While heading out to enjoy the trails in North Carolina is "the law" at least for 2023, there are awesome trails everywhere! We check out this companion blog to learn about favorite trails in South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.  

Trails can take many forms – they can be simple dirt paths, paved greenways, and even water! No matter what kind of trail you are enjoying, it is important to remember the Seven Principles of Leave No Trace. By following these guidelines, you are helping ensure that the next person who ventures out on the trail will have the same experience as you, and you’re also taking steps to protect yourself.  

1. Plan Ahead and Prepare – Check the regulations of the area where you will be hiking, look at the weather report and plan for any sudden changes, avoid times of high usage, carry a map and compass. Also, be sure to let someone know where you will be hiking and when you plan to return. 
2. Travel & Camp on Durable Surfaces – Stay on the trail and camp only in areas where a good campsite can be found. Walk single file in the middle of the trail (even when it’s raining and muddy; this’ll help keep the trail from “growing”). 
3. Dispose of Trash Properly – If you take it in, you should bring it back out, and you might take an extra bag to pick up others’ trash while you’re on the trail. Don’t toss your organic waste in the woods – banana and orange peels can take seven months to two years to break down! And, if no toilets or latrines are available, solid human waste should be buried in a cat hole dug 6-8 inches deep and at least 200 feet from the trail or water sources.  
4. Leave What You Find – While it’s tempting to pick a flower or take home a rock, they should all be left in their “homes.” And, if you are out and about often in different areas of the country, don’t forget to clean your boots and gear to make sure you’re not introducing a non-native species from another region. 
5. Minimize Campfire Impacts – Use only established fire rings, or better yet, use a lightweight stove for cooking and a lantern for light. Keep fires small and burn the campfire to ash and douse completely, scatter the cool ashes.  
6. Respect Wildlife – Observe from a distance and do not approach, surprise, or feed them. Keep your pets under your control and on a leash at all times.     
7. Be Considerate of Others – Respect others and their experience; avoid loud voices and noise, so people can enjoy the sounds of nature. 

While in North Carolina, or anywhere, we hope you'll "Make it YOUR Nature to Protect Our Outdoor Spaces." Follow this LINK to learn more about North Carolina's 7 Principles of Leave No Trace. 

Trail Recommendations 

High Country Area (Boone/Valle Crucis & Surrounding area)

Trail Name: Daniel Boone Scout Trail 
Trail Location: Grandfather Mountain State Park 
Recommended by: Logan J. 
Mast Location: Greenville 
Trail Description: The trail starts right off of the Blue Ridge Parkway, making the drive to this trail the best way to see views and get excited for what will come. The Trail Starts with Tanawha Trail, and then intersects with the Daniel Boone Scout Trail. One is greeted immediately with mild switchbacks through beautiful spruce and fir forests. Ferns line the trail as well as several varieties of moss. The large old-growth fir trees create dark tunnels of trees to travel in while catching glimpses of the Blue Ridge Mountains through the thick trunks. There are several large rocks around the trail that offer secluded spots to rest. While the trail itself isn't too steep, one might find themselves admiring the forest around the trail rather than the difficulty. Upon passing Raven's Roost campsite, the wreckage of a 1978 plane crash can be found 100 feet off the trail. After passing this site, there is a set of three ladders leading up to Calloway Peak. After scaling the ladders over several steep rock faces, the destination opens up with Calloway Peak in view. Then, a large vista opens up from the rocky face of Calloway, allowing for majestic views of Mount Mitchell and the Attic Window of Grandfather Mountain. A permit is required for hiking this trail. It can be obtained from the offices of the state park, which is located off Highway 105 in Foscoe.  
Why is this Trail One of Your Favorites?: This Trail is my favorite because of the many scenic spots along the way and the seclusion of its forests. Not many places on the East Coast are home to spruce-fir forests, making this trail a must-see. The difficulty is also not very high, as much of the trail runs along the ridge rather than up the side of it. I also hiked this trail with many friends and made many memories on the way. 

Trail Name: Nuwati Trail 
Trail Location: Grandfather Mountain State Park, parking on Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 299.5 
Recommended by: Maria N. 
Mast Location: Boone 
Trail Description: The trail is narrow and uphill for a lot of it! You’ll encounter several small stream crossings with a little bit of rock hopping, but it's fun! To get up to Storyteller Rock, you do have to scramble a little bit, but if you can't make it up, the view of the rock from the bottom is cool! A permit is required to hike this trail. It can be obtained from the offices of the state park, which is located off Highway 105 in Foscoe. 
Why is this Trail One of Your Favorites?: I've been hiking to this spot for over ten years. It is my favorite hidden gem in the High Country! It starts off busy because you are on the Tanawha for the beginning part of it, but it ends up clearing out once you get on the Nuwati to head toward Storyteller. I've been up there for a full day and not had anyone come by. It’s my favorite hike to take anyone on who wants to clear their mind and enjoy nature without the foot traffic.  

