Walking Trails in Charlotte and Mecklenburg, North Carolina

Charlotte is not only the largest city in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, it’s also the largest in the state. Despite being a large urban metropolis, the city and its county have a variety of walking trails to explore. Whether you want to stay within an urban setting, or you desire to get outdoors and stretch your legs on a nature trail, there’s a walking path that fits the bill. In addition, you can go just outside the city limits to find other paths within Mecklenburg County.

Greenways

• The Mecklenburg County Parks and Recreation Department maintains 15 greenways throughout the county, which add up to more than 37 miles of developed trails. Several trails, including the 0.83-mile Irwin Creek Greenway in Clanton Park and the Little Sugar Creek Greenway, are within Charlotte city limits. Little Sugar Creek Greenway is divided up into four sections, ranging from 0.79 miles to 2.88 miles, but when the greenway is complete and connected, it will offer more than 19 miles of trail.

  Outside of the city limits, trails north of Charlotte in Huntersville, Cornelius and Davidson will take you close to picturesque Lake Norman or Davidson College. While most of the greenway trails are paved, you will encounter some unpaved surfaces as well. The greenway trails are continuously being expanded, so check the department’s website for the most current map before heading out.

Hiking Trails

• Mecklenburg County maintains more than 50 miles of hiking trails in its nature preserves and parks. These trails, such as the 5 miles of trail in McAlpine Creek Community Park, allow walkers to explore local flora and wildlife. Reedy Creek Park and Nature Preserve’s 10 miles of dedicated trails take walkers along streams and through forests, as well as to the ruins of an 18th century rockhouse. The McDowell Nature Center and Preserve is the oldest preserve in the county, with 7 miles of trail, some of it situated along the banks of Lake Wylie and on Copperhead Island. The only Mecklenburg County park or preserve open to horseback riding, the Latta Plantation Nature Preserve in Huntersville, has 16 miles of trails, 3 miles of which are limited to hikers on the grounds of a 19th century Federal-style home and farm.

Other Trails

• Several of the more than 200 parks maintained by the Mecklenburg County Parks and Recreation Department have walking trails, including Camp Greene Community Park and Independence Park. A number of communities within Mecklenburg County also maintain trails separate from the ones maintained by the county’s parks department. North of Charlotte, Cornelius has more than 10 miles of paved and unpaved trails, including some portions that go through wooded areas. Fisher Farm Park in Davidson has 2.5 miles of walking trails. The Parham Gateway Park in Davidson has a nature trail with exercise stations.

Walking Tours

• The Charlotte Visitor Center has a downloadable map of more than 20 prominent or historic Uptown Charlotte spots to explore, including the NASCAR Hall of Fame, a literary-themed park, The Green and the fountain in The Plaza. Explore the public art on display with a 45-minute self-guided art tour of Uptown Charlotte. Download the podcast and map on the Arts and Science council website and head off to see various sculptures and abstract art pieces nestled among Charlotte’s skyscrapers. The brochure and map can also be picked up at the council’s office as well as several local visitor centers. The Levine Museum of the New South offers guided walking tours of uptown Charlotte and the Fourth Ward each May.

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Trails in Linville Gorge, North Carolina

Few places provide more opportunities for hiking and backpacking than the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, and the Linville Gorge Wilderness area alone features nearly 40 miles of trails. Spanning 12,000 acres of rugged slopes and lush mountains, the wilderness area is bisected from north to south by the Linville River, and both the east and west rims of the gorge offer numerous hiking options.

Linville Gorge Trail

• One of the most heavily used trails in the wilderness area, and the longest at 11.5 miles, the Linville Gorge Trail parallels the river along its western shore, descending along steep, rock-strewn slopes and dense hardwood forests. The trail frequently approaches the riverbank, providing excellent views and access to numerous unusual rock formations. Because of the difficulty of the terrain, the entire hike often takes two days to complete, and overnight backwoods camping is allowed between May and October with a permit. This trail also connects to many shorter hiking trails along the west rim of the Linville Gorge.

