Join me as I head out on a North Carolina outdoor adventure across the state over a week.
North Carolina is full of outdoor opportunities, from exploring the East to checking out the Outer Banks. Or like I did, heading West and exploring the national forest area and the Blue Ridge Parkway.
If you’re interested, I have also created a road trip guide to North Carolina, Visiting Morganton, Asheville, Bouvard and driving across the Blue Ridge Parkway.
In this blog post, I will explore the great outdoors of North Carolina, visiting many hiking trails, River paddles and waterfalls along the way.
Book your North Carolina road trip with America As You Like it
I booked my outdoor itinerary with America As You Like It, and you can also book the same itinerary if you wish.
It was such a lovely experience having America As You Like it take care of the flights, travel arrangements and itinerary, all you have to do is show up and have fun on the trip.
The team are full of travel experts who focus on the USA with years of experience.
You will be in great hands, and my trip went along like a breeze.
Fly from London Heathrow directly to Charlotte with American Airlines
Did you know that it’s never been easier to reach the state of North Carolina from the United Kingdom?
Usually, you would have to connect in Atlanta, but now it’s never been easier with American Airlines offering direct flights from London Heathrow to Charlotte, NC.
Making it easier to start your outdoor adventure around North Carolina.
Start your outdoor adventure around North Carolina in Burke County.
Base yourself in Morganton (More on Morganton in my Road trip guide) and head on over to Overmountain Cycles Rental, where you can rent a mountain bike for the day, bicycle equipment and trail maps and advice.
From here, you should check out the Fonta Flora State Cycling Trail.
The trail was formed in 2015 and is primarily located in Burke County, North Carolina, around Lake James. Overmountain Cycles Rental even have guides that can take you out on the day.
Great fun cycling this trail, winding through the forest woods, heading under covered bridges and along the lake paths.
The path has Future Plans to extend the trail from Lake James to West Asheville, which would be exciting.
Next, head to Valdese Lakeside Park, Burke County
Discover Nature’s Charm at Valdese Lakeside Park in Burke County, NC.
If you’re craving a serene escape into nature with a touch of adventure, Valdese Lakeside Park in Burke County is worth exploring.
This scenic destination offers a blend of tranquil lakeside views and forested trails.
Start your hike with a stroll across the suspension bridge over McGalliard Creek, a striking feature that adds a dash of thrill to your hike.
Suspended above the flowing creek, the bridge offers panoramic views of the surrounding woodland and a peaceful soundtrack of rushing water below.
Just a short walk from the bridge lies McGalliard Falls Park, where the creek transforms into a dramatic waterfall cascading over rugged rocks.
The falls are a captivating sight, especially after a rain, and the park provides picnic areas and shaded spots to relax and enjoy the view.
It’s a great place to appreciate the raw beauty of Burke County’s natural landscape.
For those seeking a more active adventure and fancy an extra hike, the Outer Loop High Line Trail offers a rewarding hike through varied terrain back to the car park.
Also connects to the High Line Trail and the Rostan Creek Trail, giving you loads of options for extra hikes if you have the time.
This trail winds through the upper reaches of the park, offering elevated views of the lake and forest canopy.
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking for a scenic walk, the trail’s gentle inclines and well-marked paths make it an accessible and enjoyable route without the need to walk back on yourself. Got to love a loop hike!
Hiking the Hawksbill Trail in North Carolina, Linville Gorge
Tucked deep within the rugged beauty of North Carolina’s Linville Gorge Wilderness, the Hawksbill Trail offers one of the most rewarding hikes in the region.
Be sure not to miss it, just for the views alone once you reach the top!
With sweeping views, a manageable distance, and a summit that feels like the edge of the world, this trail is a must for anyone craving a dose of Appalachian adventure.
Located within the Pisgah National Forest, near Linville, NC. It’s a perfect stop between your drive from Morganton to Asheville if you’re following the road trip guide.
Short but steep, the Hawksbill Trail packs a punch. The ascent begins in a shaded forest, winding through rhododendron tunnels and rocky outcrops. As you climb, the terrain shifts—trees thin out, the air sharpens, and the promise of a panoramic reward grows stronger with every step.
Hold on to your hat! The wind can get pretty strong at the top, but the views are worth it!
At the summit of Hawksbill Mountain, you’re greeted with jaw-dropping views of Linville Gorge, often called the Grand Canyon of the East.
From the top, you might get lucky and be able to spot the Blue Ridge Mountains if it’s a clear enough day.
Hike the Catawba Falls River Trail in North Carolina
Another popular hiking location, nestled in the Pisgah National Forest, is the Catawba Falls River Trail.
Located near the Old Fort, on your way to Asheville, is a gateway to one of the most stunning waterfalls in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Well worth the hike!
With lovely forest surroundings, a gentle river path, and a dramatic cascade finale, this trail is perfect for hikers of all levels seeking a refreshing escape into nature.
The steps to the top are optional, depending on what kind of waterfall tier you would like to see from which angle. The option is yours.
Or you can simply hike to the scenic waterfall point at the bottom, which still offers a great view of Catawba Falls.
The trail follows the Catawba River, winding through a canopy of hardwoods and moss-covered boulders.
The sound of rushing water accompanies you almost the entire way, creating a peaceful rhythm to your hiking boot strides.
At the end of the trail, you’ll reach Catawba Falls, a stunning multi-tiered waterfall tumbling over jagged rocks into a clear pool below.