Trail Name: Beacon Heights 
Trail Location: Blue Ridge Parkway at Highway 221 Intersection 
Recommended by: Ashlyn C. and Will M. 
Mast Location: Home Office and Winston-Salem 
Trail Description: (Ashlyn)This is a very short, semi-steep inclined trail. It is not extremely popular, like Rough Ridge, but it is really fun. There are many wobbly rocks, and in the winter it can freeze easily. The view at the end of the trail is worth it. You pop out at the cliff’s edge, and you can see the Charlotte skyline on a clear day. It is the perfect spot to watch lightning storms.  

(Will) It is an easy to moderately easy trail to navigate. The terrain isn't too steep or uneven. I would recommend not going on a particularly wet day because there's a good amount of large, possibly slick, rocks on the trail. There is a split on the trail where both options lead to amazing overlooks. The left split will take you to the backside of Grandfather Mountain overlook and the right split will take you to more of a lower Avery County peaks and valleys overlook. There is also about a 30' rock face that is a fun and challenging free climb off the right trail split, but not mandatory to get to the overlook.   
Why is this Trail One of Your Favorites?: (Ashlyn) Several times I have been able to watch purple lighting strike the far away mountain tops, as well as watch other storms roll by. It is really peaceful, and you can see Charlotte on a clear day.  

(Will) Multiple gorgeous overlooks, easy-to-navigate trails, challenging terrain but not too challenging, easy to find, and right off the Blue Ridge Parkway. I recommend taking Highway 221 on the way back to Blowing Rock. It's a fun drive with a lot of pull-offs and waterfalls to check out!  

Trail Name: Rough Ridge 
Trail Location: Part of the Tanawha Trail on the Blue Ridge Parkway  
Recommended by: Natalee D. 
Mast Location: Boone 
Trail Description: It is little steep but very short with a great view! It is iconic spot for photos in the Boone area. This trail is one of the most popular ones in the area. Heading out in the early morning may be the best time to avoid crowds. Moderately strenuous. The trailhead is at 302.8 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. 
Why is this Trail One of Your Favorites?: It was the first hike I went on when I moved here, so it is very nostalgic. 

Trail Name: Bass Lake 
Trail Location: Blue Ridge Parkway in Blowing Rock 
Recommended by: Anna L. 
Mast Location: Home Office 
Trail Description: A gentle loop around Moses Cone's Bass Lake. Fun for the whole family! The walking surface is wide, and while gravel, it is accessible to those wanting to enjoy an outing in a wheelchair. Parking is available off Highway 221, just south of the junction of US 221/Business 321 in Downtown Blowing Rock. Restrooms are available.  
Why is this Trail One of Your Favorites?: Accessibility, beauty, and well maintained  

Trail Name: Bynum Bluff Trail 
Trail Location: Linville Gorge Wilderness Area 
Recommended by: Matt H. 
Mast Location: Home Office 
Trail Description: This trail is a moderate 2.8-mile trail that loops from the ridgeline down to the basin of the gorge, where the Linville River flows by. It then circles back up to the ridgeline. There are some steep declines and inclines, so a trusty pair of trekking poles is a good idea to have. The trail is only for foot traffic.  
Why is this Trail One of Your Favorites?: The Bynum Bluff Trail is a personal favorite for so many reasons. It is a perfect trail for a quick, overnight excursion. I enjoy getting to the trailhead mid-afternoon to give me time to hike down, set up camp, and *safely* get a campfire crackling in one of the many primitive fire pits available (please be considerate and knowledgeable on campfire rules and etiquette). With it being a short distance, it's a go-to overnighter to take friends and family who are interested in getting into backpacking without the daunting inclines or long mileage. I also love utilizing this trail to test out new gear and see how items perform before I'm on multi-day adventures. Bring a hammock, a fishing rod, or any other lightweight items you love to relax with... it's worth it to kick back and be in tune with nature. While it's a popular trail, it doesn't seem to have too much traffic, which is amazing for a quiet bit of solitude when needed. Not only is it great for overnight adventures, but it's a wonderful option for a half-day hike to get out, breathe some fresh air, and maybe even take a quick dip in the river. You can't go wrong with a couple of miles on the Bynum Bluff Trail in the Linville Gorge Wilderness. Happy Trails! 

