North Carolina

The Murray's Mill Historic District features Murray's Mill (constructed in 1913) with its 28 ft. waterwheel, a general store constructed in the 1890's, Wheathouse Exhibit gallery, and the John Murray House.  Free and open to the public to visit, this is a great place to stop and stretch your legs...

Bodie Island Lighthouse is one of five lighthouses located on the Outer Banks in North Carolina.  Located just 10 miles south of Nags Head, NC.  To reach the lighthouse follow Cape Hatteras National Park Rd (HWY 12) from the intersection of HWY 158 for 5.2 mile then turn right onto Bodie Island L...

Bradley Gap rests along the Appalachian Trail overlooking North Carolina and Tennessee mountains. Part of the Roan Highlands, Bradley Gap can be accessed via Yellow Mountain Gap Trailhead. Follow the Roaring Fork Trail from the trailhead until you intersect the Appalachian Trail (White Blaze) app...

There are no bathrooms at the trailhead, so if needed, drive a little past it to the park bathrooms on the left. Park at the summit trailhead and start your hike on the new gravel path. The trail gains 1000 ft in elevation in just under 2 miles so take your time if need be - and bring plenty of w...

At the end of River Road Park Rd. there is a small pier to fish off of or to just lounge on. On both the right and left side of the pier there are trails in the forest to wander through. The trails on the right walk you on the edge of the water and open up to a large field of wild grass. This ...

Before you head out, check the status of the Blue Ridge Parkway (it periodically closes during the winter).  The entire Bluff Mountain Trail is a 7.1 mile trail that traverses the Doughton Park Area along the Blue Ridge Parkway.  To do this particular hike, park at the bathrooms in the Doughton P...

Hooker Falls is located in Dupont State Forest in southern North Carolina. The hike is a great hike for kids to go on and to have a picnic. The waterfall is a beautiful waterfall that offers a great place to swim. Along the hike there are also other places you can see the river and you can swim a...

Whiteside Mountain is simply breathtaking, there is no way around it.  Views of the mountain from the South expose its sheer granite face, which runs almost its entire length East-to-West.  However, the views of the mountain are just the beginning, as this hike climbs to higher heights than just ...

This is an awesome hike if you're up for a challenge! The hike in isn't bad at all and the trail itself isn't super long but the climb back out will be a little more difficult due to the rock steps and lengthy uphill. This hike starts from a parking lot, just across the road from Lake Glenville a...

At the foot of Blackrock Mountain just outside of Highlands, North Carolina, lies one of the most unique and secluded natural playgrounds around.  Granite City is composed of several massive granite boulders, ranging between 10-40 feet tall.  This spot is most popular for bouldering (mostly V0-V2...

After parking at Great Bend Park, follow the trail about 100 yards to a bridge which provides you access to a 5-acre island that overlooks the dam's waterfall. While the Haw River is easy to wade, the island offers a number of bank fishing spots for those who would prefer to keep their feet on so...

A treasure in North Carolina that doesn't get as much attention as it should, Doughton Park has some of the best trails around. It is the largest park operated by the Blue Ridge Parkway and has over 30 miles of trails available.  The parking area for the Basin Creek Trail is small, but rarely cro...

Chestoa View Overlook is an extremely short hike located down a pull-off at milepost 320 of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Park your vehicle in a designated spot then intercept the trail to the left of the lot. The trail will slowly descend down into a stone overlook. The panoramic view showcases the be...

Your hike will start at the base of the Blue Ridge Parkway just a few miles from the start in Cherokee. The trail starts right off of the parkway in a very small easy to miss dirt road. There is a small area to park that then you start your hike up the dirt road right after the gate. The hike to ...

Green Swamp Nature Preserve is a coastal forest and swamp about 45 minutes outside of Wilmington, NC in the town of Supply, NC. There are two parts to the preserve, the main body that Route 211 runs through just outside of Supply, NC and then the smaller part next to Lake Waccamaw. This post wi...

Add Cape Hatteras to your summer plans! The cape is isolated and never too crowded. The opportunities for adventure are endless on the cape. Of course, as you first arrive, you will see the Historic Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. Enjoy climbing to the top of the nation's tallest brick lighthouse for o...