North Carolina trails

Laurel Loop, Alder Trail and Hawk Loop

Distance: 7.8 mi • Elevation gain: 486 ft • Maximum elevation: 856 ft

Distance: 4.0 mi • Elevation gain: 105 ft • Maximum elevation: 112 ft

Distance: 7.7 mi • Elevation gain: 686 ft • Maximum elevation: 866 ft

Distance: 4.8 mi • Elevation gain: 315 ft • Maximum elevation: 328 ft

Distance: 3.9 mi • Elevation gain: 574 ft • Maximum elevation: 4,518 ft

Distance: 4.5 mi • Elevation gain: 85 ft • Maximum elevation: 30 ft

Distance: 2.4 mi • Elevation gain: 587 ft • Maximum elevation: 2,096 ft

Distance: 3.9 mi • Elevation gain: 125 ft • Maximum elevation: 121 ft

Distance: 1.0 mi • Elevation gain: 259 ft • Maximum elevation: 1,926 ft

Distance: 4.4 mi • Elevation gain: 344 ft • Maximum elevation: 758 ft

The Looking Glass Rock Trail in Pisgah National Forest offers an awe-inspiring hiking experience, leading trekkers through lush forests and rocky terrain. As you ascend, you'll be treated to panoramic views of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains, the Davidson River Valley, dense woods, and the iconic Looking…

Distance: 6.0 mi • Elevation gain: 1,919 ft • Maximum elevation: 3,911 ft

#Hike #Forest #Mountain #Rock

Distance: 5.7 mi • Elevation gain: 1,814 ft • Maximum elevation: 3,911 ft

Via Rainbow Falls Trail in Nantahala National Forest #Hike #Waterfall #Forest #River

Distance: 4.0 mi • Elevation gain: 810 ft • Maximum elevation: 2,904 ft

The Triple Falls and High Falls Trails Loop in Dupont State Recreational Forest offers hikers captivating views of two prominent waterfalls. Along the trail, you'll first encounter Triple Falls, a stunning three-tiered cascade, followed by High Falls, a majestic waterfall that plunges over a wide rock face.…

Distance: 3.2 mi • Elevation gain: 344 ft • Maximum elevation: 2,579 ft

Distance: 1.5 mi • Elevation gain: 23 ft • Maximum elevation: 112 ft

Distance: 2.9 mi • Elevation gain: 112 ft • Maximum elevation: 121 ft

Distance: 1.2 mi • Elevation gain: 30 ft • Maximum elevation: 10 ft

Distance: 1.2 mi • Elevation gain: 495 ft • Maximum elevation: 1,870 ft

Distance: 14.0 mi • Elevation gain: 1,575 ft • Maximum elevation: 1,178 ft

Distance: 3.3 mi • Elevation gain: 131 ft • Maximum elevation: 210 ft

The Rainbow Falls Trail in North Carolina's Nantahala National Forest offers hikers a scenic journey along the Horsepasture River, leading to three remarkable waterfalls. The trail first reveals the impressive Rainbow Falls, where water cascades down a towering cliff, often creating vibrant rainbows in its…

