The best hiking trails in North Carolina

2351 Hiking Trails

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Alamance County Alexander County Alleghany County Anson County Ashe County Avery County Beaufort County Bladen County Brunswick County Buncombe County Burke County Cabarrus County Caldwell County Camden County Carteret County Catawba County Chatham County Cherokee County Clay County Cleveland County Columbus County Craven County Cumberland County Currituck County Dare County Davidson County Davie County Durham County Forsyth County Gaston County Gates County Graham County Granville County Guilford County Halifax County Harnett County Haywood County Henderson County Hoke County Hyde County Iredell County Jackson County Johnston County Jones County Lee County Lincoln County Macon County Madison County McDowell County Mecklenburg County Mitchell County Montgomery County Moore County Nash County New Hanover County Onslow County Orange County Pender County Pitt County Polk County Randolph County Richmond County Robeson County Rockingham County Rowan County Rutherford County Scotland County Stanly County Stokes County Surry County Swain County Transylvania County Tyrrell County Union County Vance County Wake County Washington County Watauga County Wayne County Wilkes County Yadkin County Yancey County
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"North Carolina's trails offer breathtaking vistas, diverse wildlife, and endless adventures for every hiker."

North Carolina offers a hiker's paradise, with trails weaving through the majestic Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains, lush forests, and cascading waterfalls. Explore the iconic Appalachian Trail or the serene beauty of Linville Gorge. Discover diverse ecosystems at Great Smoky Mountains National Park or the coastal wonders of the Outer Banks. Each trail offers unique vistas and wildlife encounters, promising adventure and tranquility. Lace up your boots and let North Carolina's natural splendor inspire your journey.

Most popular trails

1

Extra Difficult

Art Loeb Trail

Transylvania County, North Carolina · star 5.0 (6) · 46.5 km · Est. 2 day

2

Extra Difficult

Mountains-to-Sea Trail

Swain County, North Carolina · star 4.0 (5) · 1893.3 km · Est. 2 mth 20 day

3

Extra Difficult

Appalachian Trail Section Hike - Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Graham County, North Carolina · star 4.0 (5) · 116.6 km · Est. 6 day

4

Easy

American Tobacco Trail

Durham County, North Carolina · star 5.0 (5) · 35.7 km · Est. 1 day 2 hrs

5

Extra Difficult

Appalachian Trail Section Hike - Nantahala Gorge To Davenport Gap

Swain County, North Carolina · star 4.0 (4) · 163.6 km · Est. 8 day

6

Easy

Neusiok Trail

Craven County, North Carolina · star 5.0 (5) · 31.5 km · Est. 1 day 1 hrs

7

Extra Difficult

Appalachian Trail - Tennessee

Avery County, North Carolina · star 4.0 (3) · 98.6 km · Est. 4 day

8

Easy

Jockey's Trail

Dare County, North Carolina · star 5.0 (1) · 80.6 km · Est. 3 day

9

Medium

Falls Lake Trail

Wake County, North Carolina · star 5.0 (5) · 39.3 km · Est. 1 day 3 hrs

10

Difficult

Standing Indian Mountain Loop

Macon County, North Carolina · star 5.0 (8) · 37.6 km · Est. 1 day 4 hrs

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FAQs about hiking in North Carolina

What is the climate like for hiking in North Carolina?

North Carolina's climate varies greatly from the coastal plains to the mountainous regions. Coastal and Piedmont areas experience hot summers and mild winters, while the mountains can be significantly cooler. However, extreme temperatures can make summer hiking challenging and winter hiking risky due to icy trails and potential snowfall.
Spring and fall offer the most comfortable hiking conditions, with moderate temperatures and lower humidity. Fall is particularly attractive as the forests explode with autumn colors.
The best time to hike in North Carolina generally spans from March to May and September to November. Regardless of the season, check weather forecasts before setting out, and visit the North Carolina State Parks website (https://www.ncparks.gov/) for trail conditions and closures.

Do I need a permit to hike in North Carolina?

Most hiking trails in North Carolina are free and open to the public without a permit. Certain areas, like state parks or wildlife refuges, might require entrance fees or permits. Contact North Carolina State Parks (https://www.ncparks.gov/) for specific information.

Is wild camping allowed in North Carolina?

Wild camping in North Carolina is allowed in many national forest areas, though restrictions apply, such as maintaining distance from water sources. Always follow "Leave No Trace" principles. For specifics, consult the U.S. Forest Service's website for the region (https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/nfsnc/home).

Are there mountain rescue services in North Carolina?

In case of emergencies while hiking in North Carolina, dial 911. Local law enforcement coordinates with voluntary organizations for Search and Rescue operations. For safety tips and emergency information, consult the North Carolina State Parks website (https://www.ncparks.gov/).

Are there dangerous plants in North Carolina?

North Carolina's flora is richly diverse, from coastal pines to mountain rhododendrons. While hiking, you might encounter blooming dogwoods in spring or fiery maples in fall. For a deeper understanding of the region's flora, visit the North Carolina Botanical Garden's website (https://ncbg.unc.edu/).

What wildlife should I be aware of when hiking in North Carolina?

In North Carolina, hikers may encounter wildlife ranging from deer and squirrels to black bears, especially in the mountains. Insects like ticks and mosquitoes are common in warmer months. Always respect wildlife and consider insect repellent. For more information, consult the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission https://a-z-animals.com/animals/location/north-america/united-states/north-carolina/

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