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Best easy hikes in North Carolina
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Best easy hikes in North Carolina

Looking for a leisurely stroll? These easy hikes are perfect for those who want to enjoy the great outdoors without breaking too much of a sweat.

Here are some great hikes to explore in North Carolina.

Most popular hikes

1

Easy

American Tobacco Trail

Durham County, North Carolina · star 4.9 (8) · 35.7 km · Est. 2 days

2

Easy

Neusiok Trail

Craven County, North Carolina · star 4.6 (9) · 31.5 km · Est. 2 days

3

Easy

Swannanoa River

Buncombe County, North Carolina · star 4.4 (9) · 11.6 km · Est. 2 hrs 26 min

4

Easy

Falls Lake Trail

Wake County, North Carolina · star 4.8 (10) · 39.3 km · Est. 3 days

5

Easy

Jockey's Trail

Dare County, North Carolina · star 4.8 (6) · 80.6 km · Est. 4 days

6

Easy

Santeetlah Lake Trail

Graham County, North Carolina · star 4.0 (1) · 28.9 km · Est. 2 days

7

Easy

Big Hungry Road

Henderson County, North Carolina · star 4.6 (15) · 380 m · Est. 5 min

8

Easy

Shelley Lake Loop via Lake Park Trail

Wake County, North Carolina · star 4.3 (15) · 3.6 km · Est. 48 min

9

Easy

Big Berea, Bull Creek and WHite Pine Loop Trail

Buncombe County, North Carolina · star 4.5 (20) · 2.9 km · Est. 43 min

10

Easy

Lake Thom-A-Lex Park Walk

Davidson County, North Carolina · star 4.4 (18) · 2.6 km · Est. 34 min

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Reviews for easy hikes in North Carolina

David Coppit avatar

American Tobacco Trail

coppit 路 reviewed 9 months ago

star star star star star

alo茂s moulin avatar

Neusiok Trail

alo茂s moulin 路 reviewed over 5 years ago

star star star star star

Tawanna Doyle VM avatar

Swannanoa River

CrestSkytracker26 路 reviewed about 1 year ago

star star star star star

Femia Pruijssers avatar

Falls Lake Trail

Femia Pruijssers 路 reviewed about 5 years ago

star star star star star

THE OBX WAY avatar

Jockey's Trail

SummithawkHuntsman21 路 reviewed almost 3 years ago

star star star star star

Jockey's Trail was designed by The OBX Way. The route uses public paths to enjoy landmarks including: Jockey's Ridge, Nags Head Woods, Wright Brothers Memorial, Duck Boardwalk, Pine Island Audubon Sanctuary, Historic Corolla Park, and Currituck National Wildlife Refuge. Please visit obxway.org for more information.

Frequently asked questions for hikes 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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