Take a Hike

by Anna Beth Adcock | May 30, 2023 | Do, June 2023

Press play on our trail mix of adventures for your summer travel itinerary.

Calling all NC adventurers! It’s the Year of the Trail (!), aka time to walk the walk(s)—literally—and tout our state’s fab and far-reaching network of trails, greenways and blueways reaching from the coastal region to the peaks (fun fact: NC is nicknamed the Great Trails State!). Beyond enjoying natural beauty and a bit of fresh air, trail trekking offers a bevy of benefits, from balance to strength to improved heart, mental and relational health—so bring a walking buddy! 

And there’s no better time to tackle our state’s tantalizing trail ops, whether you’re seeking a relaxing refuge or ready to rough it out in the wild like Bear Grylls. Here, we offer up four fun trails around NC fit for a day trip or overnight excursion, along with some spots to sate your appetite afterward and cheers to a successful trek. … Ready to choose your adventure?

DO: Blue Ridge Parkway
Erwins View Trail at Linville Falls 
The Blue Ridge Parkway always brings its A-game—and this quick, fam-friendly 1.7-mile out-and-back trail is perf for a quick exploration to get your blood pumpin’ without missing your lunch rez back in town. NTM you’ll fall for the views. Trekkers can nab a glance of the base of Upper Linville Falls and view Lower Linville Falls from above. Never mind what TLC said—rules are meant to be broken. npplan.com

EAT
Stonewalls Restaurant
Nestled in Downtown Banner Elk—but serving Newland, Blowing Rock, Boone and Linville locals alike—this locally owned resto has been touting gourmet steaks, seafood (the crabcakes are fab!), fine wine, and olive oils and balsamics since 1985. Steakcation mode, activated. stonewallsrestaurant.com

DRINK
Blowing Rock Brewing Company
Hey, brew. For a peak experience, belly up to Downtown Blowing Rock for ales and ales of drink and food ops to curb those cravings after a long hike—think burgers, wings and sandwiches. P.S. There’s also wine and bubbly on offer if beer isn’t your thing. Cheers! blowingrockbrewing.com

DO: Appalachian Trail
Max Patch
Want to hike the Appalachian Trail without all the hoopla—or the five to seven month commitment? Take a walk along a section of the AT via this 4,600-foot bald mountain boasting 360 degrees of breathtaking views. To boot, if the weather’s nice, spy Mount Mitchell and the Great Smoky Mountains off in the distance—then stargaze, picnic and lay among the wildflowers. While there’s no camping on the bald, find overnight ops around town in Hot Springs. Trust us, this hike rocks! romanticasheville.com

EAT
The Grey Eagle Taqueria
We’re in our fillings for this authentic and fresh taco joint with a Hot Springs locale (the OG spot opened in Asheville’s The Grey Eagle Music Hall) less than an hour away from Max Patch to sate those post-trail munchies. Nosh on tacos, salads and other Latin American fare made with fresh ingredients prepped in-house. And wash it all down with a marg… you earned it! Can we get an encore?! greyeagletaqueria.com

SHOP
Trust General Store & Cafe
Stop here for some good ’ol Southern hospitality! Situated smack dab between Asheville and Hot Springs (and only a 10-minute commute from Max Patch), this historic and convenient stop is the perf place to nab all those last-minute hiking essentials—groceries, hardware supplies, tees, hats, outdoor accessories, etc.—while also spotting some friendly faces for insider go-tos and grabbing a bite to eat. Tell ’em we sent ya! trustgeneralstore.com

DO: Wilmington
Greenfield Lake Park Trail
A seaside stroll more your jam? Lace up your sneaks for a 3.9-mile jaunt around the loop at this happening Wilmington hot spot for walkers, fishers and bikers alike. A great go-to for families or solo sojourners, the trail touts beautiful views of the water, picnic perches and benches scattered around the park. … And we lake it a lot. wilmington-nc.com

EAT
Indochine
Been there, thai’d that! For authentic Far East eats (Vietnamese, Thai) on the East Coast, roll up hungry to this acclaimed resto where the fare is as fab as the atmosphere (think: outdoor huts, hanging lanterns and a decorated dining room). Fill up on Thai curries, fried rice/noodles, dumplings, house specialties—and don’t forget dessert! Pro tip: The mango sticky rice is a must. See you by the lotus pond? indochinewilmington.com

DRINK
Social Coffee
With an MO we can get behind—“to love others thru coffee”—this Wilmy caffeine staple is a perf stop for an energy boost pre- or post-trail. Find small-batch specialty coffee ops and know those dollars are going to good use as the org partners up with an array of nonprofits. Here’s to contributing to creating positive change—one cuppa at a time! socialcoffeesupply.com

DO: Charlotte
U.S. National Whitewater Center Loop
“Paddle faster, I hear banjos!” … Float on over to Charlotte’s Whitewater Center trail for a hike or bike ride to fit your fancy, whether you’re taking a break from the raging rapids or simply want to explore this moderately challenging 8.7-mile loop. Heads up, parking’ll cost ya $6, but it’s a small price to pay for those pristine outdoor adventure vibes. Let’s get trekking! whitewater.org

EAT
The Goodyear House
Good eats found here! “Built on good times,” this spacious eatery offers a stellar ambiance via its outdoor seating area and filling eats (shrimp and grits! pork belly! smoked cashew mac!)—and we’d be remiss not to give the seasonal cocktails a shoutout. Go on, pull up a chair (and bring along those hiking buddies!)—they’ve got a spot at the table for ya. thegoodyearhouse.com

DRINK
Birdsong Brewing Co.
Care for a brewski? In 2010, husband-and-wife dream team Chris and Tara Goulet joined forces with friends Conor Robinson and Michelle LeBeau to bring homebrewed beer to the Charlotte scene. Pro tip: Sip on its seasonal specialty, Rewind Lime, bringing crisp and refreshing fruity flavors through July. Go on, hop to it! birdsongbrewing.com