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Best lake hikes in North Carolina
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Best lake hikes in North Carolina

Want a hike where the views are as smooth as the water's surface? These lake-side paths will have you reflecting on nature's beauty.

Here are some great hikes to explore in North Carolina.

Most popular hikes

1

Difficult

Appalachian Trail Section Hike - Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Graham County, North Carolina · star 4.5 (8) · 116.6 km · Est. 8 days

2

Easy

Shelley Lake Loop via Lake Park Trail

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

3

Easy

Lake Thom-A-Lex Park Walk

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

4

Easy

Greenfield Lake Loop

New Hanover County, North Carolina · star 4.6 (15) · 6.4 km · Est. 1 hrs 17 min

5

Easy

Palmetto Trail and Nat Greene Trail Loop - Lake Brandt

Guilford County, North Carolina · star 4.7 (15) · 4.6 km · Est. 56 min

6

Easy

McGalliard Falls

Burke County, North Carolina · star 4.6 (18) · 646 m · Est. 9 min

7

Easy

Lake Lynn Loop Trail

Wake County, North Carolina · star 4.5 (13) · 4.3 km · Est. 54 min

8

Easy

Green Swamp Preserve Trail

Brunswick County, North Carolina · star 5.0 (3) · 2.1 km · Est. 25 min

9

Easy

Lake Hampton via Ashley Ladd Trail

Yadkin County, North Carolina · star 4.5 (15) · 6.5 km · Est. 1 hrs 35 min

10

Easy

Pineville Lake Park Loop

Mecklenburg County, North Carolina · star 4.5 (15) · 1.1 km · Est. 13 min

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Reviews for lake hikes in North Carolina

Carmen OMO Williams avatar

Appalachian Trail Section Hike - Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Carmen OMO Williams 路 reviewed over 4 years ago

star star star star star

I have always loved this section of the AT. So, I came back and did it again. Be ready for some serious uphill whether you start at Fontana Dam or Davenport Gap.

Theo Nader avatar

Shelley Lake Loop via Lake Park Trail

OutbackMountainlover96 路 reviewed over 1 year ago

star star star star star

Fletcher Johnson avatar

Lake Thom-A-Lex Park Walk

FoothillTundrarunner17 路 reviewed about 1 year ago

star star star star star

TJ Rausch avatar

Greenfield Lake Loop

TJ_Rucker 路 reviewed 3 months ago

star star star star star

Nice quiet walk. Very urban

Xochitl Mosciski avatar

Palmetto Trail and Nat Greene Trail Loop - Lake Brandt

VistaVoyager55 路 reviewed over 1 year ago

star star star star star

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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