West Rim Trails

• Nine trails explore the west rim of the Linville Gorge, most of them accessible from various trailheads along state Route 138. The 2.8-mile Linville Falls Trail is the northernmost option, with three scenic overlooks and views of a series of waterfalls that tumble down through the Linville Gorge. The easiest trail is probably the Pine Gap Trail, which makes a gradual 1-mile descent into the gorge and connects with the Linville Gorge Trail at the bottom. Many of the west rim trails intersect with the Linville Gorge Trail, allowing you the opportunity to hike down into the gorge on one trail and ascend out on a different trail, using the Linville Gorge Trail as a connector route between the two.

East Rim Trails

• The east rim trails are more diverse than those along the west rim, so you can either explore the gorge itself or hike to the top of several peaks that shadow the eastern half of the Linville Gorge Wilderness Area. One popular -- albeit strenuous -- hike travels 1.2 miles along the Table Rock Summit Trail to the top of 3,930-foot Table Rock Mountain. The summit rewards hikers with a panoramic view of the gorge and the surrounding landscape. If you'd like to explore the eastern side of the gorge, you can descend to the river on the 1.5-mile Devil's Hole Trail or the 1.75-mile Spencer Ridge Trail. Most of the east rim's eight hiking trails are accessible from Forest Road 210, which branches off state Route 181 south of Jonas Ridge.

Hiking Considerations

• Many of the trails in the Linville Gorge Wilderness Area are challenging, involving steep climbs and descents over rocky and uneven ground. Hikers should assess whether a hike is within their abilities. Durable footwear, accurate trail maps and lots of water are essential. Water from streams, springs or the river itself must be filtered, treated or boiled before drinking. You can get maps and backcountry camping permits at the Grandfather Ranger District office on East Lawing Drive. Always let someone know where you are before setting off on a trail, and hike with a companion, especially if you've never hiked in the Linville Gorge Wilderness Area before.

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Fishing at New River State Park, North Carolina

The New River has two forks that snake from headwaters in North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains before joining a few miles south of the Virginia state line. Designated a National Wild and Scenic River in 1976, the New River flows south to north through rugged mountain forests and remote valleys in the northwest corner of the Tar Heel State, much of it not easily accessible. One place to enjoy the peaceful, pristine waterway is New River State Park, which provides several access points to the river and a base for activities such as fishing, canoeing and camping.

About the River

• The New River's name actually is a misnomer, as it is estimated to be one of the oldest rivers in North America, existing for millions of years -- even before the mountain range through which it flows. The 26.5-mile North Carolina section of the waterway that is designated as a scenic river includes 22 miles of the South Fork and 4.5 miles of the main river until it reaches the Virginia state line. It then continues to wind north through southwest Virginia and into West Virginia. While in search of fish, anglers also might glimpse other forms of wildlife in the river or along its banks, such as white-tailed deer, beavers, river otters, raccoons, mink, muskrats, wild turkeys, wood ducks, red-tailed hawks and even an occasional black bear.

Fishing Access and Information

• New River State Park has four access areas in Ashe and Alleghany counties that provide entrance points to the park's more than 2,200 acres along the namesake river and its southern fork. The park's headquarters and visitor center are at the U.S. 221 access point at river mile 15 near Laurel Springs. Each of the four areas provides canoe access, as well as spots to fish along the riverbank. Three access points also have hiking trails. New River State Park is open year round, except Christmas Day, during daylight hours. Admission to the park is free, although fees are charged for camping. Anglers 16 years of age and older must purchase a resident or nonresident fishing license, available online from the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission.

Fish Species

• The New River is a slow-moving river, making it fairly easy to fish from a canoe, but it also has a number of small, faster-flowing tributaries near each access point that are stocked with brown and rainbow trout. The river's South Fork typically has ample populations of redeye and smallmouth bass, and muskellunge often can be found on the river's South Fork, just downstream from the U.S. 221 bridge. Other targets include carp, flathead and channel catfish, sunfish and walleye.

Canoeing and Camping

• If you'd like to combine your fishing with a canoe and camping trip, three of New River State Park's access points have campgrounds. The U.S. 221 access area has a drive-in campground with 20 sites for tents, trailers or RVs. Each campsite includes electrical hookups, and 10 have full hookups. The U.S. 221 access point also has 15 primitive walk-in or canoe-in campsites. Both campgrounds provide nearby restrooms with hot showers. Primitive campgrounds also are available at the Wagoner Road access area, which has 10 walk-in or canoe-in sites with nearby restrooms and hot showers, and the Alleghany County access point, which has eight sites that can be reached by canoe only. The Alleghany campground has pit toilets and a water pump.

