Our hiking boots are on, our backpacks are packed, and we’ve got a hike for any and every occasion this summer, ranging from date days and waterfalls to rigorous treks and cute mountain towns. Read below for a guide to summer hikes organized by category, distance, and mileage.
Hikes For Dates
Fall Mountain Trail, Morrow Mountain
Driving Distance from Charlotte: About 1 hour
Located in Stanly County 50 miles northeast of Charlotte, Morrow Mountain State Park offers a scenic landscape with easy, moderate, and strenuous trails. Aside from the trails, a highlight of Morrow Mountain is the sunrise/sunset views that are the perfect way to end your hike up the mountain.
Crowders Mountain State Park
Driving Distance from Charlotte: About 1 hour
With a variety of hiking trails ranging from easy to difficult, you and your s/o can be sure to find a route that works for both of you. Make a day out of this date by lacing up your hiking boots, packing lunch, and enjoying the scenic views while you get your hike on.
Vineyard Trail, Elkin
Driving Distance from Charlotte: About 1 hour 30 minutes
Hike meets winery… is there a better date to exist? Try this 3.8-mile out-and-back trail near Elkin, North Carolina with easy access from Grassy Creek Vineyard to the trail. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 1 h 32 min to complete. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.
Lover’s Leap Hike, Hot Springs
Driving Distance from Charlotte: About 2 hours 45 minutes
With a name like Lovers’ Leap, this hike is perfect for that adventurous date you keep meaning to plan. Bring your running shoes, hiking boots and plenty of water for this moderate 1.6-mile loop hike that begins in the center of downtown Hot Springs. If it’s a warm sunny day, hike in the morning since the afternoon sun heats up the side of the mountain. Lover’s Leap is the second rock outcropping along the trail, which features great views of the river, valley and town.
Hikes Good For Overnights
Grandfather Mountain, Banner Elk
Driving Distance from Charlotte: About 2 hours
Less than 20 minutes from Banner Elk to the entrance of Grandfather Mountain, you can fit a hike and an overnight all into one trip. Hike a trail, walk across the famous Mile High Swinging Bridge, and take in the views at an altitude of 5,280 feet. From there, enjoy the small-town charm with dining, shopping, and arts.
Hawksbill Mountain Hike, Linville Gorge
Driving Distance from Charlotte: About 2 hours 10 minutes
Incredible views and great campsites make Hawksbill Mountain a great place to hike and set up camp for the night. Just north of Hawksbill’s campsite, trails lead to a small cliff that offers wide views into the Linville Gorge Wilderness – a great spot to catch a sunrise or unwind after an adventure-filled day on the trail. From the campsite, it’s a less than .1 mile trek, due north, to the outcrop overlook.
Deep Creek Waterfall Loop, Bryson City
Driving Distance from Charlotte: About 2 hours 20 minutes
Located just a few miles from downtown Bryson City, Deep Creek is a popular summer spot for camping and tubing. Keep in mind, pets are not allowed on these trails. With plenty of campground space available and Bryson City nearby, plan for a night under the stars or book a stay at a quaint breakfast and bed after you finish your waterfall hike.
Crabtree Falls, Blue Ridge Parkway
Driving Distance from Charlotte: About 2 hours 20 minutes
The challenging 2.5-mile Crabtree Falls Loop Trail is one of western North Carolina’s best waterfall hikes – especially on a sunny spring day. This stop on the Blue Ridge Parkway is also home to a picnic area, campground, and snack bar – making it a great day trip from Boone. Take the wide gravel path to the loop junction with a sign and bench and turn right. The path winds down into a cove with steep stone steps at two switchbacks. There’s a bench at the last switchback where the trail turns left and heads toward the waterfall and then you are there.
Rigorous Hikes
Vertical Mile Challenge, Appalachian Trail, Hiddenite NC
Driving Distance from Charlotte: About 1 hour 20 minutes
Hit the Appalachian Trail for a rigorous hike or attempt the Vertical Mile Challenge if you are feeling extra adventurous. The trail/race offers a fun and unique adventure across the rocky face of the mountain, bound to give you a unique outdoor experience and maybe even some bragging rights. The climb has a steep incline with gorgeous mountain views that will make the challenge all the more rewarding.
Profile Trail, Banner Elk
Driving Distance from Charlotte: About 2 hours 20 minutes
The 3.6-mile Profile Trail is rigorous and filled with NC’s natural beauty, making it a great hike to climb Calloway Peak or soak in the views at Profile View. Begin your climb at the Grandfather Mountain State Park parking area on N.C. Highway 105 near Sugar Mountain (4198 NC Hwy 105 N, Banner Elk). There is no charge for accessing the State Park from the trailheads on N.C. 105 and Blue Ridge Parkway.
