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Best wildlife hiking trails in McDowell County
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Best wildlife hiking trails in McDowell County

Calling all nature lovers! These wildlife-rich trails give you the chance to spot some of the forest鈥檚 cutest (or wildest) inhabitants while keeping a respectful distance, of course.

Here are some great trails to explore in McDowell County.

Most popular trails

1

Easy

North Fork Catawba River via Bald Mountain Road

McDowell County, North Carolina · star 5.0 (22) · 14.5 km · Est. 3 hrs 33 min

2

Easy

Fox Den Loop Trail and Catawba River Walk in Campground

McDowell County, North Carolina · star 5.0 (10) · 6.1 km · Est. 1 hrs 27 min

3

Medium

Toms Creek and Falls Branch

McDowell County, North Carolina · star 4.0 (14) · 7.3 km · Est. 2 hrs 4 min

4

Medium

Woods Mountain Trail from Buck Creek Gap

McDowell County, North Carolina · star 5.0 (22) · 18.8 km · Est. 1 day 0 hrs

5

Medium

North Fork Catawba River via Mountains-to-Sea Trail and Bald Mountain Road Loop

McDowell County, North Carolina · star 4.0 (15) · 13.4 km · Est. 3 hrs 33 min

6

Difficult

Green Knob Trail

McDowell County, North Carolina · star 4.0 (16) · 1.5 km · Est. 29 min

7

Easy

Parris Creek Trail

McDowell County, North Carolina · star 5.0 (17) · 10.0 km · Est. 2 hrs 31 min

8

Medium

Mountains-to-Sea Trail and Bald Knob

McDowell County, North Carolina · star 4.0 (18) · 22.2 km · Est. 1 day 1 hrs

9

Medium

Honeycutt Mountain Ridge via West S Moody Memorial Drive

McDowell County, North Carolina · star 5.0 (14) · 5.7 km · Est. 1 hrs 34 min

10

Medium

Bear Den Overlook Loop

McDowell County, North Carolina · star 4.0 (21) · 4.0 km · Est. 1 hrs 12 min

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Reviews for wildlife hiking trails in McDowell County

Rene Windler avatar

North Fork Catawba River via Bald Mountain Road

SummithawkWanderer53 路 reviewed about 1 year ago

star star star star star

Christa Hodkiewicz avatar

Fox Den Loop Trail and Catawba River Walk in Campground

CairnSkytracker78 路 reviewed over 1 year ago

star star star star star

Madison Kling avatar

Toms Creek and Falls Branch

MesaHorizon48 路 reviewed over 1 year ago

star star star star star

Marianela Weissnat avatar

Woods Mountain Trail from Buck Creek Gap

TundraWildtracker85 路 reviewed about 1 year ago

star star star star star

Mark Ownbey avatar

North Fork Catawba River via Mountains-to-Sea Trail and Bald Mountain Road Loop

Mark O 路 reviewed almost 2 years ago

star star star star star

Frequently asked questions for hiking trails in McDowell County

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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