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Longboard Surfing in North Carolina

The sweet “soul” ride of a longboard is a unique surfing experience. Unlike the shredders on shortboards or even bodyboards who carve up a wave, longboarders beckon back to a time when smooth bottom turns and nose rides were the ultimate surfing thrills. While all waves can be ridden using any type of surfboard, it’s the smaller, slower waves that work best for the longboard enthusiast, and along the 300 miles of North Carolina’s mainland and barrier island beaches, plenty of breaks will fill the bill.

Corolla Beach

• The best known surfing beaches in North Carolina are in the Outer Banks, a string of migrating sandy barrier islands extending from Corolla Beach in the north to Cape Hatteras in the south. The constant movement of sand and offshore sandbars vary surf conditions throughout the chain, but in the north, Corolla Beach produces a consistently mellow, regional, classic style of wave. When conditions are right, these 3- to 4-foot breaking barrels produce clean, glassy faces with peeling crests that are perfect for a little toes-on-nose action. Corolla Beach is a public beach, and there is plenty of free parking. It is, however, subject to rip currents and sharks.

Kill Devil Hills

• Relatively isolated in the center of the Outer Banks and surrounded by numerous sand bars is Kill Devil Hills. Despite the sinister name, "Surfer" magazine calls this the sixth best surf town in America. That's partly because of attitude, but mostly because of the consistency of the waves produced here. There are flat periods, but when the right swell lands, the result is rolling barrels that hold up quite well. While First Street belongs to the shredders on shortboards and Second Street is dominated by bodyboarders, the area around the Avalon Pier is a favorite of the longboard riders. This peaky beach break is very popular, and can get crowded when it's breaking.

Topsail Island

• Topsail Island features 26 miles of white sand beaches, including Topsail Beach, Surf City and Del Mar Beach. The waves break off of sand bars on this barrier island, named by mariners who learned to scan the island’s dunes for the topsails of pirate ships lying in wait for them in the channels. Both lefts and rights with ordinary power roll toward the beach here, but the rides can be long enough to give your toes cramps from hanging over the tip of your nose for so long. While shifting sand can change conditions, the most consistent surf is found around the island‘s three piers, Topsail Beach pier, Surf City pier and the Atlantic pier.

Wrightsville Beach

• Close to North Carolina’s southern border is of its most popular spots, Wrightsville Beach. This is a spot that "National Geographic" lists as one of the world’s 20 best surf towns. It’s also a place "Outside" magazine calls one of the best North American beginners' beaches. Not known for their power, the waves at Wrightsville Beach break over a sandy bottom, producing 3- to 6-footers with short ride spans mostly suited for longboarders. This spot fires on a southeast swell, and it’s the home of the Wrightsville Longboard Association.

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Trails Around Flat Rock, North Carolina

Nestled in the mountainous southwestern corner of North Carolina, the village of Flat Rock is surrounded by some of the state's most rugged and scenic hiking trails, including a section of the 962-mile Mountains to Sea trail. The Flat Rock area also offers outstanding opportunities for mountain biking and horseback riding, and most trails are open year-round, free of charge.

Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site

• The home of Pulitzer Prize-winning author and poet Carl Sandburg was opened as a national historic site in 1974. Located on Little River Road in Flat Rock, the 240-acre farm surrounding the house-turned-museum includes about 5 miles of hiking trails. These trails connect various buildings and attractions throughout the Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site, and with the exception of a brief section of trail that leads up the slope of Glassy Mountain, all are fairly flat and easy. Sandburg wrote that "It is necessary now and then for a man to go away by himself and experience loneliness; to sit on a rock in the forest and to ask of himself, 'Who am I, and where have I been, and where am I going?' " and his historic farm has become the perfect place to do just that.

