 hour and 26 minutes on average

20. Sycamore Trail

One of the beautiful places for the perfect family outing with diverse vegetation and scenery among North Carolina hiking trails. The trail also offers some beautiful views in winter that are easily accessible and enjoyed. It can get crowded on weekends or a quite pleasant day but is usually peaceful and offers a pleasant walk.

The fall season in these hiking trails in North Carolina provides colorful and attractive views which is an ideal time to visit if you like a colorful environment.

Plenty of water and energy-boosting snacks are recommended especially in warm weather. Take the map and navigation tool to avoid the difficulty mainly in the intersections. The less crowded route with easy parking conditions will make your day special.

• Length: 11.3km
• Elevation gain: 186m
• Route type: Loop
• Difficulty level: Moderately challenging
• Time: 2 hours and 38 minutes on average