Muddy boots are a welcome sight in this postcard-perfect spot in the Smokies. Whether you hike in on the Appalachian Trail or drive in for a weekend visit, Hot Springs offers every traveler a special kind of trail magic.
hiking
The Trees Will See You Now
In North Carolina, physicians have long known that nature is the best medicine. Now, a new trail hiking program named TRACK Trails Rx is prescribing doses to the sick and the well.
No Mountain High Enough
If a walk in the woods meant peaceful meditation for 19th-century naturalists like Henry David Thoreau, it signaled danger for African-Americans. An outdoorsman is changing that narrative by leading Charlotte's Outdoor Afro hiking club on journeys to reclaim natural spaces.
Ramblin’ Man: The Sheltered Life
After a long day in the wilderness, even the most rugged outdoor enthusiasts can’t resist the comfort and good company found in a trail shelter.
Big Memories in a Tiny Shack
In the shadow of Whiteside Mountain in Jackson County sits the Grimshawes Post Office, an eensy-weensy wooden building that old-timers fondly remember and newcomers visit on hiking excursions around Cashiers and Highlands.
The Uwharrie Trailblazers are Closing the Gap
In the late 1960s, an Asheboro Scoutmaster had a dream: cut a mini Appalachian Trail through Uwharrie National Forest, in the center of the state. Today, a new group of trailblazers aims to finish the job.
7 Great Places to Unwind After a Hike
Trekking through the woods (or scaling sand dunes) will surely work up an appetite. After a day on the trails, refuel at these hiker hangouts.
Quiz: Test Your Knowledge of North Carolina’s Trails and Greenways
Winding along rivers and linking together towns, rail trails and greenways connect us to nature — and each other.
9 Urban Hikes for a Breath of Fresh Air
When you need an outdoor escape, check out these nine easy-to-get-to, quick-to-hike trails in the Triangle, Charlotte, and beyond.
