No other state captures the essence of outdoor exploration and sport like North Carolina
By Isabella Wilkes
No matter how you define adventure—whether that is biking through the rugged backcountry, kayaking through tumultuous whitewater rivers or soaking up a breathtaking view after ascending a jagged mountain top peak— North Carolina is the premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking to make memories that will last a lifetime.
As seasoned explorers double- and triple-check their supplies, they might be interested to note some of their favorite items were made in North Carolina, which is home to some of the biggest outdoor gear manufacturers in the United States. Cashion Rods sells high quality fishing gear and LiquidLogic produces some of the best kayaks for rapids. You can find Farm to Feet merino woolhiking socks in any outdoor retailer throughout the state. Also, Eno Hammocks are in no short supply for those who wish to have a more relaxing vacation. Now that you have your gear, North Carolina is yours for exploring.
Parks and Trails for Groups in North Carolina
2023 was named “The Year of the Trail” by the Great Trails State Coalition. This coalition has promoted the safe and sustainable use of North Carolina’s trails to travelers and locals alike through events and educational programs. With over 100 trails to choose from, there is an abundance of ways to take part in this year-long celebration. Looking Glass Rock Trail, Triple Falls Trail, Rainbow Falls and Turtleback Falls Trail are highly rated, easy-to-moderate difficulty hikes in the state. If you are looking for an easy day hike located near major metropolitan areas, check out Richmond Hill Park, located within Asheville city limits; Dorothea Dix Park, situated near downtown Raleigh; Freedom Park, a 98-acre urban oasis in Charlotte; and Quarry Park, a collection of scenic trails outside of Winston-Salem.
For the most skilled mountaineers, Hanging Rock State Park, Stone Mountain State Park and Grandfather Mountain State Park are home to the most challenging hikes in the state. But the most grueling hike by far is the Rocky Face Park Vertical Mile Challenge. Participants test their strength as they scale a rock face at a 20-to-30-degree grade.
The fog-covered peaks of the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains mark North Carolina’s Western Region. Most enjoy the mountains from the comfort of a scenic vista, but for the region’s mountain bikers, these slopes are a playground. Ride Kanuga park has mountain biking trails perfect for beginners and experts. Beech Mountain, the highest town in Eastern North America with an elevation of 5,506 feet, is home to Beech Mountain Resort and Emerald Outback biking trails. The views from the top of Sugar Mountain trails are breathtaking, but with the steep ascent to the top, it is a view you must earn.
For cyclists, North Carolina has routed a series of easy-to-follow regional rides that cover a range of geography from the mountains to the coast. Ports of Call, North Line Trace and Cape Fear Run are just a few of many iconic mapped biking routes perfect for a customizable trips, with plenty of scenic views along the way.
Enjoying the Water in North Carolina
A trip to North Carolina is incomplete without getting out to the beautiful coastal shoreline and inland waterways. Wilmington offers visitors the quintessential beach vacation with its beautiful beaches perfect for family fun: Carolina Beach, Kure Beach and Wrightsville Beach. These beaches are also known for their great surfing conditions. The Outer Banks offers a relief from crowded cities and overrun vacation spots. Visitors won’t find cities on the Outer Banks, just 100-plus miles of open shoreline, charming seaside villages and a mix of towns brimming with personality. The Outer Banks feature great beaches along an impressive coastline and excellent trails including Nags Head Woods Preserve Trail, which has miles of trails for walking and hiking. Another popular spot is Jockey’s Ridge State Park, a massive dunes complex that is home to the tallest living sand dune system on the Atlantic Coast.
North Carolina’s waterways are perfect arenas for water sports. Stand-up paddleboarding has been increasingly popular in recent years, and the water conditions in Paddle Creek, Oak Hollow Lake and Green River are perfect for both novice and expert paddleboarders. Kayakers and canoers will have the thrill of a lifetime battling the rapids on the Nantahala River. More serene experiences on calm waters can be found on the coast at Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge and Currituck National Wildlife Refuge.
With thousands of miles of streams and inland lakes, North Carolina is any fisher’s dream. The nation’s only fly-fishing trail, the Western North Carolina Fly-Fishing Trail, is a prime location to reel in trout. There are multiple piers along the coast that are perfect for casting a line, including Avalon Fishing Pier, Nags Head Fishing Pier and Seaview Fishing Pier.
Thanks to the state’s investment into sustainable infrastructure for outdoor adventure, North Carolina is truly the perfect venue for every outdoor sport. The state hosts some of the nation’s biggest sporting events, worth planning your trip around—either to participate in or spectate. The Intracoastal Waterway in Wilmington hosts the annual Swim the Loop race. Cycle North Carolina hosts three multi-day group cycling events throughout the year: the Coastal Ride, the Mountain Ride and the Mountains to Coast Ride.
Surfing competitions are held in the spring and summer down the coast, including the Wahine Classic at Wrightsville Beach and Easterns Surfing Championship in Nags Head. North Carolina’s communities have also invested heavily into state-of-the-art outdoor sporting complexes, including the Althea Gibson Tennis Complex, the U.S. National Whitewater Center and the Cape Fear Regional Soccer Complex. When it comes to sport and adventure in the great outdoors, few other places in this nation can compete with all North Carolina has to offer.
North Carolina and the east coast still have plenty more to offer travelers, so be sure to Download our North Carolina Guide
