North Carolina is known as the Great Trails State. The Outdoor NC Trail Town guide celebrates destinations across the state who are dedicated to preserving the natural beauty and cultural heritage of their area while fostering a strong sense of place. It’s the perfect resource for trail lovers to explore the state responsibly. The destinations featured the guide are championing destination stewardship, accessible outdoors and responsible recreation to preserve our towns and trails for future generations.
Outdoor NC promotes stewardship of our shared outdoor spaces through the 7 Outdoor NC Leave No Trace principles, an extensive partner program, and the Outdoor NC guide program. We encourage everyone to join the Outdoor NC movement to preserve the outdoors for future generations.
The Great Trails State Coalition is a trusted partner of Outdoor NC that advocates for increased state investment in all types of trails statewide – hiking, paddle, mountain bike, equestrian, and paved. The Outdoor NC Trail Town guide highlights these diverse trail systems which stretch from the beautiful Blue Ridge mountains, along the riverbanks and rolling hills of the Piedmont, to the 320 miles of coastline, encompassing cities, suburbs and rural towns. The trails include a variety of activities and welcome visitors of all abilities to trail towns across North Carolina.
Outdoor NC, an initiative by Visit NC focused on stewardship and responsible travel, which was created to enhance visitor experiences while also preserving natural and cultural assets. Let’s work together to ensure that North Carolina’s outdoor spaces remain pristine for generations to come. It’s up to each of us to remember the impact we have on the environment around us and take active steps to help preserve it. By learning and sharing the 7 Outdoor NC Leave No Trace Principles, and joining the Outdoor NC movement, many small actions can create a ripple effect to help ensure everyone has a chance to enjoy time on the trail in the future.
Outdoor NC Leave No Trace Principles
Plan Ahead & prepare
Stick to trails & overnight right
trash your trash
leave it as you find it
be careful with fire
keep wildlife wild
be considerate of others
& share the outdoors
Go the extra mile
If you’d like to maximize your impact you can go one step further by taking these steps:
- Join the Outdoor NC Movement
- Share your Outdoor Itinerary with Someone
- Know Your Ability
- Pack the 10 Essentials
- Be a Trail Steward
Shop Local
Travel Resources for a Trip to North Carolina
You’re invited to join the outdoor nc movement
Join the movement to preserve and protect North Carolina’s beloved outdoor spaces! Together we can preserve them for generations to come. Click to learn more.