North Carolina is an explorer’s paradise. You can spend weeks on the Appalachian Trail or even just a short weekend along the Mountains-To-Sea Trail. While there are so many options to choose from, sometimes it can get hard to pick which ones to add to your bucket list. Fortunately, we’ve devised a list of the most scenic trails in North Carolina. The following 12 trails are by far some of the best hikes North Carolina has to offer. Ready to hike your way to an amazing view?
- Whiteside Mountain
Flickr / Frank Kehren Our list of the most scenic trails in North Carolina begins at Whiteside Mountain. A brisk, 2.5-mile hike takes you to the breathtaking Whiteside Mountain. The 700-foot cliff takes your breath away. The best time to hike is mid-June as flowers overtake the rough terrain. Learn more about how you can hike along the cliffs at Whiteside Mountain.
- Crabtree Falls
Flickr / Forest Wanderer Start your journey at milepost 339.5 off the Blue Ridge Parkway. While the 2.5-mile hike is somewhat strenuous, it’s extremely rewarding when you reach the beautiful Crabtree Falls. Have you hiked this short but strenuous North Carolina trail?
- Harper Creek Falls
colong7034/Youtube Advanced hikers love this challenging, 8.5-mile hike. The journey is just as beautiful as the destination. You’ll trek through untouched vegetation, creeks flowing peacefully, and amazing mountain views. The endpoint is Harper Creek Falls, a unique waterfall.
- Linville Falls
Flickr / Jim Liestman Linville Falls has quite a few trails to choose from, all providing different perspectives of the fall. For the most photogenic view, take Erwin’s Trail. The hike is only 1.9 miles and starts at the visitor center.
- Stone Mountain Loop
Flickr / asrai Stone Mountain Loop lets you see a bit of everything at this amazing place. The 5.2-mile hike takes you around Stone Mountain, past a waterfall, and to the Hutchinson family homestead that was occupied from 1855-1955.
- Carolina Beach State Park
Flickr / teresaphillips1965 The Sugarloaf Dune Trail is a perfect, beachy hike that allows you to make the most of the coastal terrain. The 2.8-mile hike passes by quickly as you’re mesmerized by your surroundings - you might even see a Venus Fly Trap!
- Looking Glass Rock
Flickr / Ryan Atkins No list of the most scenic trails in North Carolina is complete without a mention of Looking Glass Rock. Composed of Whiteside granite formed 390 million years ago, this majestic landmark is better experienced up close. The 6.4-mile hike is strenuous…but with an endpoint like that, it’s so rewarding.
- Mount Mitchell
Flickr / Kolin Toney Sure, you can drive to the top, but it’s so much cooler to say you hiked to the top of Mount Mitchell (plus you get that experience). Old Mitchell Trail allows you to do just that. The hilly trail spans 4 miles; you’ll pass the historic Camp Alice and witness a changing eco-system with each mile. Without a doubt, a trip to Mount Mitchell is one of the best day trips you can take in North Carolina.
- Hanging Rock State Park
Flickr / Susan Smith There are plenty of trails to choose from at this ever popular destination not far from the triad. Moore’s Wall Loop Trail takes you to a breathtaking, rock outcropping vista with THOSE views. The hike is 4.3 miles, and if you still have a little energy left, take the Lower Cascade Trail to breathtaking waterfalls.
- Pilot Mountain
Flickr / Susan Smith Jomeokee Trail is a very short, 0.9-mile hike. It’s perfect for those looking for a quick adventure. On your walk, you’re treated to beautiful rock outcroppings, gorgeous views, and even a couple of places to sit and have a picnic.
- Craggy Pinnacle Overlook
Flickr / Sarath Kuchi Only a short distance from the Blue Ridge Parkway, this brisk 1.4-mile hike takes you to a gorgeous overlook with breathtaking mountain views. The best time to go is late May-June as the rhododendrons illuminate the landscape in beautiful colors.
- Grandfather Mountain
Flickr / Gimli Longbow For the more seasoned explorer, this difficult but totally worth it 7-mile hike takes you to the best view of Grandfather Mountain. The appropriately named Grandfather’s Profile Trail starts at a creek bed and delights you with spruce-fir trees and large rock outcroppings. While difficult, the view at the end is beyond worth it. And you’ll want to be extra careful along the way, as some believe Grandfather Mountain to be one of North Carolina’s most dangerous trails.
For an up-close look at Harper Creek Falls, check out this video taken by YouTube user colong7034:
Flickr / Frank Kehren
Our list of the most scenic trails in North Carolina begins at Whiteside Mountain. A brisk, 2.5-mile hike takes you to the breathtaking Whiteside Mountain. The 700-foot cliff takes your breath away. The best time to hike is mid-June as flowers overtake the rough terrain. Learn more about how you can hike along the cliffs at Whiteside Mountain.
