The Outdoor NC Trail Town Guide celebrates towns across the state who are dedicated to preserving the natural beauty and cultural heritage of their destination while fostering a strong sense of place. The destinations featured in this guide are championing destination stewardship, accessible outdoors and responsible recreation to sustain our towns and trails for future generations.
The trails and towns in this guide 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 – walking, hiking, biking, cycling, paddling, horseback riding and driving – and welcome visitors of all abilities. Click the guide below to open an online flipbook with interactive links to more information on the trail towns and all they have to offer.
Attention Travelers:
As the recovery from Hurricane Helene continues in the mountain region of North Carolina, most destinations are ready and eagerly welcoming visitors.
Note: The mountain region is highlighted in green on page 6 of the guide.
When visiting affected regions, it’s more important than ever to follow the Outdoor NC Leave No Trace principle of “Plan Ahead and Prepare.” Before you head out, please check road and trail conditions. If an area is inaccessible, unsafe, or unable to welcome visitors at this time, consider rescheduling your trip for a later date or exploring another nearby destination.
For travel and outdoor recreational advisories, please check out:
What’s Inside?
The 2024 edition includes 15 destinations and 105 trails to explore.
Experiences you’ll find on the trails include:
Greenways
Hiking
Mountain Biking
Road Biking
Paddling
Snorkeling
Waterfalls
Horseback Riding
Driving Tours
Cultural Heritage Tours
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.
