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Best medium hikes in North Carolina
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Best medium hikes in North Carolina

Ready for a bit more of a challenge? These medium-difficulty hikes offer the perfect balance between effort and reward.

Here are some great hikes to explore in North Carolina.

Most popular hikes

1

Medium

Standing Indian Mountain Loop

Macon County, North Carolina · star 4.5 (12) · 37.6 km · Est. 3 days

2

Medium

Uwharrie National Recreation Trail

Montgomery County, North Carolina · star 5.0 (5) · 41.5 km · Est. 3 days

3

Medium

Jacob Fork Rim Trail

Burke County, North Carolina · star 4.5 (8) · 21.6 km · Est. 2 days

4

Medium

Pine Gap and Bynum Bluff Trail

McDowell County, North Carolina · star 4.8 (5) · 4.1 km · Est. 1 hrs 14 min

5

Medium

Ranger Falls Trail

Macon County, North Carolina · star 4.6 (5) · 4.6 km · Est. 1 hrs 13 min

6

Medium

Cataloochee Divide Trail

Haywood County, North Carolina · star 4.3 (4) · 22.8 km · Est. 2 days

7

Medium

Bull Gap via Mountains-to-Sea Trail

Buncombe County, North Carolina · star 4.4 (21) · 23.8 km · Est. 1 day 0 hrs

8

Medium

Wilson Creek Trail

Avery County, North Carolina · star 5.0 (2) · 9.8 km · Est. 2 hrs 13 min

9

Medium

Sand Mountain Trail

Caldwell County, North Carolina · star 4.7 (6) · 23.1 km · Est. 2 days

10

Medium

Linville River - Erwin's View Trail

Burke County, North Carolina · star 4.6 (17) · 3.1 km · Est. 53 min

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Reviews for medium hikes in North Carolina

Scott Hopkins avatar

Standing Indian Mountain Loop

Scott Hopkins 路 reviewed over 4 years ago

star star star star star

Overall this was a good trail. I did it in 2 days, 1 night, I stayed at Carter Shelter. Nice shelter and privy. The hike down from Albert Mountain is rough, if you go up to the fire tower, I鈥檇 recommend backtracking for about .2 miles and take the Bypass, your knees will thank you. Getting closer to Standing Indian Mountain the trail gets a little overgrown. The Lower Ridge trail starts off overgrown, rocky and steep as you decend from the AT. Most of the trail is overgrown and you won鈥檛 find water for the first 2.5 miles or so. When the trail gets to Standing Indian Campground, just follow the road to your right and it鈥檒l take you to the connector trail back to the parking area by the Backcountry Info Panel.

Matthew Johnson avatar

Uwharrie National Recreation Trail

Matjoh2004 路 reviewed 9 months ago

star star star star star

Jake Brown avatar

Jacob Fork Rim Trail

Jake Brown 路 reviewed almost 5 years ago

star star star star star

Rogelio Rohan avatar

Pine Gap and Bynum Bluff Trail

TrekkerTrekrunner48 路 reviewed over 1 year ago

star star star star star

Dr. Rina Nikolaus avatar

Ranger Falls Trail

HikerNavigator91 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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