Distance: 4.0 mi • Elevation gain: 801 ft • Maximum elevation: 2,910 ft

Distance: 0.3 mi • Elevation gain: 33 ft • Maximum elevation: 817 ft

Dupont State Recreational Forest #Hike #Loop #Waterfall #River #Forest

Distance: 3.1 mi • Elevation gain: 341 ft • Maximum elevation: 2,579 ft

Distance: 4.2 mi • Elevation gain: 430 ft • Maximum elevation: 801 ft

Distance: 2.0 mi • Elevation gain: 157 ft • Maximum elevation: 682 ft

Distance: 3.1 mi • Elevation gain: 144 ft • Maximum elevation: 210 ft

Distance: 2.3 mi • Elevation gain: 125 ft • Maximum elevation: 154 ft

Distance: 2.8 mi • Elevation gain: 308 ft • Maximum elevation: 1,161 ft

Distance: 6.3 mi • Elevation gain: 627 ft • Maximum elevation: 830 ft

Distance: 2.4 mi • Elevation gain: 154 ft • Maximum elevation: 686 ft

Distance: 7.7 mi • Elevation gain: 492 ft • Maximum elevation: 807 ft

The Triple Falls and High Falls Trails in Dupont State Recreational Forest offer hikers a scenic journey through lush forests, leading to the impressive Triple Falls—a three-tiered cascade featured in films like "The Hunger Games"—and culminating at the majestic High Falls, a 150-foot waterfall that slides…

Distance: 2.3 mi • Elevation gain: 358 ft • Maximum elevation: 2,500 ft

Distance: 6.6 mi • Elevation gain: 630 ft • Maximum elevation: 846 ft

Distance: 2.5 mi • Elevation gain: 171 ft • Maximum elevation: 909 ft

The Hawksbill Trail in Linville Gorge offers a rewarding hiking experience that begins with a gradual climb through a forested path lined with rhododendron and hardwood trees. As you ascend, the trail becomes steeper and rockier, with the final stretch requiring a bit of a scramble before reaching the summit.…

Distance: 2.2 mi • Elevation gain: 696 ft • Maximum elevation: 3,944 ft

The Crabtree Falls Loop Trail, situated along the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina, offers hikers a journey through a lush hardwood forest, leading to the base of a picturesque 70-foot cascade. Along the trail, one can observe diverse flora, including wildflowers in early summer and ferns near the…

Distance: 2.8 mi • Elevation gain: 525 ft • Maximum elevation: 3,766 ft

The Deep Creek Waterfall Loop in Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers hikers a serene journey through lush forests, accompanied by the soothing sounds of flowing water. Along the trail, visitors can observe notable waterfalls, including Juney Whank Falls, Indian Creek Falls, and Tom Branch Falls, each…

Distance: 2.4 mi • Elevation gain: 620 ft • Maximum elevation: 2,267 ft

The Graveyard Falls Loop Trail in Pisgah National Forest offers a dynamic hiking experience, blending scenic waterfalls with unique natural history. The trail meanders through open meadows and dense rhododendron thickets, a contrast shaped by a 1925 wildfire that left behind a landscape of exposed tree stumps…

Distance: 3.2 mi • Elevation gain: 472 ft • Maximum elevation: 5,312 ft

The Whiteside Mountain Loop Trail in the Nantahala National Forest offers an enjoyable yet moderately challenging hiking experience. As you ascend through a mix of hardwood forests, the trail leads to spectacular views over the surrounding mountains, including the expansive Nantahala National Forest and parts…

Distance: 2.1 mi • Elevation gain: 741 ft • Maximum elevation: 4,806 ft

The Grassy Ridge Bald hike via the Appalachian Trail in the Roan Highlands is a standout experience for nature lovers. This trek features a progression through three scenic balds—Round Bald, Jane Bald, and Grassy Ridge Bald—each offering increasingly expansive views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and beyond.…

Distance: 4.6 mi • Elevation gain: 1,148 ft • Maximum elevation: 6,181 ft

The Looking Glass Rock Trail in Pisgah National Forest offers a rewarding, moderately challenging hike with spectacular vistas. As you ascend, you'll pass through shaded forests, cross a stream, and encounter sections lined with rhododendron and mountain laurel, especially vibrant in spring. Once at the…

Distance: 2.7 mi • Elevation gain: 1,660 ft • Maximum elevation: 3,911 ft

The Company Mill Loop Trail weaves through picturesque hardwood forests, hugging the banks of Crabtree Creek before ascending into quiet ridges. Hikers can enjoy a blend of open creekside views, where remnants of an old mill create a peaceful spot to rest, and more secluded sections under a canopy of pines and…