Flickr / Forest Wanderer
Start your journey at milepost 339.5 off the Blue Ridge Parkway. While the 2.5-mile hike is somewhat strenuous, it’s extremely rewarding when you reach the beautiful Crabtree Falls. Have you hiked this short but strenuous North Carolina trail?
colong7034/Youtube
Advanced hikers love this challenging, 8.5-mile hike. The journey is just as beautiful as the destination. You’ll trek through untouched vegetation, creeks flowing peacefully, and amazing mountain views. The endpoint is Harper Creek Falls, a unique waterfall.
Flickr / Jim Liestman
Linville Falls has quite a few trails to choose from, all providing different perspectives of the fall. For the most photogenic view, take Erwin’s Trail. The hike is only 1.9 miles and starts at the visitor center.
Flickr / asrai
Stone Mountain Loop lets you see a bit of everything at this amazing place. The 5.2-mile hike takes you around Stone Mountain, past a waterfall, and to the Hutchinson family homestead that was occupied from 1855-1955.
Flickr / teresaphillips1965
The Sugarloaf Dune Trail is a perfect, beachy hike that allows you to make the most of the coastal terrain. The 2.8-mile hike passes by quickly as you’re mesmerized by your surroundings - you might even see a Venus Fly Trap!
Flickr / Ryan Atkins
No list of the most scenic trails in North Carolina is complete without a mention of Looking Glass Rock. Composed of Whiteside granite formed 390 million years ago, this majestic landmark is better experienced up close. The 6.4-mile hike is strenuous…but with an endpoint like that, it’s so rewarding.
Flickr / Kolin Toney
Sure, you can drive to the top, but it’s so much cooler to say you hiked to the top of Mount Mitchell (plus you get that experience). Old Mitchell Trail allows you to do just that. The hilly trail spans 4 miles; you’ll pass the historic Camp Alice and witness a changing eco-system with each mile. Without a doubt, a trip to Mount Mitchell is one of the best day trips you can take in North Carolina.
Flickr / Susan Smith
There are plenty of trails to choose from at this ever popular destination not far from the triad. Moore’s Wall Loop Trail takes you to a breathtaking, rock outcropping vista with THOSE views. The hike is 4.3 miles, and if you still have a little energy left, take the Lower Cascade Trail to breathtaking waterfalls.
Jomeokee Trail is a very short, 0.9-mile hike. It’s perfect for those looking for a quick adventure. On your walk, you’re treated to beautiful rock outcroppings, gorgeous views, and even a couple of places to sit and have a picnic.
Flickr / Sarath Kuchi
Only a short distance from the Blue Ridge Parkway, this brisk 1.4-mile hike takes you to a gorgeous overlook with breathtaking mountain views. The best time to go is late May-June as the rhododendrons illuminate the landscape in beautiful colors.
Flickr / Gimli Longbow
For the more seasoned explorer, this difficult but totally worth it 7-mile hike takes you to the best view of Grandfather Mountain. The appropriately named Grandfather’s Profile Trail starts at a creek bed and delights you with spruce-fir trees and large rock outcroppings. While difficult, the view at the end is beyond worth it. And you’ll want to be extra careful along the way, as some believe Grandfather Mountain to be one of North Carolina’s most dangerous trails.
Incredible right? It’s time to lace up those boots and get on the trails! Have you done any of these hikes to the most scenic trails in North Carolina before? Are there any others you’d want to add to the list?
