Find the trail that fits your outdoor style
Greenways
Hiking
Mountain Biking
Road Biking
Paddling
Snorkeling
Waterfalls
Horseback Riding
Driving Tours
Cultural Heritage Tours
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.
trail towns throughout north carolina
Mountains
The mountainous region of North Carolina, located in the western part of the state, is characterized by the Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains. This area extends from the western border of the state eastward until it transitions into the Piedmont region. The mountains region is ideal for adventure and cultural exploration with mountain biking trails that offer thrilling rides through rugged terrain and scenic vistas, paddling trails where you can navigate the clear, fast-moving rivers and streams perfect for fishing, kayaking and canoeing. Here you’ll also find cultural trails designed to help you explore the rich heritage of the region, including historic sites and folk art traditions.
Piedmont
The Piedmont region lies in the central part of North Carolina, between the mountains and the coastal plain. It begins in the area where the rolling hills of the mountains flatten out into more gentle slopes and continues eastward until the land starts to level out completely into the coastal plain. This region offers a variety of trails, including blueways for paddling through serene waterways that wind through scenic landscapes and small towns, walking trails that are perfect for leisurely walks or brisk hikes on well-maintained paths suitable for all fitness levels, and accessible trails designed to ensure everyone can enjoy the natural beauty of the region.
Coast
Click any town above on the map or a button below to explore trails in that area.
Discover our network of statewide trails from the mountains to the coast
It should come as no surprise that the Great Trails State has an abundance of natural and cultural trails managed by partners like the NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, NC ArtsCouncil, NC African American Heritage Commission, State Library of North Carolina and others.
North Carolina Trail Systems
The Trail Town Guide is produced by 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.
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 Itenerary with Someone
- Know Your Ability
- Pack the 10 Essentials
- Be a Trail Steward
Shop Local
At Outdoor NC, we are dedicated to promoting accessibility for all visitors, regardless of their abilities. We strive to improve the accessibility of our offerings and share this information through our various platforms, including our Trail Town Guide. We collaborate with state, regional, local and private-sector partners to make North Carolina’s destinations and outdoor spaces easier to access.
In this guide "Accessible" means
- This guide includes accessible, easy, moderate and difficult trails which may be suitable for, or exceed, anyone’s ability. Plan Ahead and Be Prepared.
- For this guide, trails which are marked as “accessible” are ADA compliant (firm, stable surface that is at least 36 inches wide). This includes paved greenways, hard pack pathways and boardwalks. It does not mean that these trails are without obstacles.
- Beyond ADA compliant trails, this guide lists many opportunities that are suitable for visitors of all abilities which include walking tours and driving trails. Additionally, check with local land managers for information on adaptive mountain bike access for mountain biking and road cycling trails.
- We encourage all visitors to utilize the provided trail websites and other local resources to become familiar with trail descriptions, site facilities and potential obstacles, so you know what to expect and can make the best determination for your skill and abilities.
If a trail meets ADA standards or has been professionally assessed and a full trail description is available, the trail activity icon will be shown in BLUE.
A blue icon doesn’t mean site facilities (e.g. parking, restrooms, etc.) found at or along the trail are ADA compliant.
If a trail meets ADA standards or has been professionally assessed and a full trail description is available, the trail activity icon will be shown in BLUE.
A blue icon doesn’t mean site facilities (e.g. parking, restrooms, etc.) found at or along the trail are ADA compliant.
You’re invited to join the outdoor nc movement
Join the movement to preseve and protect North Carolina’s beloved outdoor spaces and you’ll be entered to win a ENO double next hammock and hanging straps! Together we can preserve our beloved outdoor spaces for generations to come. Click to learn more.