Distance: 6.2 mi • Elevation gain: 600 ft • Maximum elevation: 469 ft

Distance: 5.0 mi • Elevation gain: 164 ft • Maximum elevation: 20 ft

Distance: 4.1 mi • Elevation gain: 551 ft • Maximum elevation: 3,963 ft

The Catawba Falls Trail offers a scenic journey through Pisgah National Forest, guiding hikers along a gentle riverside path rich with historic stonework, lush vegetation, and streams that punctuate the quiet, wooded landscape. About halfway up, hikers encounter a historic dam that forms a small waterfall,…

Distance: 2.5 mi • Elevation gain: 673 ft • Maximum elevation: 2,280 ft

The hike to Black Balsam Knob is a favorite for its sweeping views and unique, treeless balds that stretch along the ridge. As you ascend, grassy fields and open skies create an almost alpine atmosphere, with uninterrupted 360-degree views of the Blue Ridge Mountains surrounding you at the summit. Whether you…

Distance: 1.5 mi • Elevation gain: 335 ft • Maximum elevation: 6,188 ft

The Graveyard Fields Loop Trail offers hikers an immersive journey through diverse landscapes, leading to two picturesque waterfalls. As you traverse the trail, you’ll pass through open meadows and lush forests, with sections of boardwalks that cross over wild blueberry patches during the summer months​.…

Distance: 3.2 mi • Elevation gain: 466 ft • Maximum elevation: 5,318 ft

The Whiteside Mountain Loop Trail offers a striking blend of natural beauty and rich history in North Carolina's Nantahala National Forest. As you hike, the views are dominated by towering cliffs that drop over 750 feet to the valley below, offering sweeping panoramas of the surrounding mountain ranges,…

Distance: 2.1 mi • Elevation gain: 764 ft • Maximum elevation: 4,806 ft

The Hawksbill Mountain Trail offers hikers an accessible but rewarding adventure in the heart of the Linville Gorge Wilderness. As you climb through rhododendron-filled forests, you’ll encounter rock outcroppings that reward you with breathtaking panoramic views of the gorge below, including vistas of Table…

Distance: 2.1 mi • Elevation gain: 679 ft • Maximum elevation: 3,944 ft

The Crabtree Falls Loop Trail offers a beautiful and moderately challenging hike. As you descend through a lush oak-hickory forest, you'll pass over rocky sections, switchbacks, and a series of stone steps, all of which make the journey to the falls both scenic and rewarding. At the base, the waterfall…

Distance: 2.8 mi • Elevation gain: 528 ft • Maximum elevation: 3,766 ft

This Waterfalls Loop via the Deep Creek Trail in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers a serene and scenic hiking experience. Along the way, hikers encounter three picturesque waterfalls: Juney Whank Falls, Indian Creek Falls and Tom Branch Falls. Each waterfall has its own charm, with the cascading…

Distance: 2.4 mi • Elevation gain: 617 ft • Maximum elevation: 2,267 ft

The Looking Glass Rock Trail offers an engaging and moderately strenuous hike with spectacular mountain views. Starting near a gentle stream, the path leads through lush rhododendron and laurel tunnels, eventually bringing you to a rocky clearing used as a helicopter pad. From there, the trail climbs further…

Distance: 6.0 mi • Elevation gain: 1,781 ft • Maximum elevation: 3,911 ft

The hike to the Kuwohi Observation Tower offers stunning panoramic views from the highest point in the park, previously known as Clingmans Dome. As you ascend the paved, yet steep, trail, you'll be rewarded with vistas of expansive mountain ranges, including Sugarland Mountain and the Elkmont area. On clear…

Distance: 1.3 mi • Elevation gain: 348 ft • Maximum elevation: 6,631 ft

Distance: 1.7 mi • Elevation gain: 36 ft • Maximum elevation: 75 ft

Distance: 5.8 mi • Elevation gain: 105 ft • Maximum elevation: 66 ft

Distance: 1.3 mi • Elevation gain: 26 ft • Maximum elevation: 75 ft

Distance: 2.1 mi • Elevation gain: 33 ft • Maximum elevation: 75 ft

The hike from Carvers Gap to Grassy Ridge Bald via the Appalachian Trail offers expansive views of the Roan Highlands, considered by many to be among the most scenic sections of the Appalachian Trail. As you traverse open grassy balds like Round Bald and Jane Bald, you'll be rewarded with panoramic vistas of…