The falls are especially dramatic after a rain, but beautiful year-round. Stick to the designated viewing areas and enjoy the falls from below.
Blue Ridge Parkway for the ultimate road trip in North Carolina
The Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the United States’ most scenic road trips.
The road weaves through the Blue Ridge Mountains from the state of Virginia and ends in North Carolina, totalling 469 miles.
If you’re going on a road trip around North Carolina, you simply can’t miss out on the Blue Ridge Parkway, full of Hiking opportunities along the way; it’s not to be missed.
Head to the Folk Art Centre and Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Centre to pick up some information about the drive and find out from the park rangers what sections of the drive they recommend and what parts are accessible during your visit.
Some must-visit spots along the Blue Ridge Parkway from my trip:
– Looking Glass Waterfalls
– Daniel Ridge Falls
– Sliding rock waterfalls
– Graveyard Fields Overlook
– Pounding Mill Overlook
Stop off at the Graveyard Fields Overlook and trail
The Graveyard Fields Overlook viewpoint is located on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
It offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the Graveyard Fields valley below.
A landscape named for the moss-covered tree stumps that once resembled gravestones.
From the overlook, the trailhead begins near the parking area. Here you can access the Graveyard Fields hiking, which features two picturesque waterfalls and a scenic loop trail.
The Graveyard Fields Loop Trail is a 1.2-mile path and is rated as easy, though spur trails to the waterfalls can be steep.
One of the highlights is the Graveyard Fields Upper Falls, a serene cascade nestled in the forest.
If you’re planning a visit, it’s a perfect spot for photography, hiking, and soaking in the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
The iconic Looking Glass Waterfalls
Close by to the turn off for the Blue Ridge Parkway, located near Brevard, is the Looking Glass Falls, a true Gem of North Carolina’s Pisgah National Forest.
Looking Glass Falls is one of the most iconic and easily accessible waterfalls in North Carolina, with hardly any hiking involved, but I had to mention this brief stop on the route as it’s well worth the stop for sure.
The Looking Glass Rock got its name as it glistens like a mirror when water freezes on its surface in winter sunlight.
Stop off at the Sliding Rock waterfalls: Nature’s Waterslide
Another fun adventure stop to experience in North Carolina is the Sliding Rock waterfalls, Nature’s Waterslide.
At the time of writing, entrance is $5 per car and covers parking. Here you can get the chance to pop your swim shorts on and slide down a rock face, how fun is that!
You can see my GoPro footage from my slide attempt in the YouTube video below.
If you’re cruising through the scenic byways of Pisgah National Forest near Brevard, then you have to stop off and give it a go for yourself.
The Sliding Rock is an 18-meter sloping waterfall that flows over a smooth rock face into a deep pool.
Bring water shoes if you have them: The rock can be slippery and rough on bare feet.
If you wanted to add a hike to this experience, then give Moore Cove Falls a go. A short hike leads to a serene, curtain-like waterfall.
Hike to Daniel Ridge Falls
Tucked away in the folds of Pisgah National Forest, Daniel Ridge Falls is one of the underrated falls that often gets overlooked in North Carolina.
While nearby waterfalls like Looking Glass Falls and Sliding Rock draw the crowds, Daniel Ridge offers a quieter, more personal experience.
Perfect for those seeking serenity, scenic beauty, and a touch of adventure.
The hike to Daniel Ridge Falls is a moderate 4-mile loop, though you can opt for a shorter out-and-back route if you’re running short on time.
The trail meanders through mossy hardwood forests, crossing charming footbridges and babbling creeks.
Daniel Ridge Falls isn’t the tallest or most thunderous waterfall in the region, but its 150-foot cascade is mesmerising. Rather unique and worth stopping off if you can make time.
Hike to Triple Falls and Hooker Falls, DuPont State Forest
Nestled in the heart of North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains, DuPont State Recreational Forest offers a hiking experience that’s worth checking out.
If you’re chasing waterfalls, which is a popular endeavour being close to Brevard, the hike to Triple Falls and Hooker Falls is a must-do!
An easy-to-moderate trail that rewards you with roaring cascades and lush forest scenery.
Did you know that the Triple Falls in North Carolina was used as a filming location for The Hunger Games?
Start your journey at the Hooker Falls parking area. A short 0.3-mile stroll leads you to this charming 12-foot waterfall that tumbles into a wide pool.
Visit early in the morning if you can, for misty light and fewer crowds. Sadly, it was raining on the day we visited, but it was still epic nevertheless!
From Hooker Falls, head back to the main car park and then follow the signs toward Triple Falls.
This section is a bit steeper, but manageable. Once you’ve made it, the payoff is spectacular.
Triple Falls is a dramatic three-tiered waterfall plunging 120 feet over massive rock ledges. You’ll hear it before you see it.
Thank you for reading my North Carolina outdoor adventure guide
Appreciate your taking the time to come to my blog and check out my outdoor adventure guide to North Carolina.
I had an amazing road trip exploring North Carolina, and I hope you’ve found the above information useful.
All the best and have an amazing adventure exploring North Carolina
This blog post was put together in collaboration with TTM World Pr & Communications on behalf of Visit North Carolina and Outdoor North Carolina.
Be sure to watch my North Carolina YouTube video
Thank you for watching my video. I hope you’re excited to explore North Carolina and the great outdoors it offers. A road trip is a great way to explore the state!
