Open Travel Guide
Hiking in North Carolina

North Carolina Hiking & Trekking Guide 2026

Explore the best hiking trails and trekking routes in North Carolina.

By Updated Reviewed by Daniel Mercer

This guide covers 12+ hiking trails in North Carolina — Black Balsam Knob Loop, Max Patch Summit Trail and Alum Cave Trail to Mount LeConte top the list. Every recommendation carries its practical details: typical costs, the best time to visit, and what to know before you commit.

North Carolina is a southeastern state offering extraordinary geographic diversity — from the misty peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Great Smoky Mountains in the west, to the rolling Piedmont Plateau in the center, to the iconic Outer Banks barrier islands and warm Atlantic beaches in the east. Home to nearly 11 million residents, the state blends Southern hospitality, world-class barbecue, vibrant college-town culture, outdoor adventure, and a deep historical heritage stretching from the Wright Brothers' first flight to Civil War battlefields.

Top trails

Routes worth lacing up your boots for.

  1. 1

    Black Balsam Knob Loop

    5.8 miles (loop)3-4 hoursmoderate6,214 ft summit; 700 ft elevation gain

  2. 2

    Max Patch Summit Trail

    1.4 miles (loop to summit)1-1.5 hourseasy4,629 ft summit; 350 ft elevation gain

  3. 3

    Alum Cave Trail to Mount LeConte

    11 miles roundtrip6-8 hourshard6,593 ft summit; 2,760 ft elevation gain

  4. 4

    Linville Gorge: Babel Tower Trail

    4 miles roundtrip3-4 hourshardGorge rim to river; 1,200 ft descent/ascent

  5. 5

    Graveyard Fields Loop

    3.1 miles (loop)2-2.5 hourseasy5,120 ft; minimal gain (plateau hike to two waterfalls)

  6. 6

    Rough Ridge Trail

    2.3 miles roundtrip1.5-2.5 hourshard4,773 ft; 600 ft gain

  7. 7

    Hanging Rock Summit Trail

    2.2 miles roundtrip1.5-2 hoursmoderate2,149 ft summit; 400 ft gain

  8. 8

    Mountains-to-Sea Trail (Segment 4: Blue Ridge Parkway)

    10 miles (one way, day-hike segment)4-6 hours (one-way shuttle)hard5,800 ft start; rolling ridge; 1,100 ft cumulative gain

  9. 9

    Uwharrie Trail (Section 1)

    9.5 miles (one way per section)4-6 hoursmoderate900-1,100 ft ridge walking; 800 ft cumulative gain

  10. 10

    Crabtree Falls Trail

    2.5 miles (loop)1.5-2 hourseasy3,900 ft; 500 ft descent to falls

  11. 11

    Chimney Rock to Exclamation Point

    3 miles roundtrip (via combination of trails)2-3 hoursmoderate2,280 ft; 500 ft gain (elevator option cuts gain by 225 ft)

  12. 12

    Eno River State Park Trails (Cole Mill Access)

    3-8 miles (various loop options)1.5-4 hourseasy400-600 ft; gentle rolling terrain

Trail difficulty levels

Pick a route that matches your fitness and experience.

Easy

Mostly flat, well-marked paths. Suitable for families and casual walkers.

Moderate

Some elevation gain, longer distances. Requires basic fitness.

Hard

Significant climbs and exposure. Requires good fitness and route-finding.

Expert

Technical terrain, scrambling, or alpine conditions. Experience essential.

Local hazards

What to watch out for on the trail.

High

Sudden weather changes — always carry rain gear and warm layers.

Medium

Wildlife encounters — make noise on the trail and store food properly.

Medium

Trail conditions can deteriorate after rain — check recent reports before setting out.

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