You don’t have to be an experienced hiker to enjoy the great outdoors. Even if you’re new to exploring the woods, there are plenty of places that are perfect for beginners. North Carolina is home to some beautiful nature trails and scenic hikes. Many of the trails in this state are also dog-friendly, making them a great place to bring your canine friends as well. North Carolina has it all when it comes to beginner friendly hikes. If you want to get into hiking but aren’t quite ready for a more challenging trail, read on for information about the best easy hikes in North Carolina.
Chimney Rock
Chimney Rock near Lake Lure is one of the most iconic places in North Carolina. It’s a 3 mile round trip hike to the top of Chimney Rock, where you can take in an amazing view of the surrounding mountains. The hike is stroller and wheelchair friendly and takes about an hour to get to the top. It’s not a challenging hike and is great for beginners looking to get outdoors. Make sure to bring water and wear some appropriate shoes. Chimney Rock is one of the best places to see the sunset in the Western part of the state. The best time to visit is in the fall when the leaves are changing color. The drive up to Chimney Rock is beautiful and the hike itself is something you don’t want to miss. This hike is great for beginners but can also be done as a day hike for more experienced hikers.
Humpback Rock
This is another great trail near Lake Lure that is perfect for beginners. It’s a 3.2 mile round trip hike that is mostly flat and is great for families or anyone who wants a less daunting hike. The trail is fairly well-marked and easy to follow. It is open year-round and the views at the top are definitely worth the walk. Humpback rock is a great place to go in the summer to get out of the heat and enjoy the outdoors. This trail is also dog-friendly so you can bring your canine friends with you. It’s a beautiful place to visit any time of year, but is especially stunning during the fall when the leaves are changing.
Hooker Falls
This is one of the best in the state for waterfall lovers. It’s only a 1-mile round trip hike to the waterfalls, so it’s an easy trail with stunning scenery. It is open year-round and the waterfall is a great place to escape the winter weather. It’s easy to get to and easy to get back from. This hike is also kid-friendly, so it’s a great place to bring families with young children. It is open year-round, so you can enjoy it in the summer or during the colder months. It’s a beautiful place to visit no matter what time of year it is.
Jumping Rocks hike
This is a 3-mile round trip hike near Brevard, NC. It is open year-round and is a great choice for beginners. The trail is not too difficult and is mostly shaded. It is easily accessible and is wheelchair-friendly. It’s a great place to visit when the leaves are changing and is a nice trail for families with little ones. It is also a good trail for dogs, but make sure to keep them leashed. This is a great place to visit any time of year. It is a beautiful hike with lots of wildlife, like birds and butterflies. It’s a great trail to take a break from the winter weather and get outside. If you are looking for a nice, easy hike with a less challenging trail, this one is perfect.
Lake Trail at Graveyard Mountain
This is a 1.5-mile round trip hike to Lake Lure near Chimney Rock. It is open year-round and great for a day trip or an easy weekend hike. The trail is not very difficult, is shaded and is easy to follow. It is also wheelchair-friendly. The trailhead is easy to find and is close to several other trails that you can explore after you finish this one. The lake is beautiful and makes for a great photo opportunity. There is also a swimming hole nearby where you can jump in and cool off. It is a nice place to visit in the summer or fall when the leaves are changing and the weather is cooler. This hike is a great choice for anybody who wants to get out and explore the great outdoors. It is easy to get to and has beautiful scenery along the way. It’s also a good place to visit with kids.
Ramsays Falls Hike
This is a 5-mile round trip hike near Mount Mitchell, NC. It is an easy hike with beautiful scenery. The trail passes by several waterfalls and is open year-round. It is wheelchair-friendly and is a great place to hike with kids. The waterfall at the end of the hike is a great reward for the relatively easy trail. This trail is open year-round, but note that the waterfalls are smaller during the winter and the trail could be very muddy if there has been a lot of rain. This is a great place to visit any time of year, but is especially stunning during the fall when the leaves are changing.
Conclusion
If you are looking for an easy hike with stunning views and lots of wildlife, these trails are a perfect choice. They are all very easy to get to and have lots of parking nearby. These hikes are great for beginners and families with young children. No matter what time of year you visit, these hikes are beautiful and rewarding. These trails are perfect for anyone who wants to get outdoors and explore, but doesn’t want to tackle an overly challenging trail.