Hiking in North Carolina often means sharing the trails with others. While a love of the great outdoors and of exploring beautiful hikes is something that unites nearly every North Carolinian, it’s also nice to have room to spread out and enjoy some quiet reflection, too. We’ve cherry-picked eight of our favorite spots that tend to have less foot-traffic in the early morning or during off-seasons. In short, they’re perfect for those seeking solitude. How many of the following peaceful hiking trails in North Carolina have you experienced?

  1. Round Bald Trail - Carvers Gap, NC/TN border

Flickr/Doug Bradley Indulge in some spectacular mountain vistas as you embark on an uphill climb along the Appalachian Trail to the top of Round Bald. While this trek can be popular, venture here during the early morning and it’s one of the most peaceful hikes in North Carolina. The trek itself is only 1.8 miles round trip, but the views go on forever. Learn more from this previous article.

  1. Dupont State Forest

Google Maps/michael an Spend some quiet, reflective time on the trails in Dupont State Forest and discover four impressive waterfalls along the way. From the towering High Falls (seen here) to a triple waterfall (which only counts as one falls), and two more, you’re sure to find your zen on these trails. Read all about it in this previous article.

  1. Max Patch - near Hot Springs

Google Maps/Dylon Zicchino This lofty spot may be one of the most traveled trails in western North Carolina, but there are several trails leading from the parking area so it doesn’t always feel overcrowded with people. During off seasons ,you can enjoy even more peace and quiet as you climb to a spot high enough to survey your inner kingdom while admiring the surrounding (landscape) kingdom with panoramic views. Find out more about Max Patch in this previous, full article.

  1. Springer’s Point Nature Preserve - Ocracoke

TripAdvisor/angelaohedgepeth Enjoy some swift breezes and salty air on a short 0.8-mile hike over to a hidden beach. Find a spot to sit, relax, and soak in some pure Vitamin D while basking in the sun. Sounds perfect, really. Learn more in this previous article.

  1. Crabtree Falls - Micaville

Google Maps/anirudh reddy Pop onto a 2.5-mile loop trail through the forest to discover the blissful gurgling of the water rushing down this 70-foot waterfall. This trail isn’t for beginners, but those with a little experience should find it an ideal spot to reflect. Without a doubt, it’s one of the best hiking trails in North Carolina. Learn more about it this emerald waterfall destination in this previous article.

  1. Carolina Thread Trail - Waxhaw

alltrails/Jonathan Stephens Take this short hike from the North Carolina end of the trail and you’ll soon end up on a long, swinging bridge where you’ll be able to stand on one side and see all the way to, well… South Carolina. While this may sound like a joke, perhaps this hike is more about expanding your horizons and perspective. Learn more about this cool hike from this previous article.

  1. Stone Mountain Loop - Roaring Gap

alltrails/Katelyn Redfoot See all of the best features of this state park on a loop trail that travels up to the majestic summit on a steady, but doable, incline on the back side of the mountain. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the views. Get the full scoop from this previous article.

  1. Juney Whank Falls - near Bryson City

Google Local/Brian Solomon Hike a short 20 minutes or so to this fairytale footbridge steps from a 50-foot waterfall. The bridge comes complete with a bench that’s an ideal spot for a peaceful break on the trail. Learn more from this previous article.

What are your thoughts on these peaceful hiking trails in North Carolina? Would you add any to the list? If more hiking adventures are on your list of bucket list adventures, then you’re on the right track… er, trail. Check out the 7 Best Mountain Hiking Trails In North Carolina For Beginners!

Flickr/Doug Bradley

Indulge in some spectacular mountain vistas as you embark on an uphill climb along the Appalachian Trail to the top of Round Bald. While this trek can be popular, venture here during the early morning and it’s one of the most peaceful hikes in North Carolina. The trek itself is only 1.8 miles round trip, but the views go on forever. Learn more from this previous article.

Google Maps/michael an

Spend some quiet, reflective time on the trails in Dupont State Forest and discover four impressive waterfalls along the way. From the towering High Falls (seen here) to a triple waterfall (which only counts as one falls), and two more, you’re sure to find your zen on these trails. Read all about it in this previous article.

