North Carolina
First in Flight
There are over 3,000 known hiking and trekking trails in North Carolina
Most popular trails:
Clingmans Dome Observation Tower Trail: This 4.5-mile roundtrip trail offers panoramic views of the Great Smoky Mountains.
It is a moderate trail that is perfect for those who want a challenge and stunning views.
Rainbow Falls, Turtleback Falls, and Drift Falls: This 4.8-mile roundtrip trail takes you to three beautiful waterfalls in the Pisgah National Forest.
It is a moderate trail that is perfect for those who want to see some amazing waterfalls.
Looking Glass Rock Trail: This 4.7-mile roundtrip trail offers stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
It is a moderate trail that is perfect for those who want a challenge and stunning views.
High Falls and Triple Falls Tour: This 4.7-mile roundtrip trail takes you to two of the tallest waterfalls in North Carolina.
It is a moderate trail that is perfect for those who want to see some amazing waterfalls.
Hawksbill Mountain Trail: This 4.8-mile roundtrip trail offers stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
It is a moderate trail that is perfect for those who want a challenge and stunning views.
Stone Mountain Loop Trail: This 4.8-mile loop trail offers stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
It is a moderate trail that is perfect for those who want a challenge and stunning views.
Best trails for certain activities:
Hiking: The Art Loeb Trail is a 31-mile long trail that is perfect for experienced hikers.
It is a challenging trail that takes you through some of the most beautiful parts of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Camping: The Linville Gorge Wilderness is a great place to go camping.
It is a remote wilderness area with plenty of opportunities for camping and hiking.
Fishing: The Davidson River is a great place to go fishing.
It is a beautiful river with plenty of fish to catch.
Wildlife viewing: The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to many different animals, including black bears, deer, and elk.
It is a great place to go wildlife viewing.
Bird watching: The Outer Banks is home to many different bird species, including ospreys, pelicans, and terns.
It is a great place to go bird watching.
Stargazing: The Blue Ridge Mountains are a great place for stargazing.
The dark skies and lack of light pollution make it perfect for seeing the stars.
Most challenging trails:
The Devil's Racecourse: This 4.4-mile trail is located in the Pisgah National Forest and is rated as difficult.
It is a challenging trail with steep climbs and exposed rock faces.
The Black Balsam Knob Trail: This 5.4-mile trail is located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and is rated as difficult.
It is a challenging trail with stunning views and steep climbs.
The Mount Mitchell Trail: This 6.9-mile trail is located in the Black Mountain National Forest and is rated as difficult.
It is a challenging trail with high elevation and steep climbs.
The Linville Gorge Wilderness: This wilderness area is home to many challenging trails, including the Chimney Rock Trail and the Upper Falls Trail.
The Graveyard Fields: This area is home to several challenging trails, including the Black Balsam Knob Trail and the Shining Rock Wilderness.
The Art Loeb Trail: This 31-mile trail is a challenging trail that takes you through some of the most beautiful parts of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Most scenic trails:
The Blue Ridge Parkway: This 469-mile scenic highway is home to many beautiful hiking trails.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park: This park is home to many stunning waterfalls and mountain views.
The Outer Banks: This barrier island chain is home to many beaches and marshes.
The Nantahala National Forest: This forest is home to many beautiful waterfalls and mountain views.
The Pisgah National Forest: This forest is home to many beautiful waterfalls and mountain views.
The Cape Hatteras National Seashore: This seashore is home to many beautiful beaches and dunes.Most family-friendly trails in North Carolina:
The Daniel Boone Scout Trail: This 2.4-mile trail is located in the Pisgah National Forest and is rated as easy. The trail is perfect for families with young children.
The Flat Rock Falls Trail: This 1.4-mile trail is located in the DuPont State Forest and is rated as easy. The trail features a waterfall and a swimming hole.
The High Shoals Falls Trail: This 1.6-mile trail is located in the Nantahala National Forest and is rated as easy. The trail features a waterfall and a swimming hole.
Most family-friendly trails:
Daniel Boone Scout Trail: This 2.4-mile trail is located in the Pisgah National Forest and is rated as easy. It is a great trail for families with young children.
Flat Rock Falls Trail: This 1.4-mile trail is located in the DuPont State Forest and is rated as easy. It is a great trail for families with young children.
High Shoals Falls Trail: This 1.6-mile trail is located in the Nantahala National Forest and is rated as easy. It is a great trail for families with young children.
Lake Crabtree County Park Trails: These trails are located in Cary and are wheelchair accessible. They are great trails for families with children of all abilities.
Umstead State Park Trails: These trails are located in Raleigh and are wheelchair accessible. They are great trails for families with children of all abilities.
Eno River State Park Trails: These trails are located in Durham and are wheelchair accessible. They are great trails for families with children of all abilities.
Where to get permits for trails:
Permits are required for some trails in North Carolina. You can get permits at the following locations:
You can get permits online at the following websites:
National Park Service website
North Carolina State Parks website
U.S. Forest Service website