Trail Name: Appalachian Trail, Doll Flats to Hump Mountain 
Trail Location: Elk Park, NC where the AT crosses Highway 19E 
Recommended by: Bruce S. 
Mast Location: Annex 
Trail Description: It is a moderately challenging 10.5-mile out-and-back hike to Hump Mountain. The incline is steady but, for the most part, not intense. Doll Flats is at the midway point and is a great place for an overnight campout as there is a clearing and a fresh spring. Doll Flats is on the state line of Tennessee and North Carolina. It offers an excellent, unobstructed view of the profile of Grandfather Mountain.  
Why is this Trail One of Your Favorites?: The June 8, 2018 Backpacker Magazine featured an article celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the National Scenic Trails (the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, Continental Divide Trail and others). Backpacker chose their top 50 miles of the over 19,000 trail miles that are a part of this system. The first 4 miles that they listed were the section of the AT that starts at Carver's Gap and goes up to the Grassy Ridge north of Roan Mountain providing incredible panoramic views. They were not wrong. That is a great section! And very popular and VERY crowded! This hike up to Hump Mountain from 19E skips the crowds and delivers you the same stunning 360-degree views. A great hike in all seasons. 

Trail Name: Price Lake Loop     
Trail Location: Julian Price Park, Blue Ridge Parkway, Milepost 297 
Recommended by: Lloyd B. 
Mast Location: Annex 
Trail Description: The 2.7-mile loop trail takes you around the perimeter of Price Lake. It is level and fairly easy; some strollers may even be able to navigate it. You can see people canoeing and kayaking on the lake, see deer and beavers, and observe blue and green herons, ducks, and other birds.  
Why is this Trail One of Your Favorites?: It is a relaxing easy hike around a beautiful mountain lake. The hike can be extended in several different increments if you make that choice. It is a good hike to introduce folks that aren't hikers to the activity and let them get a taste of being outside. 

Trail Name: Old John’s River Road  
Trail Location: Near Sims Pond (Milepost 295.9) on the Blue Ridge Parkway     
Recommended by: Suzy G. 
Mast Location: Home Office 
Trail Description: The trail is wide and flat, but it does have some steep/rocky inclines in one short section. You walk through various surroundings: open fields, tree-lined paths, and a tunnel of rhododendron. The trail can be a loop if you cross the river, but when we get to that point, we turn around after a rest and snack on the rocks. It's probably three miles total, and I would consider it easy to intermediate. There aren't a ton of trail markers so be sure to look at a map before you leave!  
Why is this Trail One of Your Favorites?: My husband and I have been hiking this this trail for years! We love it because it's not busy on a summer day, but we still get to enjoy access to the water like we would on the much more popular Boone Fork Trail. We always pack a snack and sit on the big boulders while the dogs splash around in the river. PLUS, it's where we got engaged (happy face) - in a field at the beginning of the trail that gives Sound of Music vibes with the best view of Grandfather Mountain.  

Trail Name: Boone Greenway Trail 
Trail Location: Trailheads are at the Clawson-Burnley Park or on Casey Lane 
Recommended by: Kelly N. 
Mast Location: Home Office 
Trail Description: This trail is mainly paved and in the heart of Boone. With several different parking areas, it makes it easy to find parking, even on busy days. The trail is mostly flat with some slight inclines making it great for all uses whether it be walking, biking, wheelchairs or strollers. I enjoy being able to be in the middle of town but also feel like I am out in nature when on the trail. The trail can stretch for miles depending on what path you take, but you can make the adventure as short or as long as you would like.  
Why is this Trail One of Your Favorites?: There is usually an abundance of wildlife nearby. From deer to tiny turtles, there is a chance to see it all! Plus, it’s accessible to all ages and abilities. 

Greater Asheville Area 

Trail Name: World’s Edge 
Trail Location: Chimney Rock State Park, 1566 Worlds Edge Rd, Mill Spring, NC 28756  
Recommended by: Sue P. 
Mast Location: Hendersonville 
Trail Description: The trail is an old logging road. It can be a little deceptive – going down, if looks and feels like you’re walking on flat ground not going down in elevation. It is steep and rocky in places. You’ll find an amazing view off the main trail at the top. It looks out over Rutherford County and South Carolina. Dogs are OK on the trail but need to be on a leash. The cliffs are part of a recently protected tract of land that is held in trust by Conserving Carolina. 
Why is this Trail One of Your Favorites?: It’s my favorite because it is little known. The views are amazing, and it is in my backyard. (Okay, 2 miles from my house.) Great place to meditate! 

