25 Best Day Hikes in North Carolina

For a challenging yet rewarding hike in North Carolina, the Profile Trail on Grandfather Mountain offers steep climbs, rugged terrain, and unforgettable summit views. Adventurous hikers can skip the tourist entrance fee and tackle this demanding trail to experience iconic peaks like MacRae and Attic Window. Though tough, the route features scenic highlights like the Watauga River and dramatic rock formations along the way.

A hike along the crest of Grandfather Mountain should be on everyone’s bucket list if they live in the Southeast. The crest trail is readily identified as one of the most rugged in the East and some may consider this the “Old Rag of North Carolina.” While not quite as rugged and technical as the nicknames suggest, Grandfather Mountain offers miles of exciting rock scrambles, ladders, cables, huge cliffs, exposed rocky summits, 16 distinct ecosystems, and views in every direction of tallest mountains in the Appalachian chain.

Elk Knob State Park offers one of North Carolina’s most scenic and accessible summit hikes with its beautifully crafted 1.9-mile trail to the top. The Summit Trail winds through lush hardwood forests and rewards hikers with panoramic views of NC, TN, and VA from one of the highest peaks in the Amphibolite Range. Perfect for a family-friendly adventure, this under-4-mile round trip is a must-do in the state's rugged northwest corner.

The Lookout Mountain hike in Montreat offers big views with minimal effort, making it one of the best short hikes in western North Carolina. Just 1.3 miles round trip, the trail leads to Lookout Rocks' stunning summit, with options to continue along the East Ridge Trail for even more scenic vistas. With rocky knobs, panoramic ridgelines, and easy access, this adventure packs a punch for its size.

For a secluded, history-rich adventure, the Basin Creek Trail in Doughton Park offers a unique hike through a remote gorge filled with waterfalls and stream crossings. This 9.4-mile round-trip trail leads to the beautifully preserved Caudill Cabin, the last remnant of a once-thriving 19th-century community. With few crowds and plenty of natural beauty, it's one of the most rewarding hidden gems along the Blue Ridge Parkway.

For a challenging and secluded hike in Stone Mountain State Park, take the Mountains-to-Sea Trail from the west side up to Devil's Garden Overlook. This steep, forested route offers a quiet escape with glimpses of old moonshine remnants, diverse ecosystems, and views into the Garden Creek watershed. Cap it off with a refreshing stop at Widows Creek Falls, just down the road, for a scenic and satisfying finish.

The Indian Creek Trail in Hanging Rock State Park offers a peaceful hike through the scenic Sauratown Mountains, highlighted by two beautiful waterfalls—Window Falls and Hidden Falls. Stretching 3.8 miles one way, the trail follows Indian Creek from the visitor center to the Dan River, passing through lush forests and quiet gorges. It’s a perfect blend of water features, solitude, and natural beauty just outside the Piedmont’s bustling cities.

Mingo Falls, located in the Qualla Boundary near the Oconaluftee Visitor Center, is one of North Carolina’s tallest and most stunning waterfalls at 150 feet. This easy, quick hike leads to a breathtaking view of Mingo Falls, and for those adventurous enough, an unofficial path leads to the hidden Upper Mingo Falls. However, the unofficial upper falls trail is challenging and should be approached with caution due to steep, unmarked paths (hike at your own risk).

Waterrock Knob offers a short but steep hike to the highest peak in the Plott Balsam Mountains, with breathtaking views from the summit. Located at milepost 451.2 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, this trail is less crowded than nearby hikes and perfect for sunrise or sunset. The half-mile Waterrock Knob Trail is accessible for all ages, providing panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

For a full-day adventure in Stone Mountain State Park, this 8.1-mile loop combines the best of the park—stunning rock summits, waterfalls, and historic charm. You'll hike the popular Stone Mountain Loop, explore Wolf Rock and Cedar Rock, visit three waterfalls, and pass the preserved Hutchinson Homestead. With moderate effort and maximum reward, it's a perfect way to experience the park’s highlights beyond the crowds.

The Flat Top Tower hike at Moses H. Cone Memorial Park offers a gentle climb through scenic forests and meadows to sweeping 360° views atop Flat Top Mountain. This 5.2-mile round-trip route starts at historic Flat Top Manor and follows beautifully maintained carriage trails perfect for all skill levels. With panoramic vistas, peaceful terrain, and rich history, it’s an ideal Blue Ridge adventure for families and casual hikers alike.

Cowee Bald Lookout Tower hike is a remote and rugged adventure best suited for seasoned explorers or those chasing the Carolina Lookout Tower Challenge. Perched atop one of the highest peaks in the Cowee Mountains, the 1933-built tower offers limited but rewarding views of the Plott Balsams and Little Tennessee River Valley. Reaching it requires navigating rough forest roads and possible long treks, making the journey as memorable as the destination.

The Albert Mountain Lookout Tower hike is a short but punchy adventure to one of the Appalachian Trail’s early high points. Starting deep in the Nantahala River Basin, the trail follows Bearpen Gap before making a steep 0.3-mile climb to the 5,223-foot summit. Though the cab is usually locked, the tower stairs offer sweeping views of the Southern Nantahala Wilderness, the Little Tennessee River Valley, and distant ridgelines. It’s a rewarding climb with big scenery packed into a manageable hike.

