Hikes are an excellent way to get out and exercise, enjoy the outdoors, and to motivate you. Whether you are up for a hike to get a workout in or you are ready to explore with a longer hike, North Carolina’s trails are full of beauty. Here are five hikes in North Carolina for when you are ready to get out and get energized.
This hike is a moderately challenging adventure with spectacular views along the way. Enjoy the sunshine, smell of wildflowers, and the possibility to spot wildlife on this roughly 2.5-mile trail. With all the amenities, you are sure to feel energized during your hike and refreshed after your hike. For the optimal hike, the trail is best March through November. Bring the kids or the family dog too! Sam Knob Trail of the Pisgah National Forest is sure to be your new favorite hiking trail with the stunning views.
With mostly moderate terrain, the High Falls hike at DuPont State Recreational Forest is a truly memorable one. According to its site, High Falls descends 120 feet down an inclined plane of granite. Glorious views of the falls and covered bridge are available from the picnic shelter. The total distance here is only about half a mile, but the terrain can be a bit rough.
This hike boasts gorgeous views of Whiteside Mountain. The trail is spotty in certain areas, but it surely is an invigorating one. For 2.5 miles, reconnect with nature while exploring the flowers of North Carolina’s Nantahala National Forest. A moderately challenging trail, the views are worth every bit of effort you exert. The Summit Rock views are breathtaking.
The River Run Trail of the New River State Park is a moderate hike of 1.4 miles in total. As you hike the trail, view the brush of the forest and the mountainside. At the river’s edge, you can enjoy the beautiful tranquility of the water before beginning your hike back. Although this trail is one way, it is a great hike for a boost of energy and has plenty to see both on the way to the river and on the way back.
Another moderate hike for those who want to enjoy the outdoors for a bit longer, the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest Loop Trail (which is actually two loop trails) is also a part of the Nantahala National Forest. Travel the figure-eight loop for a two-mile hike through the greenery, view the plaque of the Joyce Kilmer Memorial, and you can even bring a lunch to stop for a picnic. The trail is great for watching the birds and viewing the forest’s other wildlife as you walk.