Sam Knob Loop
Driving Distance from Charlotte: About 3 hours 10 minutes
This hike may only be 2.5 miles, but you can expect a challenge despite the lack of mileage. With sweeping views and meadows along the way, this trail takes you the scenic route all the way to the top. Perfect for a summer day hike, the temperatures usually stay below 70 due to the high altitude in the region.
Looking Glass Rock
Driving Distance from Charlotte: About 3 hours 20 minutes
The hike may be steep, but the views are worth it. Looking Glass Rock gained its name for a reason, the summit reflects light, making it a beautiful landscape for your next hike. Wear sturdy hiking shoes, the trail has rocks and can be slippery, especially after rain. Lastly, start early to dodge crowds and enjoy the beauty of this North Carolina gem.
Best Hikes For Kids & Dogs
Anne Springs Close Greenway, Fort Mill, SC
Driving Distance from Charlotte: About 30 minutes
Easy to walk and plenty of trails to choose from, the Anne Springs Close Greenway operates a trail system that is 36 miles long. You can find trail maps at all entrances to the greenway, with trail markers every 1/4 mile. With over 100 species of wildflowers and a great variety of birds and other interesting wildlife to see, this is a great hike for the whole family to enjoy.
Buzzard Rock Trail, Latta Nature Preserve
Driving Distance from Charlotte: About 40 minutes
For an easy hike with a relatively flat landscape, Buzzard Rock has all the views without the struggle to get there. The 1.4 mile only takes about 28 minutes to complete, leading to Buzzard Rock Overlook for beautiful views of Mountain Island Lake. The trail is open year-round and dogs are welcome, as long as they are on leash.
Badin Lake Trail, Uwharrie National Forest
Driving Distance from Charlotte: About 1 hour 40 minutes
Experience this 5.4-mile loop trail near Badin, North Carolina. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 51 min to complete. This is a very popular area for camping, hiking, and mountain biking, so you’ll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.
Linville Falls Trail
Driving Distance from Charlotte: About 2 hours 10 minutes
Get to know this 0.9-mile out-and-back trail near Jonas Ridge, North Carolina. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 21 min to complete. The trail is easy to follow and will take you to the Upper Linville Falls observation area, a main attraction along the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 316. This is a very popular area for hiking and walking, so you’ll likely encounter other people while exploring. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.
Hikes For No Crowds
Pilot Creek Trail, Pilot Mountain State Park
Driving Distance from Charlotte: About 1 hour 40 minutes
The Pilot Creek Trail is great for those days when you don’t want to encounter other people while exploring. The 6.1 mile out-and-back trail is great for birding, hiking, and running, making it a moderately challenging route. Dogs are welcome as long as they are on leash and make great companions to enjoy this peaceful hike. The trail is well-marked and follows Pilot Creek, making it relatively easy to navigate.
Hanging Rock State Park: Tory’s Den Access
Driving Distance from Charlotte: About 1 hour 50 minutes
This easy hike with less crowds is great for hiking and walking. Quieter times of the day tend to be the morning, so if you are aiming for a solitude hike, shoot for then. Highlights include easy access to a small waterfall, beautiful views, and well-maintained paths that are easy to navigate.
Log Hollow Falls, Pisgah National Forest
Driving Distance from Charlotte: About 2 hours 40 minutes
Secluded and only accessible via an unpaved, one-lane road, your pre-hike efforts just to get here will be rewarded with a short hike to multiple falls. Because this trail is not the easiest to get to, you don’t have to worry much about running into other people. While it’s an easy one-mile round-trip hike to reach, it’s still a hidden jewel that many hikers tend to miss.
Hikes with Cute Towns Nearby
Hikes Near The Highlands
Bridal Veil Falls, Nantahala National Forest.
Near the Highlands, Bridal Veil Falls is a great hike to enjoy a waterfall – and even stand behind it. Enjoy the cascades viewable from the road and make your way through this scenic hike. After you get your steps in, the Highlands is only a short distance away with dining, shopping, and a variety of places to stay.
Dry Falls, Nantahala National Forest
Similar to Bridal Veil Falls, Dry Falls is situated near the heart of Highlands, NC, and has earned its name from the fact that you can walk behind it and stay (mostly) dry. Grab brunch at a nearby cafe, check out the fresh produce from the Many Hands Peace Farm, and take in the beauty of this mountain town.
Hikes Near Asheville
Graveyard Fields, Blue Ridge Parkway
Graveyard Fields is one of the most beautiful and scenic hiking areas on the Blue Ridge Parkway, just south of Asheville. The hike is often bustling with walkers enjoying the views and the weather, so plan to go early if you want to beat the crowds. About 45 minutes from Asheville, you can get a trek in and then head south to a mountain town with tons to do. Coffee shops, wine bars, art galleries, and more are abundant in Asheville, so you won’t have any shortage of things to do.