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Address: Whiteside Mountain, North Carolina 28741, USAAddress: Crabtree Falls, North Carolina 28777, USAAddress: Harper Creek Falls, Edgemont Rd, Collettsville, NC 28611, USAAddress: Linville Falls, NC 28752, USAAddress: Stone Mountain Trail, Crab Creek, NC 28739, USAAddress: Carolina Beach State Park, 1010 State Park Rd, Carolina Beach, NC 28428, USAAddress: Looking Glass Rock, North Carolina 28712, USAAddress: Mount Mitchell, Mt Mitchell, North Carolina 28714, USAAddress: Hanging Rock State Park, 1790 Hanging Rock Park Rd, Danbury, NC 27016, USAAddress: Pilot Mountain, NC 27041, USAAddress: 3641 Blue Ridge Pkwy, Barnardsville, NC 28709, USAAddress: Grandfather Mountain, North Carolina 28646, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
most scenic trails in North Carolina April 06, 2021 Beth C. Does North Carolina have any waterfall hikes? Yes! As you likely noticed from the above article, North Carolina is positively abundant in waterfalls. One of the best ways to explore North Carolina’s waterfalls is by hiking to them. In fact, you could easily devote an entire lifetime to exploring all of the waterfalls in the Tar Heel State. Some of the best waterfall hikes in North Carolina that belong on your hiking bucket list include Looking Glass Falls, High Falls, Bubbling Spring Branch Cascades, Turtleback Falls, Wildcat Falls, Silver Run Falls, and Upper Catawba Falls. Learn more about some of the best waterfall hikes in North Carolina. What are the best day hikes in North Carolina? Curious to hike North Carolina’s trails but not interested in committing an entire day? Well then, you’re in luck! The Tar Heel State is positively brimming with great day hikes you can conquer in just a few hours. Some of the best ones include Roan Mountain, Grandfather Trail, Linville Gorge, Craggy Gardens, and portions of the Mountains-To-Sea Trail. Curious to learn more? Check out the five essential hikes you must take in North Carolina. What are the best easy trails in North Carolina? North Carolina boasts some of the most technically challenging hikes on the East Coast. Luckily, however, not all of North Carolina’s trails are considered tough. In fact, there are plenty that are perfect for beginners. Craggy Gardens is a great place to start. Located just off of the Blue Ridge Parkway, this 1.4-mile hike features one of the best views in the state. Plus, on your way up, you’ll pass through a tunnel of trees that looks like something from a fairytale. Whether it’s the wildflowers in the spring or the crystal-clear views in the winter, this trail is a must any time of the year. Learn more about other easy trails in North Carolina.
The OIYS Visitor Center
most scenic trails in North Carolina
April 06, 2021
Beth C.
Does North Carolina have any waterfall hikes? Yes! As you likely noticed from the above article, North Carolina is positively abundant in waterfalls. One of the best ways to explore North Carolina’s waterfalls is by hiking to them. In fact, you could easily devote an entire lifetime to exploring all of the waterfalls in the Tar Heel State. Some of the best waterfall hikes in North Carolina that belong on your hiking bucket list include Looking Glass Falls, High Falls, Bubbling Spring Branch Cascades, Turtleback Falls, Wildcat Falls, Silver Run Falls, and Upper Catawba Falls. Learn more about some of the best waterfall hikes in North Carolina. What are the best day hikes in North Carolina? Curious to hike North Carolina’s trails but not interested in committing an entire day? Well then, you’re in luck! The Tar Heel State is positively brimming with great day hikes you can conquer in just a few hours. Some of the best ones include Roan Mountain, Grandfather Trail, Linville Gorge, Craggy Gardens, and portions of the Mountains-To-Sea Trail. Curious to learn more? Check out the five essential hikes you must take in North Carolina. What are the best easy trails in North Carolina? North Carolina boasts some of the most technically challenging hikes on the East Coast. Luckily, however, not all of North Carolina’s trails are considered tough. In fact, there are plenty that are perfect for beginners. Craggy Gardens is a great place to start. Located just off of the Blue Ridge Parkway, this 1.4-mile hike features one of the best views in the state. Plus, on your way up, you’ll pass through a tunnel of trees that looks like something from a fairytale. Whether it’s the wildflowers in the spring or the crystal-clear views in the winter, this trail is a must any time of the year. Learn more about other easy trails in North Carolina.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Yes! As you likely noticed from the above article, North Carolina is positively abundant in waterfalls. One of the best ways to explore North Carolina’s waterfalls is by hiking to them. In fact, you could easily devote an entire lifetime to exploring all of the waterfalls in the Tar Heel State. Some of the best waterfall hikes in North Carolina that belong on your hiking bucket list include Looking Glass Falls, High Falls, Bubbling Spring Branch Cascades, Turtleback Falls, Wildcat Falls, Silver Run Falls, and Upper Catawba Falls. Learn more about some of the best waterfall hikes in North Carolina.
What are the best day hikes in North Carolina?
Curious to hike North Carolina’s trails but not interested in committing an entire day? Well then, you’re in luck! The Tar Heel State is positively brimming with great day hikes you can conquer in just a few hours. Some of the best ones include Roan Mountain, Grandfather Trail, Linville Gorge, Craggy Gardens, and portions of the Mountains-To-Sea Trail. Curious to learn more? Check out the five essential hikes you must take in North Carolina.
What are the best easy trails in North Carolina?
North Carolina boasts some of the most technically challenging hikes on the East Coast. Luckily, however, not all of North Carolina’s trails are considered tough. In fact, there are plenty that are perfect for beginners. Craggy Gardens is a great place to start. Located just off of the Blue Ridge Parkway, this 1.4-mile hike features one of the best views in the state. Plus, on your way up, you’ll pass through a tunnel of trees that looks like something from a fairytale. Whether it’s the wildflowers in the spring or the crystal-clear views in the winter, this trail is a must any time of the year. Learn more about other easy trails in North Carolina.