Distance: 5.0 mi • Elevation gain: 1,286 ft • Maximum elevation: 6,191 ft

The hike to Charlies Bunion is a rewarding experience characterized by stunning panoramic views of the Great Smoky Mountains. As you traverse the Appalachian Trail, you'll encounter diverse landscapes, including dense forests of Fraser fir and red spruce, as well as several scenic overlooks that reveal…

Distance: 8.2 mi • Elevation gain: 2,224 ft • Maximum elevation: 6,073 ft

Distance: 1.0 mi • Elevation gain: 98 ft • Maximum elevation: 154 ft

Mecklenburg County Trail Run

Distance: 6.5 mi • Elevation gain: 620 ft • Maximum elevation: 781 ft

Distance: 2.8 mi • Elevation gain: 390 ft • Maximum elevation: 938 ft

Pisgah National Forest. #Hiking #Mountain #Nature #Forest

Distance: 5.0 mi • Elevation gain: 1,270 ft • Maximum elevation: 6,188 ft

Distance: 3.1 mi • Elevation gain: 335 ft • Maximum elevation: 889 ft

Loop hike / MTP in the Oak Hill Community Park & Forest. #Hiking #MTB #Loop #Park #Nature #Forest

Distance: 2.6 mi • Elevation gain: 177 ft • Maximum elevation: 1,178 ft

Loop run / trail / hike from Rice Pinnacle Parking via Wolf Branch Trail, Ingles Fields Gap, Little Hickory Top, Sidehill Trail, Greens Lick Trail, North Boundary Road, Wolf Knob, Mease Gap, Moors Gap, Corvair Trail and Deer Lake Road in the Pisgah National Forest. #Running #Trail #Hiking #Loop #Forest #Nature

Distance: 14.3 mi • Elevation gain: 2,976 ft • Maximum elevation: 3,330 ft

Distance: 7.9 mi • Elevation gain: 2,228 ft • Maximum elevation: 3,169 ft

Loop in the Dahlia Ridge Trail System at Haywood Community College. #Hiking #Walk #Running #Loop #Nature #Forest

Distance: 3.2 mi • Elevation gain: 400 ft • Maximum elevation: 2,776 ft

Loop hike from Banner Elk to Wildcat Lake via Lees-McRae College, Mill Pond and Hemlock Hill. #Hiking #Loop #Nature #Forest #Lake

Distance: 4.7 mi • Elevation gain: 686 ft • Maximum elevation: 3,871 ft

Hike from Linville Gorge Parking to Linville Falls via Erwin's View Trail, Upper Falls Overlook, Chimney View, Gorge View, Erwin's View Outlook, Linville Falls Trail, Linville River, Plunge Basin Trail, Plunge Basin Overlook and Plunge Basin in the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Pisgah National Forest. #Hiking…

Distance: 4.9 mi • Elevation gain: 1,355 ft • Maximum elevation: 3,343 ft

Gorges State Park. Pisgah National Forest. Horsepasture River. #Hiking #MTB #Mountain #River #Waterfall #Nature #Forest

Distance: 3.9 mi • Elevation gain: 801 ft • Maximum elevation: 2,913 ft

Pisgah National Forest. #Hiking #Waterfall #River #Mountain #Forest #Nature #Pisgah

Distance: 2.3 mi • Elevation gain: 476 ft • Maximum elevation: 2,067 ft

Pisgah National Forest. #Hiking #Mountain #Forest #Nature

Distance: 5.8 mi • Elevation gain: 1,844 ft • Maximum elevation: 3,911 ft

Mountain Bike in Dupont State Recreation Forest via Cedar Rock and Little River. #MTB #Loop #Forest #Mountain #River #Nature

