A hike doesn’t have to be a monumental effort in order to sow rewards. The Tar Heel State does have some challenging hikes, but, as it turns out, some of the best hikes in North Carolina just so happen to be some of the easiest too. It’s true! Just to prove it, we set out to find easy scenic hikes in North Carolina, and we didn’t come up empty-handed. A few of the following easy hikes in North Carolina may be short while others are long, but they all have something in common – amazing payoffs.
- Catawba Falls - near Old Fort
alltrails.com/Justin P The hike to Catawba Falls is just under 3 miles round-trip and it ends at the base of a huge waterfall with cascades at the base. If you’re not a seasoned hiker, then you’ll want to turn back at this point. The trail does continue to an upper set of falls, but it is known to be a treacherous journey. 3074 Catawba River Rd, Old Fort, NC 28762, USA
- Hard Times Road Trail - Powhatan Recreation Area near Asheville
alltrails.com/ Edwin O. Makkías After a relatively easy 4 miles from the parking area, you’ll reach Lake Powhatan and its fantastic spill wall. The trail is suitable for children and dogs; however, it’s also open to bikes, so you’ll need to keep your eyes peeled for bikers. The payoff at the end is this gorgeous view, and there is a place along the lake where you can swim if you want to. As an added bonus, the trail is nestled within the Lake Powhatan Recreation Area, which means you can easily turn your day hike into an overnight campout. 375 Wesley Branch Rd, Asheville, NC 28806, USA
- Craggy Pinnacle Trail - MP 364.4 Blue Ridge Parkway
alltrails.com/Ryan Markham The summit of the Craggy Pinnacle Trail is a mere one-half-mile hike, but getting there is all uphill. The good news is two-fold: the view is 360-degrees and you’ll feel on top of the world. Part two: it’s all downhill getting back to your car! You’ll find the parking lot at milepost 364.4 on the parkway. 3641 Blue Ridge Pkwy, Barnardsville, NC 28709, USA
- Jetton Park - Cornelius
alltrails.com/Carrie Conner Jetton Park is a county park in Mecklenberg County that dishes up forever views of Lake Norman. You’ll find that out as you make your way along the 1.5-mile paved trail that meanders along the lake and through the park. Bring a lunch and possibly even some swimming attire. Jetton Park opens daily at sunrise. 19000 Jetton Rd, Cornelius, NC 28031, USA
- Mount Mitchell Summit Trail - Burnsville
alltrails.com/Bill Watson The Mount Mitchell Summit Trail, which is adjacent to the summit parking lot and visitors center, is a short two-tenths of a mile each way to the top of the highest peak east of the Mississippi. Of course, there are more challenging ways to get to the summit if you want to feel your muscles burn and you have a little more time on your hands. 2388 NC-128, Burnsville, NC 28714, USA
- Duggers Creek Falls - Newland
alltrails.com/Penny Longhurst The trek to Duggers Creek Falls is a short and easy hike that’s less than a half-mile long. You’ll encounter some roots and rocks that may require some skilled navigation. But overall, the trail is rated easy and it features a waterfall that’s right out of a storybook. Duggers Creek Falls, Linville Falls Rd, Newland, NC 28657, USA
- Toms Creek Falls - Marion
alltrails.com/Amy Petersen A short-and-sweet scenic hike of less than a mile each way yields this stunning destination which includes Tom’s Creek Falls and a bonus: a hidden cave on the other side of the water at the falls. Do you dare enter? You’ll find the trailhead for this easy hike on Huskins Branch Road in Marion. Huskins Branch Road, Huskins Branch Rd, North Carolina 28752, USA
- Flat Top Mountain Trail - Blowing Rock
alltrails.com/Steven Houde You may feel as though you’re passing through a picturesque ranch on top of a mountain as you hike this trail from Moses H. Cone Memorial Park along the Blue Ridge Parkway. The hike is 4.8 miles out and back and delivers outstanding views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Moses H. Cone Memorial Park is located at milepost 294 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Moses H. Cone Memorial Park, Blue Ridge Parkway, Milepost 294, Blowing Rock, NC 28605, USA
So, do you agree? Are these the best hikes in North Carolina? Ever trekked along any of the trails mentioned above? Know of any other spectacularly scenic hikes in North Carolina? Tell us!
alltrails.com/Justin P
The hike to Catawba Falls is just under 3 miles round-trip and it ends at the base of a huge waterfall with cascades at the base. If you’re not a seasoned hiker, then you’ll want to turn back at this point. The trail does continue to an upper set of falls, but it is known to be a treacherous journey.
