FIND A TRAIL

READY TO EXPLORE NORTH CAROLINA’S BEAUTIFUL LANDSCAPES AND COMMUNITIES? HERE ARE SOME TRAIL RESOURCES TO HELP!

Hike • Bike • Run • Walk

AllTrails is a user-friendly web and mobile platform that helps you find paved and unpaved trails in rural and urban areas for hiking, biking, walking, and running.

AllTrails »

Paddle

Want to get on a river or lake? Use this site to find information to help you plan your next paddle trip on North Carolina waters.

Paddling.com »

Ride

Look here for miles of beautiful trails to explore on horseback. The NC Horse Council advocates for, educates, and supports equestrian activity in NC.

NC Horse Council »

NC State Parks

North Carolina’s State Parks have so many different types of trails for all kinds of recreation. Their website features many resources for finding trails and planning trips in official NC state parks.

NC State Parks »

**MUCH OF THE CONTENT IN THESE RESOURCES IS CREATED BY TRAIL USERS AND NOT TRAIL MANAGERS. THERE MAY BE INACCURATE INFORMATION: TRAIL NAMES, UNOFFICIAL TRAILS AND UNAUTHORIZED DIRECTIONS TO OFF-TRAIL SENSITIVE ECOLOGICAL AREAS. UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION CAN BE OBTAINED FROM TRAIL MANAGERS. IT IS UP TO YOU TO RECREATE RESPONSIBLY!**

MORE WAYS TO FIND TRAILS

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New to Trails?

One of the best things about North Carolina’s trails is that they are available to all, are free (with very few exceptions), and offer a diverse range of experiences for all skill levels and abilities. There is a trail for every person in The Great Trails State, regardless of age, ability, or experience!

How to Find a Trail:

North Carolina is home to so many incredible trails that the hardest part sometimes is choosing one! Here are some factors to keep in mind when choosing a trail:

  • Location
  • Accessibility
  • Level of Intensity and/or physical fitness requirements
  • Distance and/or time requirements
  • Desired terrain, viewpoints, or points of interest

Once you’ve identified what kind of trail you’re looking for, there are endless resources available, in addition to the ones above, to help you find trails across North Carolina.

Additional resources:

  • County/Municipality Parks & Recreation Departments
  • State Trails
  • Visit NC
  • Your local bookseller – Check with your favorite local bookstore (or search an online retailer) for books about trails in North Carolina.
  • Ask a friend or family member who loves trails
  • Stop into a local outfitter and ask for suggestions

 

Having a Positive and Safe Trail Experience

Even the most avid trail users have been caught unprepared on the trail!

Before you go:

  • Choose a trail matching your fitness level and available time.
  • Check the weather and forecast – be prepared for changing conditions.
  • Eat well, hydrate, and bring extra water and snacks for you and others you’re with.
  • Hike with a buddy when possible, and inform someone about your plans!
  • If hiking with pets, keep them on a leash, clean up after them (that means taking the bag with you), and bring water and treats for them.
  • Wear suitable clothing and footwear, and carry essential gear like a first aid kit and map.
  • Be open to modifying your plan if conditions change.

Families on the Trail

Sharing the outdoors with children is an incredible experience but can also be overwhelming! At the end of the day, it isn’t about how many miles you cover but about creating a fun experience for everyone. The goal is to cultivate a love for trails, not a dislike of them! Here are a few extra tips:

Start talking about your trail excursion in advance so everyone is excited about the trip. Discuss the basic rules, like staying on the trail, and Leave No Trace principles.

  • Pick a feasible and age-appropriate trail. Trails with streams and interpretive trails with signs are particularly interesting for children.
  • Give each child a whistle to carry and teach them how and when to use it.
  • Dress everyone in bright, easy-to-see colors in case you get separated.
  • Pack lots of trail snacks and bring an extra special treat for incentive when needed.
  • Play games on the trail, such as I-Spy.

 

Trail Etiquette

Whether you’re brand new to trails or a seasoned trail user, everyone is responsible for respecting the trail and other trail users they meet. It’s The Great Trails State way! A general knowledge of basic trail etiquette can go a long way towards making sure everyone has a great trail experience, and trails are there for generations to come.

  • Practice Outdoor NC’s Leave No Trace Principles.
  • Respect right-of-ways. Uphill traffic has the right of way. Bicyclists and hikers/runners yield to equestrians/horses. Bicyclists yield to hikers.
  • Announce your presence to others to let them know you’re nearby, especially when passing. Ensure horses see you and hear you. A courteous, “passing on your left/right” can help prevent collisions and startling others.
  • If you choose to use headphones, keep the volume low to hear others. Avoid disturbing the sounds of nature.
  • Observe any posted rules and respect trail closures. Ask a land manager for clarification if you’re unsure.
  • Stay on the trail – going off trail can damage ecosystems that may never recover.
  • Be nice, say hi!

Leave No Trace Outdoor NC principles:

  • Plan ahead and prepare
  • Stick to trails and overnight right
  • Trash your trash
  • Leave it as you found it
  • Be careful with fire
  • Keep wildlife wild
  • Be considerate of others and share the outdoors