When the weather heats up, one of the best ways to cool off is head to a shady waterfront trail. North Carolina has some lush and gorgeous waterfront hikes that offer beautiful scenery as well as the chance to skip a rock or two. Here are five trails to put on your must-hike list.
- Lake Norman Lakeshore Trail, Statesville
Alltrails / Elizabeth Oconnell This trail in Lake Norman State Park winds and bends endlessly along the waterfront.
Alltrails / Jonathan Gruenke It has some gorgeous lake views, but you’ll encounter a few hills to reach them. It’s worth the effort!
- Kitty Hawk Beach, Kitty Hawk
Alltrails / Paul Greenwood The waterfront hiking in the Outer Banks is pretty much unlimited – while you can follow one of the many established trails and boardwalks, sometimes a hike on the sand is the best option. Follow the shore at Kitty Hawk and let your relaxation take flight.
- Rainbow Falls and Turtleback Falls Trail, Gorges State Park
AllTrails/Linda Brown This hike along the wild Horsepasture River has a big payoff – it will take you to four amazing waterfalls. Watch your footing and take lots of pictures!
- Theodore Roosevelt Nature Trail, Atlantic City
Alltrails / Eric Goodson You may not see any humans, but you’re likely to see some birds in this tranquil nature center. The trail takes visitors through a maritime forest that’s bordered by a large salt marsh area and the Bogue Sound.
- Lakeshore Trail , Great Smoky National Park
Alltrails / Paul Hewes Enjoy a hike that lasts a few days or just take on a segment of this 32-mile trail. It skirts the shore of Fontana Lake, the largest lake in western North Carolina, so there’s a lot to explore.
This is just a small sample of the waterfront hikes you can experience in North Carolina. For more gorgeous hiking spots, here are some trails that anyone can enjoy.
Alltrails / Elizabeth Oconnell
This trail in Lake Norman State Park winds and bends endlessly along the waterfront.
Alltrails / Jonathan Gruenke
It has some gorgeous lake views, but you’ll encounter a few hills to reach them. It’s worth the effort!
Alltrails / Paul Greenwood
The waterfront hiking in the Outer Banks is pretty much unlimited – while you can follow one of the many established trails and boardwalks, sometimes a hike on the sand is the best option. Follow the shore at Kitty Hawk and let your relaxation take flight.
AllTrails/Linda Brown
This hike along the wild Horsepasture River has a big payoff – it will take you to four amazing waterfalls. Watch your footing and take lots of pictures!
Alltrails / Eric Goodson
You may not see any humans, but you’re likely to see some birds in this tranquil nature center. The trail takes visitors through a maritime forest that’s bordered by a large salt marsh area and the Bogue Sound.
Alltrails / Paul Hewes
Enjoy a hike that lasts a few days or just take on a segment of this 32-mile trail. It skirts the shore of Fontana Lake, the largest lake in western North Carolina, so there’s a lot to explore.
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Address: Kitty Hawk Beach, Kitty Hawk, NC 27949, USAAddress: Great Smoky Mountains National Park, United StatesAddress: Theodore Roosevelt Nature Trail, Pine Knoll Shores, NC 28512, USAAddress: Gorges State Park, 976 Grassy Ridge Rd, Sapphire, NC 28774, USAAddress: Lake Norman, North Carolina, USA
