The Tar Heel State has no shortage of amazing hiking trails that offer beautiful scenery and picturesque views. And then there are some that offer much more than just a pretty walk; places that are full of history and a story to tell. We’ve highlighted 10 historic hikes in North Carolina along trails that lead to reminders of bygone times.
- Reed Gold Mine, Locust
alltrails.com/ScottDensmore North Carolina was the home of America’s very first gold rush and you can still find evidence of it today on the Reed Gold Mine nature trail. The whole trail is an easy hike, if you even want to call it a hike — it’s not even half a mile long — but it’s family-friendly and a great way to get outside while exploring the piece of North Carolina history. Head to the AllTrails website for trail information.
- Guildford Courthouse National Military Park, Greensboro
alltrails.com/ScottDensmore Hike the site of a Revolutionary War battle at Guildford Courthouse National Military Park. The easy 1.7 mile loop is great for hiking or running and is dotted with historical markers and monuments throughout. There’s even a visitor’s center to find out more info on the battle. Head to the AllTrails website for trail information.
- Wright Brothers Walkway, Kill Devil Hills
alltrails.com/JennieMorris Walk the path of the famous Wright Brothers’ first flight patterns at the Wright Brothers Walkway, a 2.7 mile loop that leads to the stone memorial dedicated to the famous brothers who played a huge part in North Carolina history. The trail is paved and suited for everyone. Head to the AllTrails website for trail information.
- Boone’s Cave Park, Lexington
TripAdvisor Sunsetbum Within Boone’s Cave State Park there are several trails to choose from that bypass a large cave that is said to have housed Daniel Boone and his family before he made his way west. Each of the park’s hikes vary in length and difficulty. Once hikers reach the cave, they can walk inside to check it out for themselves. Head to the Boone’s Cave Park webpage for more information.
- Stone Mountain Loop Trail, Roaring Gap
alltrails.com/StaceyMcauthur The 4.5-mile loop climbs to the summit of Stone Mountain, passes a stunning waterfall and leads to the historic Hutchinson Homestead that was built in 1855. Though the trail can get a bit steep and difficult, the scenery is worth the effort. Head to the AllTrails website for trail information.
- Mingus Creek Trail, Cherokee
TripAdvisor Lynn W. Explore part of the Smokies on the Mingus Creek Trail, where you’ll pass tranquil streams and plenty of vibrant wildflowers on your way to the historic and Mingus Grist Mill that was built in 1866. The two-story mill is still in operation today and the trail is 5.8 miles round trip. Head to the Mingus Mill webpage for more information.
- Basin Trail, Kure Beach
alltrails.com/GregoryDiamond The easy 2.2 mile round trip Basin Trail gives visitors both history and scenic views as it cascades through beautiful and tranquil marshland and past a WWII bunker. Head to the AllTrails website for trail information.
- School Kids Loop, White Pines
alltrails.com/ScottDensmore The one mile loop runs parallel to the Rocky River and leads to the remains of a cable bridge and path that was once used by young children to cross the river to get to school in the early 1900s. Head to the AllTrails website for trail information.
- Old Field Bluff Trail, Chapel Hill
alltrails.com/BillWatson On the Johnston Mill Nature Preserve there’s a three mile trail where you’ll find what’s left of two historic grist mills and the remnants of a homestead from the 1700s. Head to the AllTrails website for trail information.
- Gold Mine Loop, Bryson City
alltrails.com/BradButler To even get to the Gold Mine Loop hikers must first walk through the abandoned tunnel that’s part of the famous road to nowhere — a road that was set to replace the original road in the area after it was flooded out, but construction on the new road was halted and never started up again. Once on the trail, hikers will pass by what’s left of the town that once occupied the land. Head to the AllTrails website for trail information.
What are your favorite historic hikes in North Carolina? Please let us know where in the comment section!
alltrails.com/ScottDensmore
North Carolina was the home of America’s very first gold rush and you can still find evidence of it today on the Reed Gold Mine nature trail. The whole trail is an easy hike, if you even want to call it a hike — it’s not even half a mile long — but it’s family-friendly and a great way to get outside while exploring the piece of North Carolina history. Head to the AllTrails website for trail information.
