Hiking in North Carolina is an outdoor adventure that offers something for everyone. From the towering peaks of the Great Smoky Mountains to the lush forests of the Appalachian Trail, there are plenty of hiking trails in NC to explore and natural beauty to take in. You may even run into an impressive waterfall on your hike!
The Tower Trail and Backside Trail Loop is one of the most popular routes to the top of Crowder Mountain. It is located near Gastonia, North Carolina, in Crowders Mountain State Park. This route can be challenging and takes around 1 hour and 29 minutes to complete. It is a very popular area for those looking to hike, rock climb, and go for a run. The trail is open year-round and is worth visiting any time of the year. Dogs are allowed but must be on a leash.
The trail is well-marked and makes it easy to navigate through the rocky terrain. Once you reach the top, you will have a fantastic view of the Charlotte skyline. It is a perfect spot for a small picnic. Most of the trail is wide and shaded with natural/gravel surfaces.
There are 16 more trails located at Crowders Mountain State Park. Some of the more popular ones are The Pinnacle Trail (4.2 mi), Backside Trail (1.9 mi), and many more!
If you are looking to camp at Crowders Mountain, you can visit the Crowders Mountain Campground. Campsites are all walk/hike-in.
Max Patch Loop is one of the best hiking trails for the whole family! Located in Pisgah National Forest, North Carolina. This hike is a 1.5-mile, loop trail near Hot Springs, North Carolina. It is considered an easy route that takes about 44 minutes to complete. This is a popular area for birding, walking, and hiking, so you will probably encounter others exploring the area.
Max Patch Loop is one of the best hiking trails for the whole family! Located in Pisgah National Forest, North Carolina. This hike is a 1.5-mile loop near Hot Springs, North Carolina. It is considered an easy route that takes about 44 minutes to complete. This is a popular area for birding, walking, and hiking, so you will probably encounter others exploring the area.
On a clear day, you will see Mt. Mitchell to the east and the Great Smoky Mountains to the south. It is an excellent spot for camping, mountain biking, picnics, wildflowers, and even star gazing! You can even bring your dog to join you; they are required to be on a leash.
The trail starts off going North (from the parking area). You will run into a sign indicating the Appalachian Trail to the left and the steep climb to the top of Max Patch Mountain to the right (about 15 minutes into the hike). The spectacular views of North Carolina, Tennessee, and Mount Mitchell are just 100 yards away.
Hanging Rock Trail is a 2.4-mile out-and-back trail near Danbury, North Carolina. It is one of the most popular hiking trails in North Carolina. It is a reasonably challenging route that takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes to complete. The trail is open year-round and is always worth visiting. It is a popular area for bird watching, running, and hiking. Dogs are allowed to join you but must be on a leash.
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The Hanging Rock State Park Visitor Center Parking Lot (1005 Visitor Center Drive, Westfield, NC 27053) is the quickest access to the Hanging Rock Trail.
The Hanging Rock Trail begins on a short paved route before transitioning to natural/gravel route for the rest of the hike. You will reach a fork for The Wolf Rock Trail about a half-mile into the walk. Eventually, you will arrive at the first set of stairs leading you to the peak. After the first set, you will reach a set of rock steps (which may be challenging). Once you pass that set, continue on a rocky trail, and you will arrive at the highest peak east side.
Graveyard Fields Trail is a very popular hiking trail located on the Blue Ridge Parkway (south of Asheville). You can walk through the wildflowers and wild blueberry fields to reach the beautiful views and gorgeous waterfalls. You can walk to two waterfalls during the hike, the gorgeous waterfall of the multi-tiered second falls and the tall cascades of the upper falls.
You can see the surrounding mountains, mountain peaks such as Black Balsam Knob, from the trailhead. It is a moderate hike that is great to go as a family.
Once you arrive at the Graveyard Fields parking lot, you can take the stairs from the parking lot to the paved path through rhododendron that will lead you to a viewing platform. Continue on the wooden steps to a bride over Yellowstone Creek, and continue on the right leading to Seconds Falls. During the summer, this is a popular swimming hole.