The Yellow Mountain Lookout Tower hike offers a challenging 6.2-mile journey to the highest peak in the Cowee Mountains. Starting at Cole Gap, the trail climbs through woodlands and past scenic rock slabs, leading to the forested summit where a historic 1934 lookout tower stands. Though the tower is small, the views from the open rock to the south reward hikers with stunning panoramas of Panthertown Valley, Whiteside Mountain, and Rabun Bald.

The Craggy Pinnacle hike is a short but breathtaking journey offering 360° views from a stone observation deck atop the Great Craggy Mountains. Just 40 minutes from Asheville, this scenic trail provides sweeping vistas of the Black Mountains, Great Smoky Mountains, and surrounding peaks. While popular, it’s well worth the effort for its stunning panoramic views and easy access.

The Crabtree Falls hike offers a beautiful 3-mile loop through the Black Mountains, leading to the stunning Crabtree Falls with its 70-foot drop into a hidden plunge pool. The trail is manageable for most hikers, with a few steep sections, and offers scenic views of the falls from a bridge, plus the chance to explore both sides. It's a perfect short hike, and you can easily pair it with nearby Linville Falls for an ideal waterfall-filled day trip.

The Cascade Falls hike Cascade Falls hike offers a short 1.2-mile round trip through the scenic Pisgah National Forest to a stunning 50-foot waterfall. This easy-to-moderate trail leads to a beautiful viewing platform, perfect for taking in the cascading falls and surrounding forest. A great option for a quick nature escape, it's also close to other nearby hikes, making it a perfect addition to a day trip in the area.

The Black Mountain Crest Trail offers one of the toughest hikes in North Carolina, traversing five peaks over 6,000 feet, including Mt. Mitchell, the highest point in eastern America. Starting at Bowlens Creek, the trail begins with a brutal 3,000-foot climb and continues along a rugged ridgeline, offering breathtaking views but challenging terrain with steep ascents and descents. Nicknamed the "Death March," this hike is a true test for experienced adventurers, with tricky footing and nearly constant elevation changes over its 12-mile course.

This out-and-back hike along the east rim of Linville Gorge offers stunning views with less intensity than some of the canyon’s deeper trails. The 7.2-mile route leads to the incredible 360° vistas from Hawksbill Mountain, with additional scenic views from Sitting Bear Mountain and Celestial Point. Steep climbs and rocky terrain provide a bit of a challenge, and for those looking to extend their adventure, there are nearby trails like Devil’s Hole and Table Rock Mountain to explore.

The Mt. Mitchell Trail is a challenging 10.9-mile ascent from the South Toe River Valley to the summit of the highest peak in the Eastern U.S. This rewarding hike takes you through diverse forest ecosystems, offering scenic views and the chance to experience the southern Appalachian spruce-fir forests. Upon reaching the summit, you'll be treated to incredible 360° views from the observation tower, making the steep climb well worth the effort.

The 8.4-mile hike to Clingmans Dome offers a perfect balance of solitude and scenic beauty, taking you through southern Appalachian spruce-fir forests along the Appalachian Trail and Mountains-to-Sea Trail. The route climbs gradually to the highest peak in the Great Smoky Mountains, with stunning views from the Clingmans Dome observation tower at the summit. While this hike loops around the west side of the summit before returning, it provides a more peaceful alternative to the crowds that drive up for the view.

The 6.8-mile out-and-back hike to Shuckstack Lookout Tower offers a challenging yet rewarding experience along the Appalachian Trail. After crossing Fontana Dam, the trail ascends steeply toward Shuckstack, where a short 0.1-mile side trail leads to a 60-foot lookout tower. The summit provides stunning 360° views of Fontana Lake, the surrounding mountain ranges, and the remote heart of the Great Smoky Mountains. Despite its popularity with hikers, the scenic vistas from Shuckstack are among the best in the park, making the effort well worth it.

The 3.4-mile out-and-back hike to Linville Falls offers a beautiful, moderately challenging experience for hikers near Boone, NC. The first half of the trail is relatively easy, with scenic overlooks of the falls, including Upper Falls, Chimney View, and Erwin View. The second half is more strenuous, leading to the base of the falls via steep stairs and rocky terrain. The trail ends at the Plunge Basin Overlook, providing a unique perspective of the falls from river level. The hike offers some of the best views of the Blue Ridge Parkway's largest waterfall, making it a must-see for those in the area.

The 6-mile out-and-back North Harper Creek Falls hike is a scenic and relatively secluded trek within the Wilson Creek watershed in Pisgah National Forest. Starting from FSR 464, the trail follows the North Harper Creek Trail (old railroad grade) through hardwood forests and the beautiful Harper Creek Wilderness Study Area. The hike offers views of the North Harper Creek Falls, which cascades over rocks before its 40-foot drop. Hikers can also enjoy a stunning campsite right next to the falls. The trail is a peaceful escape from the more crowded areas of Wilson Creek and Harper Creek Falls, making it ideal for those seeking solitude and nature's beauty.

The 12.2-mile out-and-back hike to Hemphill Bald offers some of the best views in Great Smoky Mountains, with stunning 270° vistas from its grassy summit. Located along the Cataloochee Divide, the trail is relatively moderate, meandering through hardwood forests and meadows. While the seasonal closure of Heintooga Ridge Road can make access tricky, the less-crowded trail and the breathtaking views from the summit make it a rewarding hike.