Hike the site of a Revolutionary War battle at Guildford Courthouse National Military Park. The easy 1.7 mile loop is great for hiking or running and is dotted with historical markers and monuments throughout. There’s even a visitor’s center to find out more info on the battle. Head to the AllTrails website for trail information.
alltrails.com/JennieMorris
Walk the path of the famous Wright Brothers’ first flight patterns at the Wright Brothers Walkway, a 2.7 mile loop that leads to the stone memorial dedicated to the famous brothers who played a huge part in North Carolina history. The trail is paved and suited for everyone. Head to the AllTrails website for trail information.
TripAdvisor Sunsetbum
Within Boone’s Cave State Park there are several trails to choose from that bypass a large cave that is said to have housed Daniel Boone and his family before he made his way west. Each of the park’s hikes vary in length and difficulty. Once hikers reach the cave, they can walk inside to check it out for themselves. Head to the Boone’s Cave Park webpage for more information.
alltrails.com/StaceyMcauthur
The 4.5-mile loop climbs to the summit of Stone Mountain, passes a stunning waterfall and leads to the historic Hutchinson Homestead that was built in 1855. Though the trail can get a bit steep and difficult, the scenery is worth the effort. Head to the AllTrails website for trail information.
TripAdvisor Lynn W.
Explore part of the Smokies on the Mingus Creek Trail, where you’ll pass tranquil streams and plenty of vibrant wildflowers on your way to the historic and Mingus Grist Mill that was built in 1866. The two-story mill is still in operation today and the trail is 5.8 miles round trip. Head to the Mingus Mill webpage for more information.
alltrails.com/GregoryDiamond
The easy 2.2 mile round trip Basin Trail gives visitors both history and scenic views as it cascades through beautiful and tranquil marshland and past a WWII bunker. Head to the AllTrails website for trail information.
The one mile loop runs parallel to the Rocky River and leads to the remains of a cable bridge and path that was once used by young children to cross the river to get to school in the early 1900s. Head to the AllTrails website for trail information.
alltrails.com/BillWatson
On the Johnston Mill Nature Preserve there’s a three mile trail where you’ll find what’s left of two historic grist mills and the remnants of a homestead from the 1700s. Head to the AllTrails website for trail information.
alltrails.com/BradButler
To even get to the Gold Mine Loop hikers must first walk through the abandoned tunnel that’s part of the famous road to nowhere — a road that was set to replace the original road in the area after it was flooded out, but construction on the new road was halted and never started up again. Once on the trail, hikers will pass by what’s left of the town that once occupied the land. Head to the AllTrails website for trail information.
Here are eight hidden places that are North Carolina’s best-kept secrets.
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Address: 9621 Reed Mine Rd, Midland, NC 28107, USAAddress: 2332 New Garden Rd, Greensboro, NC 27410, USAAddress: Wright Brothers National Memorial, 1000 N Croatan Hwy, Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948, USAAddress: 3552 Boones Cave Rd, Lexington, NC 27295, USAAddress: Stone Mountain Rd, Roaring Gap, NC 28668, USAAddress: Oconaluftee Visitor Center, 1194 Newfound Gap Rd, Cherokee, NC 28719, USAAddress: 1000 Loggerhead Rd, Kure Beach, NC 28449, USAAddress: 548 S Rocky River Rd, Sanford, NC 27330, USAAddress: 2713 Mt Sinai Rd, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USAAddress: Lakeview Dr, Bryson City, NC 28713, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Historic Hikes In North Carolina April 13, 2021 Melissa M What are some of the most historic places in North Carolina? As a state with such a long past, historic places, including monuments, mansions, hotels, bridges, restaurants, and more, are everywhere! The Biltmore Estate in Asheville is, perhaps, one of the most iconic buildings in North Carolina. It was built in the late-1800s for the wealthy George and Edith Vanderbilt and has since become one of the top tourist destinations in the state. The North Carolina State Capitol was built in 1840 in Greek Revival style and has a long history (and it’s supposedly haunted). Where can I find scenic hikes in North Carolina? With peaks and valleys, lakes and waterfalls, North Carolina’s varied landscape is an outdoor explorer’s dream! You can surely explore some of the greatest hiking trails on earth here. Head out for a hike at Linville Gorge which is considered the ‘Grand Canyon of the East.’ The rugged mountains and scenic overlook will surely take your breath away! The Appalachian Mountain Trail goes through the state and you can explore scenic areas like Lovers Leap Loop, Fontana Dam, and Clingman’s Dome, just to name a few. What are the most historic parks I can visit in North Carolina? The highly underrated Corolla Park in the Outer Banks is chock full of both beauty and history. Walkways and trails meander through the park and past attractions like the historic Whalehead Club and the Currituck Beach Lighthouse that you can climb to the top of for a panoramic view. Mordecai State Park is the site of President Andrew Johnson’s birthplace and worth a stop. And then there’s the Fort Raleigh Historic Site which is home to the New World’s first English settlement. Explore the grounds and museum of this historic North Carolina locale.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Historic Hikes In North Carolina
April 13, 2021
Melissa M
What are some of the most historic places in North Carolina? As a state with such a long past, historic places, including monuments, mansions, hotels, bridges, restaurants, and more, are everywhere! The Biltmore Estate in Asheville is, perhaps, one of the most iconic buildings in North Carolina. It was built in the late-1800s for the wealthy George and Edith Vanderbilt and has since become one of the top tourist destinations in the state. The North Carolina State Capitol was built in 1840 in Greek Revival style and has a long history (and it’s supposedly haunted). Where can I find scenic hikes in North Carolina? With peaks and valleys, lakes and waterfalls, North Carolina’s varied landscape is an outdoor explorer’s dream! You can surely explore some of the greatest hiking trails on earth here. Head out for a hike at Linville Gorge which is considered the ‘Grand Canyon of the East.’ The rugged mountains and scenic overlook will surely take your breath away! The Appalachian Mountain Trail goes through the state and you can explore scenic areas like Lovers Leap Loop, Fontana Dam, and Clingman’s Dome, just to name a few. What are the most historic parks I can visit in North Carolina? The highly underrated Corolla Park in the Outer Banks is chock full of both beauty and history. Walkways and trails meander through the park and past attractions like the historic Whalehead Club and the Currituck Beach Lighthouse that you can climb to the top of for a panoramic view. Mordecai State Park is the site of President Andrew Johnson’s birthplace and worth a stop. And then there’s the Fort Raleigh Historic Site which is home to the New World’s first English settlement. Explore the grounds and museum of this historic North Carolina locale.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
As a state with such a long past, historic places, including monuments, mansions, hotels, bridges, restaurants, and more, are everywhere! The Biltmore Estate in Asheville is, perhaps, one of the most iconic buildings in North Carolina. It was built in the late-1800s for the wealthy George and Edith Vanderbilt and has since become one of the top tourist destinations in the state. The North Carolina State Capitol was built in 1840 in Greek Revival style and has a long history (and it’s supposedly haunted).
Where can I find scenic hikes in North Carolina?
With peaks and valleys, lakes and waterfalls, North Carolina’s varied landscape is an outdoor explorer’s dream! You can surely explore some of the greatest hiking trails on earth here. Head out for a hike at Linville Gorge which is considered the ‘Grand Canyon of the East.’ The rugged mountains and scenic overlook will surely take your breath away! The Appalachian Mountain Trail goes through the state and you can explore scenic areas like Lovers Leap Loop, Fontana Dam, and Clingman’s Dome, just to name a few.
What are the most historic parks I can visit in North Carolina?
The highly underrated Corolla Park in the Outer Banks is chock full of both beauty and history. Walkways and trails meander through the park and past attractions like the historic Whalehead Club and the Currituck Beach Lighthouse that you can climb to the top of for a panoramic view. Mordecai State Park is the site of President Andrew Johnson’s birthplace and worth a stop. And then there’s the Fort Raleigh Historic Site which is home to the New World’s first English settlement. Explore the grounds and museum of this historic North Carolina locale.