DuPont State Forest

• DuPont State Forest, located less than 15 miles from Flat Rock, is a prime destination for hiking, rock climbing, fishing and outdoor pursuits of all kinds. This 10,000-acre tract of land is home to more than 80 miles of trails and back roads that are shared by hikers, cyclists and horseback riders. The Sky Valley Road Entrance -- one of several, and the closest to Flat Rock -- leads to a parking area from which you can access the 0.6-mile Farmhouse Trail, the 0.2-mile Flatwoods Trail and the 1.2-mile Shoal Creek Trail, among others. Most individual trails are fairly short, but their interconnected nature allows visitors to choose among a wide variety of longer routes. The trail map provided on the North Carolina Forest Service website is a useful tool to help you get your bearings amid the forest's labyrinth of winding trails.

Pisgah National Forest

• Sprawling across more than 500,000 acres, Pisgah National Forest offers enough trails to keep even the most devoted hiker busy for a lifetime. The section of the forest known as the Pisgah Ranger District is less than 45 minutes from Flat Rock, and this area alone has more than 70 individual hiking trails, many of them also open to mountain biking and equestrian use. For hikers, the 30-mile Art Loeb National Recreation Trail is a good starting point. This trail explores some of Pisgah's most rugged and beautiful terrain, leading hikers to several of the highest and lowest points in the district, and numerous access points make it easy to choose a smaller section. Mountain bikers can experience a challenging 9.8-mile ride on the Black Mountain Trail, and horseback riders can spend a pleasant afternoon on the relatively easy 2.4-mile Fletcher Creek Trail, which offers connections to several other equestrian trails.

Hiking Considerations

• As always, safety is a major concern when you head out on any Flat Rock area trail, so always tell someone where you're going and when you plan to return, and consider traveling with a companion if you're unfamiliar with the area. Always dress for the season, wear durable shoes and carry lots of water. Water from springs and streams must always be filtered or treated before drinking. Summers can be hot in the Flat Rock area, making spring and fall more comfortable times to hike, but the weather can change quickly at any time of year, and dressing in layers is a good way to prepare for changing conditions. National and state forest land in North Carolina is inhabited by a variety of wildlife, including black bears, but interactions with humans are rare as long as you keep a respectful distance and don't antagonize the animals.

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Camping on Cabin Trail in Linville Gorge, North Carolina

Set in the mountains of western North Carolina, the 12,000-acre Linville Gorge Wilderness is part of Pisgah National Forest and sometimes called the "Grand Canyon of the East." The rugged gorge, formed by the Linville River and bordered by Jonas Ridge and Linville Mountain, provides visitors with scenic views of forested slopes, waterfalls and the namesake river. Recreational opportunities such as rock climbing, hunting, fishing and 39 miles of hiking trails abound in the wilderness area. Although no developed campgrounds are in the Linville Gorge Wilderness, camping is allowed for backpackers, including those hiking the Cabin Trail.

About the Trail

• At only 0.75 miles, the Cabin Trail, which starts along Linville Gorge's western rim, is the shortest trail in the Linville Gorge Wilderness, but don't let that fool you. It is an extremely steep and rugged path that starts near the former site of an old hunting cabin and leads to the Linville River at the bottom of the gorge. In its short distance, the trail drops approximately 1,000 feet in elevation before connecting with the Linville Gorge Trail, which winds along the river. Fall is one of the better times to hike the trail, when temperatures are cool and the surrounding forests explode in vibrant reds, oranges and yellows. Trailheads and parking areas for the western-rim trails, including the Cabin Trail, lie just off N.C. 1238/Kistler Memorial Highway.

Camping Along the Trail

• Backpacking and wilderness camping is allowed along the Cabin Trail and most other western-rim trails, although free permits are required on weekends and holidays only from May to October. Permits can be obtained from the Grandfather Ranger District office by mail or in person. Camping is not allowed within 200 feet of trails, and campers are asked to minimize their impact on the wilderness area by avoiding overused areas and campsites, picking up litter, packing out all garbage and burying human waste at least 6 inches deep. Use existing fire rings or backpacker stoves if possible; if you must build a fire, keep it small and drown it thoroughly when finished. Remove evidence of all areas cleared for a fire or sleeping by replacing or scattering sticks and leaves.

