Share this Post
Where the RM team is trekking to hike more, worry less.
“I had diverged, digressed, wandered and become wild.” Live out your Cheryl Strayed a la Wild fantasy and strap on those hiking boots for the Great Trails State Coalition’s (the same group behind NC’s Year of the Trail) first annual Great Trails State Day Oct. 21. Here are some of the Raleigh Magazine team’s favorite hiking trails throughout the state to get you started—worthy of a day trip, weekend getaway or just a quick drive across town. Then it’s just one foot in front of the other…
“Company Mill Trail at Umstead State Park”
—Gina Stephens, Publisher, @ginasdawgs
“If I feel like roughin’ it, Umstead. But if I’m after sunshine and people-watching, can’t beat the NCMA trails.”
—Melissa Howsam, Editor-in-Chief, @mahowsam
“I recently hiked the trail leading to Rainbow Falls in Gorges State Park and it was absolutely beautiful! 10/10 recommend the ~4-mile strenuous (read: steep) trek to see this natural beaut.”
—Lauren Kruchten, Associate Editor, @laurenn_nicol
“My go-to mountain hiking spot is Rough Ridge off the Blue Ridge Parkway—but I also love backpacking with my brother anywhere in Pisgah National Forest (s/o Art Loeb Trail!). And if I’m in Raleigh, a lakeside Lake Johnson run is always a pick-me-up.”
—Anna Beth Adcock, Editorial Assistant, @_annabethadcock
“I enjoy hiking at Umstead. I like the peaceful surroundings and always meet interesting fellow hikers!”
—Debby Serena, Account Executive
“I love Pilot Mountain, there are so many hikes to choose from and the best sunset view!”
—Cameron Rhinehardt, Account Executive
“North Turkey Creek Trail in Umstead. There’s something comforting about being surrounded by so many trees.”
—Emily O’Brien, Contributing Writer
“My favorite NC hiking trail is the Whiteside Mountain Trail just outside of Highlands (which, in my opinion, is one of the best mountain getaways in the state!). Unlike many trails where you hike up to one tiny lookout at the top before heading back down, this trail winds along the ridge of the mountain for a good portion of the hike, allowing many different viewpoints for stopping and taking in the stunning cliff views. Fun fact: During the spring and summer you can often catch peregrine falcons soaring near the cliffs—how awesome is that?”
—Kelsie Barton, Contributing Writer, @kelsie_barton
“Shelley Lake”
—Felicia Trujillo, Contributing Photographer, Food Seen, @foodseennc
“I love hiking Hanging Rock!”
—Sean Junqueira, Contributing Photographer, @seanjunqueira
Related Articles
Share this Post