The 8 Best Hiking Trails in North Carolina With Amazing Views

From the mountains to the Piedmont, North Carolina is a treasure trove of lush parks, forests, and wilderness areas just waiting to be explored. There is definitely no shortage of trails for hiking, biking, and whatever else strikes the mood. Check out these eight best hiking trails in North Carolina with fantastic views and learn about their difficulty levels and locations.

1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Straddling the border of North Carolina and Tennessee, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the most visited in the country. Its sprawling forested landscape features miles of lush forests, waterfalls, rivers, and streams. You will also find more than 800 trails, including a large portion of the Appalachian Trail.

Best Trail: Clingmans Dome Observation Tower Trail

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Length: 1.3 miles

2. Dupont State Recreational Forest

This recreational forest, commonly known as the Dupont Forest, spans more than 12,000 acres in Cedar Mountain, North Carolina. Dupont recreational area features dozens of trails for hiking, biking, birding, and more, and they vary in difficulty. Whether you’re looking for a casual stroll through the forest or want something a little more strenuous, this hiking spot is bound to fit your needs.

Best Trail: Triple Falls Trail

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Length: 2.7 miles

3. Pisgah National Forest

Do you want to hike to the top of a mountain vista and look out over endless rolling hills of dense forests? If so, you must check out Pisgah National Forest! Along with mile-high peaks and forested slopes, you will find cascading waterfalls, whitewater rivers, and plentiful wildlife. You can find this national forest in the Appalachian Mountains in Western North Carolina.

Best Trail: Looking Glass Rock Trail

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Length: 6.1 miles

4. Gorges State Park

Located in Transylvania County near the Georgia and South Carolina borders, Gorges State Park is over 7,700 acres of temperate rainforest, rugged trails, waterfalls, deep gorges, and rock walls. It also contains thousands of unique flora and fauna. This state park has more than a dozen hiking trails, ranging from easy to challenging.

Best Trail: Rainbow Falls, Turtleback Falls, and Drift Falls

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Length: 3.9 miles

5. Blue Ridge Parkway

Are you looking for a road trip and hiking trip all in one? Check out Blue Ridge Parkway! One of the best times to experience this unique area is during autumn when the tree-lined road is ablaze with fall colors. Blue Ridge Parkway is a scenic road that links Virginia and North Carolina counties for over 400 miles. This drive features hundreds of places to get out and hike along the way.

Best Trail: Crabtree Falls Trail

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Length: 2.6 miles

6. Stone Mountain State Park

Located in Allegheny and Wilkes Counties in North Carolina, the Stone Mountain State Park is a one-of-a-kind attraction featuring more than 14,000 acres and a giant granite dome. From dense forests to meadow grasses teeming with life, this state park is a must-visit in the state. There are over 20 trails and at least 16 miles worth of walkable terrain.

Best Trail: Stone Mountain Loop Trail

Difficulty Level: Hard

Length: 4.9 miles

7. Nantahala National Forest

The Nantahala National Forest is an exceptional recreational wilderness in North Carolina. With more than 531,000 acres of thick forests and mountains, there is endless scenic space for hiking, biking, birding, and more. This national forest has 129 trails ranging in difficulty and elevation.

Best Trail: Whiteside Mountain National Recreation Trail

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Length: 1.9 miles

8. Grandfather Mountain State Park

With a name like Grandfather Mountain, you know it’s going to be hard-core. This state park is a popular area for adventurous and challenging hiking, backpacking, and primitive camping. While this area may not be for the faint of heart, it offers breathtaking scenic views of forests, mountains, and rocky cliffs.

Best Trail: Profile Trail to Calloway Peak

Difficulty Level: Hard

Length: 7.4 miles

A Recap of the 8 Best Hiking Trails in North Carolina