Distance: 9.5 mi • Elevation gain: 1,161 ft • Maximum elevation: 3,051 ft

Loop MTB in the Valdese Lakeside Park via In Progress - Mountain Biking. #MTB #Loop #Park #Nature #Forest #Lake

Distance: 4.1 mi • Elevation gain: 545 ft • Maximum elevation: 1,158 ft

Hike through Great Smoky Mountains along Appalachian Trail via Standing Indian, Ridgepole Mountain, Yellow Bald, Wine Spring Bald, Copper Ridge Bald, Cheoah Bald, Wauchecha Bald, Fontana Dam, Thunderhead Mountain, Clingmans Dome, Mount Kephart and Mount Guyot. #Hiking #Mountain #Nature #Forest #Lake…

Distance: 144.0 mi • Elevation gain: 29,111 ft • Maximum elevation: 6,604 ft

Distance: 1.9 mi • Elevation gain: 79 ft • Maximum elevation: 52 ft

Great Smoky Mountains National Park. #Hiking #Mountain #Forest #Nature

Distance: 1.2 mi • Elevation gain: 338 ft • Maximum elevation: 6,631 ft

Loop hike along the Lake Norman via Lake Shore Trail, Family Camp Circle and Short Turn Trail in the Lake Norman State Park. #Hiking #Loop #Lake #Nature #Forest

Distance: 3.6 mi • Elevation gain: 246 ft • Maximum elevation: 840 ft

Distance: 1.2 mi • Elevation gain: 33 ft • Maximum elevation: 213 ft

Croatan National Forest Loop

Distance: 4.5 mi • Elevation gain: 125 ft • Maximum elevation: 66 ft

Distance: 1.6 mi • Elevation gain: 79 ft • Maximum elevation: 118 ft

Running

Distance: 9.1 mi • Elevation gain: 1,329 ft • Maximum elevation: 1,873 ft

Distance: 18.2 mi • Elevation gain: 4,803 ft • Maximum elevation: 5,551 ft

Cornelius Run

Distance: 4.4 mi • Elevation gain: 210 ft • Maximum elevation: 817 ft

Distance: 3.8 mi • Elevation gain: 548 ft • Maximum elevation: 1,991 ft

Mooresville Run

Distance: 2.6 mi • Elevation gain: 125 ft • Maximum elevation: 876 ft

Purlear Trail Run

Distance: 12.2 mi • Elevation gain: 1,663 ft • Maximum elevation: 3,990 ft

Davidson County Trail Run

Distance: 6.1 mi • Elevation gain: 469 ft • Maximum elevation: 830 ft

Lunch Run

Distance: 3.6 mi • Elevation gain: 551 ft • Maximum elevation: 2,657 ft

Morning Hike

Distance: 6.0 mi • Elevation gain: 1,047 ft • Maximum elevation: 2,671 ft

New Greenway and shoulder lanes

Distance: 17.4 mi • Elevation gain: 768 ft • Maximum elevation: 814 ft

Field Trip/Gravy Trails

Distance: 12.1 mi • Elevation gain: 738 ft • Maximum elevation: 682 ft

Friday Morning Whitewater

Distance: 9.6 mi • Elevation gain: 725 ft • Maximum elevation: 709 ft

Distance: 2.3 mi • Elevation gain: 443 ft • Maximum elevation: 1,699 ft

Mapping this city for bikes is a never-ending task

Distance: 20.5 mi • Elevation gain: 1,010 ft • Maximum elevation: 860 ft

Hanging Rock

Distance: 4.7 mi • Elevation gain: 866 ft • Maximum elevation: 2,490 ft

Statesville Trail Run

Distance: 4.4 mi • Elevation gain: 276 ft • Maximum elevation: 869 ft

Distance: 0.9 mi • Elevation gain: 89 ft • Maximum elevation: 4,058 ft

Distance: 4.2 mi • Elevation gain: 873 ft • Maximum elevation: 2,487 ft