To continue to the next waterfall, head back to the trail and enter a high mountain meadow. Once you pass the camping area, take the trail to the right, pass the Graveyard Ridge trail (goes right), and continue left to Upper Falls.
During the summer, blueberry picking is a very popular activity. You are allowed to pick 1 gallon per day. It is best to arrive early in the day (and season).
Hawksbill Mountain Trail is a popular hiking trail in Linville Gorge Wilderness, North Carolina. The hike to the summit of Hawksbill Mountain has an incredible 360 view of the Linville Gorge Wilderness Area. If you go on a clear day, you will be able to see the skyline of Charlotte (about 90 miles away). The view from the top is truly one of the best you will find in North Carolina.
Once you reach the top, there are many great vantage points. To the east, you will see Piedmont, Grandfather Mountain to the North, and Mt. Mitchell to the Southwest. It is a great picnic spot with a beautiful view.
The Hawksbill Mountain Trail begins from the parking area on Pisgah National Forest service road 1264. It is a short downhill walk before a gradual uphill path. The summit trail will get steeper and rocker as you go. After half a mile, the summit trail takes a left before reaching the Jonas Ridge Trail. Once you reach the ridge top, a trail goes left and right (the right has the best view).
Camping is allowed, but permits are required on weekends and holidays between May 1 and October 31. One or two nights are free, but a limited number is available. To obtain a permit, stop by or call the District Ranger Office at Grandfather Ranger District, 109 East Lawing Dr, Nebo, NC 28761 || (828) 652-2144
You'll be amazed by the beauty of the trail when you visit the Triple Falls Trail. Come see why it's one of the most popular hikes in North Carolina!
Triple Falls Trail (DuPont State Park Triple Falls) is a three-mile hike leading to waterfalls. It is one of the most famous waterfall hikes near Asheville. The trail is fairly easy, with a few hills, but a great one to visit with your family. It is jam-packed during the summer and the fall.
When you arrive, park at the Hooker Falls access area at DuPont State Recreational forest. You can also park at the High Falls access (about a mile down the road). You will see the Hooker Falls last if you decide to park there.
If you parked at the Hooker Falls parking area, take a short walk to the right of Hooker Falls. You will see an observation area over the falls, then continue on the trail to arrive at the waterfalls' base. If you are looking for wading or swimming spots, this is perfect for you.
A little less than 1/2-mile away from the Hooker Falls parking area, there is an overlook for Triple Falls with three cascades over a 120-ft. drop. Go past the overlook and see a trail forks to the left. Head down using the staircase to arrive at a large rock area below the top two falls and the third on top.
Once you visit Triple Falls, continue on the High Falls Trail for about 1/2-mile to the largest waterfall. If you want a close-up look of the 150-ft cascade, look for the "Base of Falls" spur trail leading you down to the river. You can sometimes rock hop along the river's edge to reach the giant boulder in front of the waterfall (do not attempt to climb the rocks by the waterfall).
Crabtree Falls is located in North Carolina and is one of the most beautiful places to visit during any season. Read about its history and see why it’s worth visiting!
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Crabtree Falls Hiking Trail is a beautiful 2.5-mile trail leading to Crabtree Falls. This hike is a favorite for many, right off the Blue Ridge Parkway, about 45 minutes from Asheville. To reach Crabtree Falls, you must walk through the forest for about a mile. The hike usually takes around 1.5 hours and is a moderate walk. Dogs are welcome, but they must be on a leash!
Crabtree Creek tumbles more than seventy feet into a deep pool, creating one of North Carolina's most beautiful waterfalls. You will pass through many more amazing scenes during the hike. The view from the base of the waterfall truly is fantastic.
To start the hike, park at the store and look for the "Falls" sign. Begin by walking past the theater and go towards the campground. Once you pass the info booth, you should see a sign for the Crabtree Falls Trailhead in a small parking area.
From there, take the trail down to a "T" intersection. Take the path to the right if you want a shorter and easier route. It is mainly downhill to the waterfall, under a mile.
If you want to camp, you can make reservations at Crabtree Falls Campground Blue Ridge Parkway at www.recreation.gov or call 1-877-444-6777 (Crabtree Falls Campground Blue Ridge Parkway). There is potable water, a dump station, and a comfort station with sinks and flushable toilets.