3074 Catawba River Rd, Old Fort, NC 28762, USA
alltrails.com/ Edwin O. Makkías
After a relatively easy 4 miles from the parking area, you’ll reach Lake Powhatan and its fantastic spill wall. The trail is suitable for children and dogs; however, it’s also open to bikes, so you’ll need to keep your eyes peeled for bikers. The payoff at the end is this gorgeous view, and there is a place along the lake where you can swim if you want to. As an added bonus, the trail is nestled within the Lake Powhatan Recreation Area, which means you can easily turn your day hike into an overnight campout.
375 Wesley Branch Rd, Asheville, NC 28806, USA
alltrails.com/Ryan Markham
The summit of the Craggy Pinnacle Trail is a mere one-half-mile hike, but getting there is all uphill. The good news is two-fold: the view is 360-degrees and you’ll feel on top of the world. Part two: it’s all downhill getting back to your car! You’ll find the parking lot at milepost 364.4 on the parkway.
3641 Blue Ridge Pkwy, Barnardsville, NC 28709, USA
alltrails.com/Carrie Conner
Jetton Park is a county park in Mecklenberg County that dishes up forever views of Lake Norman. You’ll find that out as you make your way along the 1.5-mile paved trail that meanders along the lake and through the park. Bring a lunch and possibly even some swimming attire. Jetton Park opens daily at sunrise.
19000 Jetton Rd, Cornelius, NC 28031, USA
alltrails.com/Bill Watson
The Mount Mitchell Summit Trail, which is adjacent to the summit parking lot and visitors center, is a short two-tenths of a mile each way to the top of the highest peak east of the Mississippi. Of course, there are more challenging ways to get to the summit if you want to feel your muscles burn and you have a little more time on your hands.
2388 NC-128, Burnsville, NC 28714, USA
alltrails.com/Penny Longhurst
The trek to Duggers Creek Falls is a short and easy hike that’s less than a half-mile long. You’ll encounter some roots and rocks that may require some skilled navigation. But overall, the trail is rated easy and it features a waterfall that’s right out of a storybook.
Duggers Creek Falls, Linville Falls Rd, Newland, NC 28657, USA
alltrails.com/Amy Petersen
A short-and-sweet scenic hike of less than a mile each way yields this stunning destination which includes Tom’s Creek Falls and a bonus: a hidden cave on the other side of the water at the falls. Do you dare enter? You’ll find the trailhead for this easy hike on Huskins Branch Road in Marion.
Huskins Branch Road, Huskins Branch Rd, North Carolina 28752, USA
alltrails.com/Steven Houde
You may feel as though you’re passing through a picturesque ranch on top of a mountain as you hike this trail from Moses H. Cone Memorial Park along the Blue Ridge Parkway. The hike is 4.8 miles out and back and delivers outstanding views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Moses H. Cone Memorial Park is located at milepost 294 on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Moses H. Cone Memorial Park, Blue Ridge Parkway, Milepost 294, Blowing Rock, NC 28605, USA
Hiking in North Carolina, even in western North Carolina, doesn’t have to be a strenuous affair. There is a multitude of easy hikes in North Carolina that lead to extraordinary places. Roan Mountain, for example, offers some of the easiest and most scenic hikes in North Carolina.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hikes In North Carolina April 19, 2022 Daniella DiRienzo What other trails are among the best hikes in North Carolina? When it comes to the best hikes in North Carolina, it’d be remiss of us not to mention the Green River Cove Trail – one of several trails in the Green River Game Lands. Not only is it consistently deemed one of the best hikes in North Carolina, but it’s also been dubbed one of the best hikes in the U.S. Not among the easiest hikes in the state, the 6.5-mile out-and-back trail is somewhat difficult to traverse, partly due to its 350-foot elevation gain. Definitely worth the effort, the trek boasts some spectacular views of the Green River as well as the mountains situated just across the river. What are the best kid-friendly hikes around North Carolina? There are several kid-friendly hikes around North Carolina. Some of the best trails for hiking with young ones in tow can be found at the Cradle of Forestry. Nestled within the Pisgah National Forest, the 6,500-acre living history museum offers visitors a glimpse into the life at the Biltmore Forest School, which operated between 1898 and 1914. In addition to several historic buildings and a Discovery Center, the property boasts three paved trails, which are