Discover the Best Hiking Trails in North Carolina

1.

Discovery Trail, Nags Head Woods Preserve, Outer Banks

Nags Head Woods Preserve is one of the largest remaining maritime forests on the East Coast. A maritime forest is a woodland habitat affected by the ocean. This preserve, owned and managed by TNC, has seven hiking trails, each a unique exploration of diverse coastal habitats.

The Discovery Trail is a 0.5-mile loop that is fully accessible. It travels by dune ridges, ponds, forests, and a butterfly garden. This trail also has a fishing platform and designated accessible parking at the trailhead.

2.

Jockey’s Ridge State Park, Outer Banks

Jockey's Ridge State Park, home to the tallest sand dune system on the Atlantic coast, offers a unique hiking experience. These sand dunes act as shields, and they protect Nags Head Woods Preserve’s maritime forest. The park features two main trails: the Tracks in the Sand Trail (1.2-mile loop) and the Soundside Nature Trail (0.6-mile loop). Run Hill, which TNC protected, is part of Soundside Nature Trail and its protection story is a fun one!

3.

Green Swamp Preserve, Wilmington

The Green Swamp Preserve is the best place to see carnivorous plants in their natural habitat. Did you know the iconic Venus flytrap only grows within a 70-mile radius of Wilmington? And you are going to see a lot of them at the Green Swamp. This preserve is owned and managed by TNC. We use controlled burning to restore this place to a healthy longleaf pine habitat, which you will be able to see along our 2.6-mile trail. If you are traveling with children, download this scavenger hunt and learn about all the biodiversity at the Green Swamp Preserve.

4.

Flytrap Trail, Carolina Beach

The Flytrap Trail is a 0.35-mile loop running through longleaf pine forest, wiregrass savannas, and pocosin wetlands. Keep an eye out for gorgeous orchids and carnivorous plants like the Venus flytrap. The loop begins and ends at the Nature Trail Lane parking area.

5.

Cape Fear River Trail, Fayetteville

This paved trail runs 5.3 miles along the Cape Fear River and is a fun adventure for all ages and abilities.  Over 1,000 feet of boardwalk provide access to wetland and marsh areas. The trail has educational signs, security stations, and restrooms intermittently along the path.  There are gorgeous river outlooks, picturesque wooden bridges, and picnic tables and benches if you want to pack a lunch.  

This is an out-and-back trail. We recommend parking at the Jordan Soccer Complex and walking south toward the bridges with river views. 

6.

Weymouth Woods, Sandhills Nature Preserve

Weymouth Woods Sandhills Nature Preserve offers a network of scenic trails that wind through the historic longleaf pine forests of North Carolina. One of the most popular trails is the Lighter Stump, Pine Island, and Holly Road Loop, a 3.8-mile easy hike that takes you through shaded paths, past towering pines, and across charming wooden bridges. Weymouth Woods and TNC have fostered a partnership for more than 60 years to expand longleaf pine corridors through the region.

7.

Calloway Forest Preserve Trail, Sandhills

Calloway Forest is a good place to see healthy longleaf forests and the benefits of controlled burning on this ecosystem. The preserve protects 2,812 acres of longleaf pine habitat. You can enjoy it by hiking our 6.75-mile loop rough terrain trail. TNC has built a strong partnership with the Department of Defense to protect and manage longleaf pine near military installations such as Fort Liberty. Calloway Forest Preserve is an example of that partnership.

8.

Occoneechee Mountain Loop Trail, Hillsborough

The Mountain Loop Trail at Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area is perfect for beginners. The path winds 2.2 miles through mature oak forest, alongside the Eno River, and up to a scenic overview of Orange County. The Occoneechee lookout is the highest point in Orange County and a great spot for viewing the Eno and surrounding park wilderness. In the spring, you can see mountain laurel blooms and deep thickets of native rhododendron. The trail passes fishing spots along the Eno River. Educational programs, offered by park rangers, highlight native plants and animals and are engaging for naturalists of all ages.

9.

Moore Cove Falls Trail, Pisgah National Forest

The Moore Cove Falls Trail is a delightful and easy 1.2-mile hike located in the heart of Pisgah National Forest. This family-friendly trail takes you through lush, fern-filled woods and across several charming footbridges, leading to the stunning waterfalls. This waterfall, which cascades 50 feet over a rock overhang, creates a picturesque and serene spot perfect for some alone time with nature.

Pisgah National Forest is a wonderful example of conservation organizations working together to enhance the health of the forest, reduce wildfire risk, and make it more resilient for future flooding and droughts.

10.

Expand Your Horizons

Discover the beauty of nature without barriers! The Nature Conservancy's guide to accessible trails in the South highlights stunning preserves that are welcoming to all. Whether you're traveling with a stroller or have a disability, these trails offer easy access to some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the region. From the maritime forests of Nags Head Woods Preserve in North Carolina to the serene boardwalks of Vandell Preserve at Cumberland Marsh in Virginia, each trail is designed to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.