Trail Name: Craggy Gardens 
Trail Location: Blue Ridge Parkway, milepost 364  
Recommended by: Melissa W. 
Mast Location: Asheville 
Trail Description: There are two different trailheads at Craggy Gardens that connect to the Mountains to Sea trail. One starts from the Craggy Gardens Visitor Center uphill with about a half-mile walk to an overlook at the top of a rhododendron bald. This is the Craggy Dome Scenic Overlook. There are a few benches, and the trail itself is mostly rocky steps and dirt. If you start at the other side of the visitor center and follow the trail south, you will go uphill on a gentler grade. After about a 1.5-mile walk, you end up at the Craggy Gardens Picnic Area. Be sure to take this hike during rhododendron season (late May through mid-June) – it’s spectacular. 
Why is this Trail One of Your Favorites?: It's my favorite because of how easily accessible it is. It’s also not super strenuous, so if you want to get your exercise but don't want to be super exhausted afterward, it’s a good choice. It’s a short walking distance to phenomenal views, and I love going there as many times as I can in a season.  

Trail Name: Graveyard Fields     
Trail Location: Milepost 418.8 on the Blue Ridge Parkway 
Recommended by: Jonathan L. 
Mast Location: Asheville 
Trail Description: It's an easy hike through the fields and there are two waterfalls.  The scenic overlook from the parking lot is magnificent. This is a popular stop along the Parkway, and the trail is rooty. Try hiking in the early morning to miss some of the crowd. It is also a good idea to look at a map and pay attention to the blazes along the trail. 
Why is this Trail One of Your Favorites?: Easy access and two waterfalls. 

Trail Name: Wildcat Rock/Bearwallow Mountain
Trail Location: Florence Nature Preserve in Gerton, NC 28735  
Recommended by: Tripp B. 
Mast Location: Hendersonville 
Trail Description: This trail is pretty long and rocky and steep in places. On the way up,  you walk right beside Little Bearwallow Falls, which flow down a huge rock face. You scramble up some rocks, but it's usually nothing more than taking big steps. Then after killing your legs, you come to Wildcat Rock, and you see this beautiful, wide-open view of the North Carolina mountains. 
Why is this Trail One of Your Favorites?: It's my favorite because I found it to be so peaceful and beautiful. When my friend Brandon and I went this winter, Little Bearwallow Falls was frozen completely, and people on the trail were pretty few and far between. As we were walking back to the car, a church was having a service nearby, and we could hear their church bells ringing. It got dark before we returned to our car, and as we walked, we saw the stars come out and eventually just sat down in a field to soak in the moment. This trail is amazing, and I have great memories there! 

Greater Winston-Salem Area

Trail Name: Salem Lake Trail 
Trail Location: Salem Lake Road, Winston-Salem 
Recommended by: Susan S. 
Mast Location: Winston-Salem 
Trail Description: The trail is wide, mostly flat, 7 miles long, and encircles Salem Lake. My favorite short walk, when I don't have time for the entire trail, is to enter the trail from Salem Lake Road and head to the right. I walk about half a mile to Salem Creek, then head right following the creek into the woods for a while. On a hot summer day, it feels 10 degrees cooler down there, and I love to take off my shoes and put my feet in the cool water. You will see lots of turtles sunning themselves along the banks of the lake, and if you're lucky, you might see one of the many Great Blue Herons that call the lake home. Several varieties of waterfowl like to hang out near the marina where kayaks and bikes are available to rent.  
Why is this Trail One of Your Favorites?: It is my favorite because I love to be near water, and it is convenient - only about 10 minutes from work or home. 

Trail Name: Basin Creek Trail 
Trail Location: Doughton Recreation Area, Trailhead is off Grassy Gap Road 
Recommended by: Justin H.  
Mast Location: Winston-Salem 
Trail Description: This is a 10-mile round trip (out and back) trail at the bottom of Doughton Park. It ends at Caudill Cabin, which has a tragic story. It's not too steep, but it has a lot of creek crossings. You most likely will get wet. Most of the trail is single track, root-filled, and rocky. For hiking purposes, it's not very strenuous, but running it is a bit more challenging in regard to footing. It's almost a perfect wilderness trail that isn't too tame and still gives you a sense of adventure regardless of your fitness level.  
Why is this Trail One of Your Favorites?: The main reason I love this trail is that it's beautiful in all seasons. It also has some personal ties to me. I ran it one winter while dealing with a rough patch in life. The creeks were high, and snow covered the trail. It was utterly frigid! Sparing a long-winded story, that ice-cold day really helped flush out negativity and because of that trail, I felt like life was gonna be all right! (Photo attached is not from that day) 

The great outdoors has the ability to heal and to connect us with it and with each other. We hope you’ll share some trail tales with us on your social media when you take it outside this summer or any time. Just tag us in your post. 

Happy Hiking!