accessible for wheelchairs, strollers, and scooters. Are there any other easy hikes in North Carolina? Of all the easy hikes in North Carolina with big payoffs, the Moore Cove Falls Trail ranks pretty high up there. The trail’s namesake is a 50-foot waterfall. It’s not only breathtaking but unique too, as it’s one of the few waterfalls in North Carolina you can walk behind. A short three-quarter-mile trail leads straight to the picturesque cascade. And though there isn’t any signage to point you in the right direction, it’s pretty easy to find. Those visiting the waterfall should look for a parking area near a stone bridge on Forest Heritage Scenic Byway, about 1 mile north of Looking Glass Falls in Pisgah National Forest.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hikes In North Carolina
April 19, 2022
Daniella DiRienzo
What other trails are among the best hikes in North Carolina? When it comes to the best hikes in North Carolina, it’d be remiss of us not to mention the Green River Cove Trail – one of several trails in the Green River Game Lands. Not only is it consistently deemed one of the best hikes in North Carolina, but it’s also been dubbed one of the best hikes in the U.S. Not among the easiest hikes in the state, the 6.5-mile out-and-back trail is somewhat difficult to traverse, partly due to its 350-foot elevation gain. Definitely worth the effort, the trek boasts some spectacular views of the Green River as well as the mountains situated just across the river. What are the best kid-friendly hikes around North Carolina? There are several kid-friendly hikes around North Carolina. Some of the best trails for hiking with young ones in tow can be found at the Cradle of Forestry. Nestled within the Pisgah National Forest, the 6,500-acre living history museum offers visitors a glimpse into the life at the Biltmore Forest School, which operated between 1898 and 1914. In addition to several historic buildings and a Discovery Center, the property boasts three paved trails, which are accessible for wheelchairs, strollers, and scooters. Are there any other easy hikes in North Carolina? Of all the easy hikes in North Carolina with big payoffs, the Moore Cove Falls Trail ranks pretty high up there. The trail’s namesake is a 50-foot waterfall. It’s not only breathtaking but unique too, as it’s one of the few waterfalls in North Carolina you can walk behind. A short three-quarter-mile trail leads straight to the picturesque cascade. And though there isn’t any signage to point you in the right direction, it’s pretty easy to find. Those visiting the waterfall should look for a parking area near a stone bridge on Forest Heritage Scenic Byway, about 1 mile north of Looking Glass Falls in Pisgah National Forest.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
When it comes to the best hikes in North Carolina, it’d be remiss of us not to mention the Green River Cove Trail – one of several trails in the Green River Game Lands. Not only is it consistently deemed one of the best hikes in North Carolina, but it’s also been dubbed one of the best hikes in the U.S. Not among the easiest hikes in the state, the 6.5-mile out-and-back trail is somewhat difficult to traverse, partly due to its 350-foot elevation gain. Definitely worth the effort, the trek boasts some spectacular views of the Green River as well as the mountains situated just across the river.
What are the best kid-friendly hikes around North Carolina?
There are several kid-friendly hikes around North Carolina. Some of the best trails for hiking with young ones in tow can be found at the Cradle of Forestry. Nestled within the Pisgah National Forest, the 6,500-acre living history museum offers visitors a glimpse into the life at the Biltmore Forest School, which operated between 1898 and 1914. In addition to several historic buildings and a Discovery Center, the property boasts three paved trails, which are accessible for wheelchairs, strollers, and scooters.
Are there any other easy hikes in North Carolina?
Of all the easy hikes in North Carolina with big payoffs, the Moore Cove Falls Trail ranks pretty high up there. The trail’s namesake is a 50-foot waterfall. It’s not only breathtaking but unique too, as it’s one of the few waterfalls in North Carolina you can walk behind. A short three-quarter-mile trail leads straight to the picturesque cascade. And though there isn’t any signage to point you in the right direction, it’s pretty easy to find. Those visiting the waterfall should look for a parking area near a stone bridge on Forest Heritage Scenic Byway, about 1 mile north of Looking Glass Falls in Pisgah National Forest.
