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

NORTH CAROLINA IS THE GREAT TRAILS STATE

In North Carolina, there is a trail for each of us. An open invitation for bikers, hikers, paddlers, and riders. For amblers, explorers, and commuters. These paths are a place of refuge and recreation, connecting us to the very essence of this state. To its storied, winding history. And—with our active use and care—to its future. Because we blaze and sustain trails together: those born and bred here, and those beckoned by its promise as the Great Trail State. Along these trails, we lead and we follow. We march on our own and we build community. We find new purpose, generation after generation. Because North Carolina’s trails are for all of us. To enjoy, to sustain, and to champion. This is our year. The Year of the Trail.

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

What exactly is Year of the Trail?

Our Summer Bucket List

Summer is a calling, and it’s a great time to embark on an unforgettable trail adventure in North Carolina! Here are 11 activities we’ll be surely checking off of our list! As summer approaches, it’s time to dust off those hiking boots, grab your paddle, and get ready for an incredible outdoor experience in the […]
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Embracing the Beauty of The Great Trails State at 75

Having recently celebrated my 75th birthday, I found myself reflecting on the incredible journey of being a lifelong hiker, with many years of it being on the trails of North Carolina. The trails that weave through this beautiful state have become not only a source of physical and mental well-being but also a thread that […]
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How to Explore North Carolina’s Trails without Leaving a Trace

When it comes to enjoying the breathtaking beauty of North Carolina’s trails, it’s essential to follow the Outdoor NC Leave No Trace principles. These guidelines not only ensure the preservation of nature but also allow future generations to experience the same wonders. Let’s delve into each principle and explore how they tie into The Great […]
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Trails for the Future: How History is Shaping Trail Development in Randolph County

Randolph County sits in the heart of North Carolina. Located approximately an hour from the millions of people living in Charlotte, the Triad, and the Triangle, it offers an escape from urban hustle and bustle through an abundance of natural resources. Once the home of some of the state’s first textile mills, scattered subsistence farms, […]
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Volunteers – The Backbone of The Great Trails State

As Earth Day approaches, many people are looking for ways to give back to the trails and local communities, and volunteering with an organization to do trailwork is one of the best things that anyone can do.
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16 Great Organizations to Volunteer with in The Great Trails State

While there are far more than 16, this short list is a good place to start if you’re interested in getting involved and volunteering on the trail!
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Building Trails & The Best Job in the World with Lisa Jennings

Lisa Jennings is the Recreation and Trails Manager for the Grandfather Ranger District in Pisgah National Forest. Working for the United States Forest Service (USFS) wasn’t always what she envisioned doing, either. Read on to hear Lisa’s story that she shared with us…
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Bridging the Gap with Vivianette Oritz

Vivianette Oritz is the Co-founder and Executive Director of Latinos Aventureros. Their mission is to help everyone experience the outdoors by supporting and educating community members, with a primary focus on the BIPOC community. All communications are in Spanish and English in order to help bridge the gap.
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Q&A With Trailblazer Jennifer Pharr Davis

Jennifer Pharr Davis is an internationally recognized adventurer, speaker, author, and entrepreneur who has hiked more than 14,000 miles of trails on six different continents. Jennifer serves on the Year of the Trail Honorary Committee, and when it comes to getting outside and on a trail, she’s as pro as it gets, so naturally, we had to give her a few questions!
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Make a Date With a Trail

Can a dirt path through the woods really be a romantic place? You could ask my friends Marcus and Krista. Several years ago they each signed up for a four-day backpacking trip on the Uwharrie Trail, organized by the Three Rivers Land Trust… They joined close to a hundred other hikers participating in the event. After 4 days and nearly 40 miles of hiking, it’s not unusual for hikers to come away with a few dozen new friends!
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