Google Maps/Dylon Zicchino

This lofty spot may be one of the most traveled trails in western North Carolina, but there are several trails leading from the parking area so it doesn’t always feel overcrowded with people. During off seasons ,you can enjoy even more peace and quiet as you climb to a spot high enough to survey your inner kingdom while admiring the surrounding (landscape) kingdom with panoramic views. Find out more about Max Patch in this previous, full article.

TripAdvisor/angelaohedgepeth

Enjoy some swift breezes and salty air on a short 0.8-mile hike over to a hidden beach. Find a spot to sit, relax, and soak in some pure Vitamin D while basking in the sun. Sounds perfect, really. Learn more in this previous article.

Google Maps/anirudh reddy

Pop onto a 2.5-mile loop trail through the forest to discover the blissful gurgling of the water rushing down this 70-foot waterfall. This trail isn’t for beginners, but those with a little experience should find it an ideal spot to reflect. Without a doubt, it’s one of the best hiking trails in North Carolina. Learn more about it this emerald waterfall destination in this previous article.

alltrails/Jonathan Stephens

Take this short hike from the North Carolina end of the trail and you’ll soon end up on a long, swinging bridge where you’ll be able to stand on one side and see all the way to, well… South Carolina. While this may sound like a joke, perhaps this hike is more about expanding your horizons and perspective. Learn more about this cool hike from this previous article.

alltrails/Katelyn Redfoot

See all of the best features of this state park on a loop trail that travels up to the majestic summit on a steady, but doable, incline on the back side of the mountain. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the views. Get the full scoop from this previous article.

Google Local/Brian Solomon

Hike a short 20 minutes or so to this fairytale footbridge steps from a 50-foot waterfall. The bridge comes complete with a bench that’s an ideal spot for a peaceful break on the trail. Learn more from this previous article.

And if you’re wondering what to pack on a winter trip in North Carolina, check out this list!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

Address: Carvers Gap, North Carolina 28705, USAAddress: DuPont State Recreational Forest, Staton Rd, Cedar Mountain, NC 28718, USAAddress: Max Patch Rd, Hot Springs, NC, USAAddress: 104 Loop Rd, Ocracoke, NC 27960, USAAddress: Crabtree Falls Campground, Blue Ridge Pkwy, Micaville, NC 28755, USAAddress: 10521 Walnut Creek Pkwy, Lancaster, SC 29720, USAAddress: Stone Mountain State Park, 3042 Frank Pkwy, Roaring Gap, NC 28668, USAAddress: Juney Whank Falls Trail, Bryson City, NC 28713, USA

The OIYS Visitor Center

Peaceful Hiking Trails In North Carolina July 29, 2020 Beth C. What are the most beautiful hikes in North Carolina? Between the gorgeous coast and the epic mountains, there are endless hiking trails to enjoy in the state of North Carolina. It really boils down to preference. If you’re someone who enjoys inclines and loads of mountain views, you might consider venturing to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, where you’ll find endless trails to explore. Some of the best trails in the park include Tom Branch Falls, Indian Creek Falls, Juney Whank Falls, Chimney Tops, Clingmans Dome Trail, Andrews Bald, and the Road to Nowhere Hike. Prefer more of a coastal view while you hike? Some of the best coastal trails in North Carolina include Buxton Woods Nature Trail, Tracks in the Sand, Currituck Banks, and Pine Cliffs Recreation Area. Happy hiking! What are the best hikes with a view in North Carolina? One of the best parts about a hiking adventure in North Carolina is the opportunity to enjoy some world-class views. Head to the mountains of Western North Carolina and prepare to be positively amazed by the mountain-filled scenery that awaits you. Some of the best hikes with a view in North Carolina include Black Balsam Knob, Roan Mountain on the Appalachian Trail, Craggy Pinnacle, Looking Glass Rock, Devil’s Courthouse, Hawksbill Mountain, and Whiteside Mountain. When embarking on these trails, be sure to pack plenty of water and wear appropriate hiking shoes, as these North Carolina trails are notoriously rocky. Which hikes in North Carolina are short and sweet? If you love hiking but don’t care to spend hours upon hours on the trail, you’re in luck. Some of the best hiking trails in North Carolina are also fairly short and can be completed in half a day or less. Some of the best easy trails in North Carolina include Hanging Rock State Park, Pilot Mountain, Carolina Beach State Park, Dry Falls, Crabtree Falls, Erwin’s View, Linville Falls, Raven Rock Trail, Hickory Nut Falls Trail, Moore’s Wall Loop Trail, Craggy Gardens, Whiteside Mountain, and Roan Mountain.

