FREE DOWNLOAD

Get the Free NC Weekend Guide

Join 2,500+ Club Magnolia readers. The best of Charlotte, the Triangle, the Coast, and the Mountains every week, plus your free NC guide, sent instantly.

Join Club Magnolia

Join 2,500+ Club Magnolia readers. The best of Charlotte, the Triangle, the Coast, and the Mountains every week, plus your free NC guide, sent instantly.

No spam, ever.

★ FREE DOWNLOAD: The Free NC Weekend Guide
GET OUTSIDE

NC Outdoors

From the Appalachian Trail ridge to the Atlantic surf. North Carolina is one of the best outdoor states in the country and most people only scratch the surface.

BY ACTIVITY

What Do You Want To Do

Hiking and Trails in NC
HIKING

Hiking and Trails

500 miles of the Appalachian Trail, Pisgah's waterfall loops, and the Blue Ridge Parkway access points.
Beach and Coast in NC
COAST

Beach and Coast

OBX to the Crystal Coast. Wild beaches, protected national seashore, and some of the best waves on the East Coast.
NC State Parks
STATE PARKS

State Parks

NC has 41 state parks and recreation areas. Hanging Rock, Crowders Mountain, Eno River, and Jockey's Ridge are the standouts.
Rivers and Paddling in NC
PADDLING

Rivers and Paddling

The New River, Nantahala, Eno, and the Neuse. Some of the best flatwater and whitewater paddling in the Southeast.
TOP PICKS

Best Outdoor Experiences in NC

Max Patch Summit at Sunrise
MOUNTAINS

Max Patch Summit at Sunrise

The bald summit of Max Patch sits at 4,629 feet and delivers 360 degree views of the Appalachian ridgeline. Go early and you will have it mostly to yourself.
Graveyard Fields Waterfall Loop
MOUNTAINS

Graveyard Fields Waterfall Loop

Two waterfalls, a meadow at high elevation, and a trailhead right off the Blue Ridge Parkway. One of the most accessible hikes with a big reward in western NC.
OBX Wild Beach and 4WD Access
OBX

OBX Wild Beach and 4WD Access

The northern end of the Outer Banks requires four wheel drive and feels like a completely different place. Wild horses, no crowds, and miles of undeveloped shoreline.
Hanging Rock State Park Hike
PIEDMONT

Hanging Rock State Park Hike

Quartzite outcrops, a waterfall, and views stretching to the Blue Ridge on a clear day. Less than two hours from Charlotte or the Triangle and worth every minute of the drive.
New River Tubing in Boone
MOUNTAINS

New River Tubing in Boone

The New River is one of the oldest rivers in the world and one of the most relaxed floats in the state. A half day on the water near Boone is a perfect summer afternoon.
Crowders Mountain Day Hike from Charlotte
PIEDMONT

Crowders Mountain Day Hike from Charlotte

Just 35 minutes west of uptown Charlotte, Crowders Mountain delivers real elevation gain and ridge views that feel way farther from the city than they actually are.
BY REGION

NC Outdoors by Region

MOUNTAINS

Mountains

The best hiking, waterfall chasing, and trail running in the state. Pisgah, Nantahala, and the Blue Ridge have more trails than you can explore in a lifetime.

COAST

Coast

National seashore, surf, sea kayaking, and kiteboarding. The OBX has some of the wildest coastline on the East Coast.

PIEDMONT AND FOOTHILLS

Piedmont and Foothills

Crowders Mountain, Uwharrie National Forest, Hanging Rock, and Eno River. More outdoor options within an hour of Charlotte and the Triangle than most people realize.

FREE GUIDE

Get the Free NC Weekend Guide

Join 2,500+ Club Magnolia readers. The best of Charlotte, the Triangle, the Coast, and the Mountains every week, plus your free NC guide, sent instantly.

No spam, ever.

Home Club Magnolia Subscribe (Free) Charlotte The Triangle The Coast The Mountains Piedmont Triad Guides For Businesses About Contact