These are our trails. This is our year.

DISCOVER THE GREAT TRAILS STATE

IN NORTH CAROLINA, THERE IS A TRAIL FOR EVERYONE, PLACES OF REFUGE AND RECREATION, CONNECTING US TO THE VERY ESSENCE OF THIS STATE.

Walk

NORTH CAROLINA IS FULL OF AMAZING PLACES TO SOAK UP THE GREAT OUTDOORS.

PEDAL

FROM MOUNTAINS TO SEA, YOU’LL FIND
ROADS AND TRAILS READY TO BE EXPLORED.

PADDLE

DISCOVER NORTH CAROLINA’S
BLUEWAYS AND SCENIC WATERWAYS.

RIDE

SADDLE UP FOR A RIDE
THROUGH NORTH CAROLINA.

Find The Trail For You

No matter what your style, North Carolina offers trails for all. From accessible greenways to thrilling peaks and anything in between, every trail and every trail experience brings movement, health, and happiness. Embrace the outdoors in The Great Trails State!

We need trails. To move, to play, to discover.

PARAÍSO – We all belong in the outdoors.

The Future of Trail Development in North Carolina

The evolution of intentional trail design has progressed over the years and there are many people in NC on the cutting edge of trail development. Chuck Flink gives a glimpse into the future of trail development in NC.
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Trailblazing in Burke County and Across the State

Trails don’t build themselves and it takes a great deal of motivation and innovation to get trails on the ground. Beth Heile took it upon herself to champion trails in Valdese
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Trails, Triumphs, and Teaching: The Journey of Benjy “Doc” Brown on the Mountains-to-Sea Trail

Benjy “Doc” Brown is not just a lifelong resident but also an ardent adventurer. The Mountains-to-Sea Trail (MST) caught Benjy’s attention in 2018. Driven by passion and determination, he decided to section hike the entire 1,175-mile trail (hiking it piece by piece as time allows), and by May 2020, Brown had achieved his ambitious goal…
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The 3 1/2 Year (and Counting) Streak

Is it possible to accidentally have a 3-1/2-year streak of daily outdoor exercise? Well, it’s complicated…follow along as Jeff Rezeli recounts firsthand how his wife has consistently made it outside every single day for what’s soon to be four years amidst challenging conditions that involved a whole lot more than just inclement weather.
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A Testament of Resilience and Adaptation on the Trail

For everyone, a trail adventure begins with a decision, a commitment to step into nature and embrace the journey ahead. Mary’s initial commitment to the MST ignited a flame of passion and connection to the trail that would prove unyielding in the face of obstacles and challenges. Follow along as Mary tells her incredibly inspiring…
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Taking Learning Outdoors: Merrick-Moore Elementary

In an era where technology often dominates educational discourse, Merrick-Moore Elementary in Durham Public Schools (DPS) is offering a distinctive approach centered around outdoor education. At the forefront of this initiative is Stephen Mullaney, a teacher with a deep appreciation for the outdoors, who champions the idea that nature can be an enriching educational tool.
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Putting Love for the Outdoors to Test: Every Day on a Trail

When The Great Trails State Coalition announced 2023 would be the Year of the Trail, I decided it was the perfect opportunity to put my love of the outdoors to the test. Now at the age of forty-two, I also needed a new challenge. My goal became to simply be on some kind of trail…
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Tails and Trails: Montgomery County’s Hiking Hope for Shelter Dogs

Montgomery County, home to the majority of this beautiful forest, thrives as a scenic jewel in central NC. While it offers a diverse range of forest activities, the county faces challenges due to its sparse population and limited resources. This is particularly evident in the realm of animal care, where the local shelter continuously seeks…
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What Trails Mean to Me: Ultra Runner Ciara Wilder Massingale’s Inspiring Journey

A mere two years ago, Ciara embarked on a path that would challenge her in ways she couldn’t have fathomed. “While I have always had a love of being in nature since I was a child, it wasn’t until two years ago that my life began to completely transform because of trails! On August 2,…
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Resources for Getting Youth Engaged on the Trail During Summer Break

Summer break is here! Here are a few resources for engaging your young explorers with trails this summer during NC’s Year of the Trail!
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