Whether it’s an evening stroll after work or a weekend excursion to a campsite in the hills, read on for six of our favorite places to get outside in and around the Queen City.
hiking
Where to Discover the Outer Banks’ Wild Side
Leave the beach gear at home and put on your walking (or water!) shoes. From accessible greenways to trails through preserves and guided wildlife tours, here’s where to experience and celebrate the Outer Banks’ precious maritime ecosystem.
Wild Ponies, Mountain Creeks, and the New River
Your fall adventure guide to exploring Grayson County.
8 Ways to Play at Jordan Lake
Spend warm summer days splashing in the water, boating around the shore, and pitching a tent in this slice of wilderness spanning Chatham and Wake counties.
Appalachian Trail
Home to the tallest peaks along the near 2,200-mile route, North Carolina’s stretch of Appalachian Trail draws both thru-hikers and day-trippers for mountain views and tranquility.
The Healing Power of a Bath County Getaway
A hike in the crisp mountain air or a soak in the natural hot springs lets you rejuvenate Mother Nature’s way on the western edge of Virginia.
A Stroll Through the Prairie
In a former cow pasture near downtown Raleigh, a rich North Carolina ecosystem thrives once more — and invites visitors to explore the wild abundance of the natural world.
3 Boardwalk Trails to Explore
Take a trek on the longest continuous trail in the eastern part of the state, go wildlife peeping through the marshes of Washington, or bring a picnic basket for a trailside meal along the Pasquotank River.
Exploring the Outdoors in Randolph County
See otters bathing near a historic dam, enjoy a day kayaking surrounded by the beautiful Uwharrie Mountains, and find peace away from the hustle and bustle of the city in the heart of North Carolina.