The 10 Best Scenic Walking Areas in North Carolina, United States

December 14, 2021 Rebbecca Marino

North Carolina has something for everyone, with the highest mountains in the eastern U.S., 300 miles of pristine coastline, quaint towns and vibrant cities. From the mountains to the sea, explore the natural, scenic beauty, discover outdoor adventure or try one of 500 golf courses, including the legendary Pinehurst No. 2. Discover a favorite among 100 wineries and 60 craft breweries, tour historic and cultural treasures, sample farm to table delicacies and get the thrill of motorsports in the "home" of NASCAR.
Restaurants in North Carolina

1. Lejeune Memorial Gardens

Johnson Blvd.; Hwy. 24 Camp Johnson gate entrance, Jacksonville, NC 28540 +1 910-938-5200 https://jacksonvillenc.gov/index.aspx?nid=648
Excellent
89%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 45 reviews

Lejeune Memorial Gardens

2. Shuford House & Gardens

534 3rd Ave NW, Hickory, NC 28601-4918 +1 828-327-9630 [email protected] http://www.facebook.com/ShufordHouse/
Excellent
75%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 4 reviews

Shuford House & Gardens is a charming community house in the Oakwood district, built in 1904, now adjacent to other historic structures and a small public park with gardens, tranquil walking paths, peaceful fountain, white pergola. The park is free to visit; tours of the house are available by appointment. Both can be rented for weddings, birthdays, showers, meetings & other special occasions.

3. Muddy Creek Greenway

Robinhood Road Near Jefferson Elementary School, Winston Salem, NC http://www.wsgreenways.org/index.php/muddyCreek
Excellent
88%
Good
6%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
6%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 16 reviews

Muddy Creek Greenway

4. Beacon Heights Overlook

Milepost 305.2 Blue Ridge Parkway, Linville, NC 28777
Excellent
86%
Good
5%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 21 reviews

Beacon Heights Overlook

Reviewed By jrobba - Charlotte, United States

It's a short hike from the Blue Ridge parkway, and while it was pretty easy for us and our kiddos (8 and 5), my inlaws were feeling it a little, as there is some uphill hiking. Overall, I'd put it between easy and moderate. The views from the overlook are incredible, and totally worth the 15 minute trek up there!

5. GSMNP - Deep Creek Trail

Deep Creek Trail, Bryson City, NC 28713 +1 877-444-6777 http://www.greatsmokies.com/Pdfs/DeepCreekTrails.pdf
Excellent
86%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 111 reviews

GSMNP - Deep Creek Trail

Reviewed By seekingpeace - Ohio, United States

This is an easy hike if you just want to go to Tom Branch Falls and Indian Creek Falls. They are fairly close together with a short walk in between. Our favorite was Tom Branch Falls because you have a bench and a couple places you can just sit and enjoy the falls. The Indian Creek Falls is a little further up the trail with a slight incline to walk up. The path is made up of dirt and gravel but it is very easy to walk on. The Indian River Falls has steps you have to walk down to get to them and you have to stand on a small flat ledge that could possibly hold perhaps 7 to 8 people at a time. This water fall was our second favorite. The Juney Whank Falls are a much steeper and harder path to hike to get to them and it is mostly uphill. My husband has bad knees and he struggled to make it up the steep incline. In our opinion these falls were not worth the climb but we were able to say we made it to all three falls!

6. Three Waterfalls Hike

W Deep Creek Rd, Bryson City, NC 28713, Bryson City, NC http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/juney-whank-falls.htm
Excellent
78%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 41 reviews

Three Waterfalls Hike

Reviewed By 512angelak - Fort Myers, United States

I don't know how anyone would rate this under a 5. It is so beautiful here and the hike is awesome. We saw all three waterfalls and did the loop trail. We took our time, taking in all of the beauty and taking pictures. It was about 2.5 hours. It was moderately difficult in parts of the loop trail but not for long just the way up had some places that really got your heart going. But the trail was plenty wide and plenty of spots to catch your breath and take a swig of water. I am not in anyway in great shape so I would say just about anyone could do this so long as they can walk 4-5 miles. I am 46 with 9 knee operations and could afford to lose 30 pounds and I did just fine. We tubed here years ago in the summer and it was a lot of fun but in October it was a little too cold for anyone it appears nobody was doing it. Looking forward to coming back in better shape and doing the more difficult trails. Also note: it says no pets allowed on the trails but I saw people with dogs. I like to take my dog on hikes with me but left him at the camper because of we knew it said no pets. It does no appear that the rule in enforced at least not when we were there. Also, we had to wait to get out of the park as the park rangers had to come and clear the road of a very big tree that had fallen and blocked the road. Thank goodness it did not fall on top of a car traveling down the road. It would have been really bad!

7. North Carolina Botanical Garden

100 Old Mason Farm Rd CB 3375, Totten Center, Chapel Hill, NC 27517-4431 +1 919-962-0522 [email protected] http://ncbg.unc.edu/
Excellent
60%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 283 reviews

North Carolina Botanical Garden

The North Carolina Botanical Garden (NCBG), part of the University of North Carolina, is a 1,000+ acre assemblage of display gardens and natural areas in and around Chapel Hill, North Carolina. The Garden is nationally known as a center for the study, display, interpretation, and conservation of southeastern native plants. Our main gardens in Chapel Hill feature a variety of native plant displays, an indoor exhibit hall, Garden Shop, art gallery, and extensive nature trails behind the Garden.

Reviewed By NCTraveler2015 - Raleigh, United States

The North Carolina Botanical Gardens is reopened in Chapel Hill. The buildings are closed but the display gardens and the restrooms are open. Although the gardens are free to visit they do ask for a $5 donation. At the moment there are various art sculptures within the garden that adds a new dimension to the gardens. The gardens are divided into the Piedmont area; Coastal Plains and the Mountains. There is also an herb garden. It is a great place to spend some time and take in nature.

8. Cape Fear Botanical Garden

536 N Eastern Blvd, Fayetteville, NC 28301-5100 +1 910-486-0221 [email protected] http://www.capefearbg.org/
Excellent
63%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
3%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 319 reviews

Cape Fear Botanical Garden

Cape Fear Botanical Garden is a premier destination in Fayetteville, NC. We provide an urban oasis for local residents and visitors alike, as well as educational programming and recreational activities to strengthen our community.

Reviewed By SallyNC - Fayetteville, United States

We are so fortunate to have such a fabulous botanical garden in Fayetteville. My children love to visit and play in the children's garden. They have many workshops for children. The list seems to expand each year. I love to watch the vast species of native plants flowering during the different seasons. The walking trails are fun to do with children, as well. The Christmas light display is a must do over the holiday season. The garden is also one of our "go to" places to bring out of town guests.

9. Airing of the Quilts

Downtown Franklin, NC, Franklin, NC +1 828-524-2516 http://www.discoverfranklinnc.com/airing-the-quilts/
Excellent
50%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
17%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 6 reviews

Airing of the Quilts

10. Riverwalk

Entrance is by the Eno River Parking Deck at the end of Nash and Kollock Street, Hillsborough, NC http://www.ci.hillsborough.nc.us/content/riverwalk/
Excellent
73%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 135 reviews

Riverwalk

Reviewed By _Shar_Bene - Glasgow, United Kingdom

A very nice walk by the Eno, good to get to know the area with the Occaneechi Village Replica site worth a stop.

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