The OIYS Visitor Center

Peaceful Hiking Trails In North Carolina

July 29, 2020

Beth C.

What are the most beautiful hikes in North Carolina? Between the gorgeous coast and the epic mountains, there are endless hiking trails to enjoy in the state of North Carolina. It really boils down to preference. If you’re someone who enjoys inclines and loads of mountain views, you might consider venturing to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, where you’ll find endless trails to explore. Some of the best trails in the park include Tom Branch Falls, Indian Creek Falls, Juney Whank Falls, Chimney Tops, Clingmans Dome Trail, Andrews Bald, and the Road to Nowhere Hike. Prefer more of a coastal view while you hike? Some of the best coastal trails in North Carolina include Buxton Woods Nature Trail, Tracks in the Sand, Currituck Banks, and Pine Cliffs Recreation Area. Happy hiking! What are the best hikes with a view in North Carolina? One of the best parts about a hiking adventure in North Carolina is the opportunity to enjoy some world-class views. Head to the mountains of Western North Carolina and prepare to be positively amazed by the mountain-filled scenery that awaits you. Some of the best hikes with a view in North Carolina include Black Balsam Knob, Roan Mountain on the Appalachian Trail, Craggy Pinnacle, Looking Glass Rock, Devil’s Courthouse, Hawksbill Mountain, and Whiteside Mountain. When embarking on these trails, be sure to pack plenty of water and wear appropriate hiking shoes, as these North Carolina trails are notoriously rocky. Which hikes in North Carolina are short and sweet? If you love hiking but don’t care to spend hours upon hours on the trail, you’re in luck. Some of the best hiking trails in North Carolina are also fairly short and can be completed in half a day or less. Some of the best easy trails in North Carolina include Hanging Rock State Park, Pilot Mountain, Carolina Beach State Park, Dry Falls, Crabtree Falls, Erwin’s View, Linville Falls, Raven Rock Trail, Hickory Nut Falls Trail, Moore’s Wall Loop Trail, Craggy Gardens, Whiteside Mountain, and Roan Mountain.

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

Between the gorgeous coast and the epic mountains, there are endless hiking trails to enjoy in the state of North Carolina. It really boils down to preference. If you’re someone who enjoys inclines and loads of mountain views, you might consider venturing to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, where you’ll find endless trails to explore. Some of the best trails in the park include Tom Branch Falls, Indian Creek Falls, Juney Whank Falls, Chimney Tops, Clingmans Dome Trail, Andrews Bald, and the Road to Nowhere Hike. Prefer more of a coastal view while you hike? Some of the best coastal trails in North Carolina include Buxton Woods Nature Trail, Tracks in the Sand, Currituck Banks, and Pine Cliffs Recreation Area. Happy hiking!

What are the best hikes with a view in North Carolina?

One of the best parts about a hiking adventure in North Carolina is the opportunity to enjoy some world-class views. Head to the mountains of Western North Carolina and prepare to be positively amazed by the mountain-filled scenery that awaits you. Some of the best hikes with a view in North Carolina include Black Balsam Knob, Roan Mountain on the Appalachian Trail, Craggy Pinnacle, Looking Glass Rock, Devil’s Courthouse, Hawksbill Mountain, and Whiteside Mountain. When embarking on these trails, be sure to pack plenty of water and wear appropriate hiking shoes, as these North Carolina trails are notoriously rocky.

Which hikes in North Carolina are short and sweet?

If you love hiking but don’t care to spend hours upon hours on the trail, you’re in luck. Some of the best hiking trails in North Carolina are also fairly short and can be completed in half a day or less. Some of the best easy trails in North Carolina include Hanging Rock State Park, Pilot Mountain, Carolina Beach State Park, Dry Falls, Crabtree Falls, Erwin’s View, Linville Falls, Raven Rock Trail, Hickory Nut Falls Trail, Moore’s Wall Loop Trail, Craggy Gardens, Whiteside Mountain, and Roan Mountain.