John Rock Hike & Cedar Rock Falls, Pisgah Forest
About 38 miles from Asheville, this five-mile loop hike offers valley and mountain views from the summit. Take the climb to the top at 3,320 feet and enjoy the wildflowers and natural scenery along the way. Check the weather beforehand, as the rocks are slippery when wet.
Hikes Near Banner Elk
Emerald Outback Outer Loop
Emerald Outback Loop is a 4.1-mile hike near Banner Elk, with a nicely moderate route that still offers a bit of challenge. The hike is popular for hikers, mountain biking, and running, with natural beauty throughout your trek. The trail is known for various lookouts that are best during summer and fall, making it a great hike to plan for the warmer months. After your hike, wander around downtown Banner Elk for a change of scenery.
Wizards Way
Right near Banner Elk you can find this 1.2 mile trail that takes only an average of 30 minutes to complete. The trail is relatively easy to hike, but can be difficult to navigate so make sure you have the route downloaded beforehand. Take a summer hike through Wizards Way and then head the short distance to Banner Elk for a day trip or a little mountain weekend getaway.
Hikes Near Boone
Rough Ridge Trail
Rough Ridge Trail is a perfect hike to get your Instagram-worthy pictures in while also enjoying an easy and relatively fast hike. The trek is only 1.5 miles roundtrip, leaving you plenty of time to explore one of North Carolina’s most famous mountain towns right after. Boone has an endless amount of things to do, but you can start on King Street and work your way through the town if you need a place to start.
Mountains to Sea: Goshen River Trail
This trail has its name for a reason, you can enjoy both mountain and river views as you trek the 3.1 miles on the Goshen River Trail. The trail is nicely shaded, making it enjoyable even in the warmer months. To start your hike, locate the small parking lot on Bamboo Road and follow the trail up to George Hayes Road.
Hikes Near Blowing Rock
Green Knob Loop
Considered a hidden gem of a hike, this 2.2-mile loop trail near Blowing Rock is a moderate trek that takes about an hour and 10 minutes to complete. You can enter the trail from Blue Ridge Parkway or Sims Creek. After your hike, go shopping in the historic downtown of Blowing Rock, visit the mile-high swinging bridge, and explore the local eateries nearby.
Boone Fork Trail
Although this trail may have the name Boone in it, the hike is only a short distance from Blowing Rock. The loop is about 5 miles long and offers a scenic route through the woods with water features as well. There are creek crossings and rocks and roots along the trail, so prepare with proper shoes.
Hikes For Waterfalls
Lower Cascade Falls Trail, Hanging Rock State Park
Driving Distance from Charlotte: About 1 hour 50 minutes
Located in Hanging Rock State Park, the route is well-marked and easy to trail down on your way to a beautiful waterfall. The hike itself is about 0.8 miles and is an easier route, making it a great hike for bringing the family along, as well as your dog (as long as they are on leash). Plus, the pool at the waterfall’s base is a popular swimming hole and a great way to cool off in the warmer months.
Catawba Falls Trail
Driving Distance from Charlotte: About 2 hours
The Catawba Falls Trail is just east of Asheville, offering a mossy and shady forest trek that leads you to a series of waterfalls on the Catawba River. The scenic hike is about 2.5 miles round trip with 300 feet of climb, making it a hike for families, dogs, or just those who are in search of one of NC’s great waterfalls.
Rainbow Falls, Turtleback Falls, and Drift Falls
Driving Distance from Charlotte: About 2 hours 10 minutes
Rainbow Falls is a great waterfall hike with a trail that can take you along 3 outstanding waterfalls that North Carolina has to offer. The 3.9-mile out-and-back trail takes about 2 hours to complete, you can see Rainbow Falls, Turtleback Falls, and Drift Falls all in one go. However, Drift Falls is on private property, so it is a view-only waterfall.
High Falls, DuPont Forest
Driving Distance from Charlotte: About 2 hours 25 minutes
Near Sapphire, NC, you will find High Falls, a little less than 3-mile hike that will take you along the Thompson River to amazing water views. The area is a great swimming spot in the summer and a great place to have a hike/swim day. Bring proper shoes as needed, sometimes the rain can cause some high water.
Paradise Falls, Nantahala National Forest
Driving Distance from Charlotte: About 3 hours
Paradise Falls is a waterfall meeting swimming hole hike that makes the challenging route worth it. Although the hike is less than a mile, the trail is rather steep, so be cautious. Plan to visit May through August to get amazing views and enjoy the water. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.