Where is crabtree falls?
Milepost 339.5 on the Blue Ridge Parkway
Crabtree Falls Picnic Area
If you are looking for a picnic area, you can find the Crabtree Falls picnic area not too far south of the waterfall parking area. There are many tables, grills, and mountain views.
The Rainbow Falls and Turtleback Falls trail truly is a hidden gem waterfall hike in North Carolina. Located in Gorges State Park, on the Blue Ridge Escarpment, with a 125-foot drop, the Horsepasture River creates spectacular rainbows in the sunlight while creating clouds of mist.
The Rainbow Falls and Turtleback Falls trail truly is a hidden gem waterfall hike in North Carolina. Located in Gorges State Park, on the Blue Ridge Escarpment, with a 125-foot drop, the Horsepasture River creates spectacular rainbows in the sunlight while creating clouds of mist.
The hike begins from the Grassy Ridge trailhead in North Carolina's Gorges State park. The Rainbow Falls trail starts as gravel and descends towards the Rainbow Falls Horsepasture River. As you follow the path, you will pass two waterfalls on the river, Drift Falls and Turtleback Falls. For only four miles (round trip), the hike is packed with amazing views of nature and waterfalls.
You will most likely get your shoes wet so go prepared! The trail switches from Gorges State Park to Pisgah National Forest, about 20 minutes from the Grassy Ridge trailhead. You will follow along outer banks of the river for most of the hike.
Once you arrive at the falls, prepare for the cool mist to soak you. Please proceed with caution since the rocks are slippery. To reach Turtleback Falls, continue up the trail for 10 minutes. The low waterfall that flows over a curved rock resembles a turtle shell.
At 6,634 feet, hiking Clingmans Dome will lead you to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park's highest point. The observation tower will give you an incredible 360° view of the Smoky Mountains. You may wonder how hard the hike to Clingmans Dome is; it is a moderate trail that will take about an hour to complete. Bikes and pets are now allowed.
At 6,634 feet, hiking Clingmans Dome will lead you to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park's highest point. The observation tower will give you an incredible 360° view of the Smoky Mountains. You may wonder how hard the hike to Clingmans Dome is; it is a moderate trail that will take about an hour to complete. Bikes and pets are now allowed.
Clingmans Dome is open year-round and can be reached by traveling Clingmans Dome Road. The road closes from December 1st through March 31st due to the weather conditions. The parking area, visitor's center, and the trailhead to the summit is reached at the road's end. To reach the highest point, follow the one-half-mile paved trail. The Dome lies within both North Carolina and Tennessee.
Although the Clingmans Dome Hike length is not too long, it may be difficult due to the very steep climb incline. Clingmans Dome's elevation gain is about 331 feet, but the view is worth it.
There are hiking trails near Clingmans Dome that you will intersect with, such as the Fornet Creek Trail, the Appalachian Trail, and the Forney Ridge Trail. You can use these trails to reach Clingmans Dome without using the road.
The view is fantastic if you visit on a clear day, stretching 100 miles. Be prepared for cold weather; temperatures at the can drop 10-20 degrees Fahrenheit. It is often damp, bring a jacket to be safe.
North Carolina is a hiker's paradise with its diverse range of trails and scenic spots, from the breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains and Pisgah National Forest to the iconic Appalachian Trail and the Great Smoky Mountains. Hickory Nut Falls Trail, Grandfather Mountain, and Hanging Rock are just a few examples of the challenging yet rewarding hikes that experienced hikers can enjoy, while more moderate options like Triple Falls and High Falls are perfect for those looking for a shorter trek. Whether you prefer mountain biking, horseback riding, or just taking in the panoramic views, North Carolina's many state parks and outdoor adventure options offer something for everyone. Don't miss the chance to explore some of the best hiking trails and waterfalls in the country, and experience the natural beauty of North Carolina's mountains and trails for yourself.
Lost City NC started as an urban exploration page and quickly became a page to share new places to eat, travel to, and stay at here in North Carolina. Read More!
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