Cautions and Considerations

• Because the Cabin Trail is so steep, hikers should wear high-ankle hiking boots, use caution and go slowly so as not to twist an ankle. Some wilderness trails are not well marked or maintained, so it is a good idea to have a compass and an official map of the area before setting out on your journey. All hikers in the Linville Gorge Wilderness should be able to identify and keep an eye out for copperheads and timber rattlers, two poisonous snakes native to the area. Bear, deer and raccoons also are present in the wilderness, so backpackers should store all trash and food in sealed containers away from their campsites and never leave food unattended.

Nearby Trails and Camping

• Several other trails are set along the Kistler Memorial Highway on Linville Gorge's western rim, many of them connecting to the 11.5-mile Linville River Trail that winds along the river at the bottom of the gorge. One of the most popular is the Linville Falls Trail, which provides several overlooks of the waterfall's upper and lower tiers. In addition, an 11-mile section of North Carolina's Mountains-to-Sea Trail, a nearly 1,000-mile trail that stretches from the Great Smoky Mountains to the Outer Banks, passes along the gorge's western rim. For campers who prefer developed campsites, Mortimer Campground is the closest to the Linville Gorge Wilderness. The campground, open from April to November, includes sites for tents and RVs, plus drinking water, restrooms, showers and a picnic shelter.

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What to Do Near Dunn, North Carolina

Dunn, first settled in the 1880s as a logging town and turpentine distilling center, is the largest city in east-central North Carolina's Harnett County. Only 40 miles south of the state capital of Raleigh, Dunn is host of the North Carolina Cotton Festival each fall and also has a number of historical, cultural and recreational attractions. If you're planning to stay overnight, the area provides an assortment of accommodations, including hotels and bed-and-breakfasts.

Historical Attractions

• The Averasboro Battlefield and Museum, about 7 miles southwest of Dunn, is the site of a March 1865 Civil War battle that involved about 25,000 Union troops and 8,000 Confederate soldiers. The property includes three plantation homes that were there during the fighting. A museum contains artifacts found after the battle and exhibits that display period uniforms, troop locations and movements. Be sure to visit the Chicora Cemetery, final resting place of 56 Confederates killed in the battle. Living-history demonstrations and battle re-enactments are held periodically. The General William C. Lee Airborne Museum in Dunn, set in the general's early 20th century, three-story neoclassical Revival home, pays homage to the native son who helped develop and organize the U.S. Army's Airborne Division for use in World War II.

Ponds, Parks and Trails

• Historic Rhodes Pond, 5 miles south of Dunn, was built in the 1700s by a dam across the Black River. The remains of an old mill and the dam can be viewed, but the tea-colored pond today is home to beaver, cypress groves and lilies and used for fishing, boating and canoeing. The pond is open daily and free to the public.

  Raven Rock State Park, less than 25 miles northwest of Dunn, is named for a 150-foot-tall crystalline formation that stretches along the Cape Fear River. Other amenities and attractions include fishing and canoeing in the river, hiking trails, picnic areas and campsites. Or hike or hike the Dunn-Erwin Rail Trail, a 5-mile nature trail set on old rail corridor that crosses the Black River and leads from downtown Dunn to Erwin.

Cultural Attractions

• The Harnett Regional Theatre puts on musical productions, plays and shows throughout the year at the renovated Stewart Theatre in downtown Dunn.

  Campbell University in Buies Creek, just 10 miles away, also presents a variety of concerts, plays and musicals in its Scott Concert Hall and Ellis Theatre, each of which seat close to 400 people and are situated in the school's Taylor Bott Rogers Fine Arts Center.

Festivals

• If you're visiting in the fall, you might want to attend one of several festivals held in Dunn and surrounding communities. Spivey's Corner, 10 miles northwest of Dunn and the longtime home of the National Hollerin' Contest, has moved the event to mid-September as part of the Hollerin' Heritage Festival. Other activities include a barbecue cookoff, children's games, live music, antique farm equipment displays and a classic car show.

  Mule Days, held the fourth weekend in September in downtown Benson, about 7 miles northeast of Dunn, includes a mule-pulling contest, rodeos, a parade, bluegrass music, a street dance and clogging.

  Among the features at the North Carolina Cotton Festival, held the first Saturday in November in downtown Dunn, are craft and food vendors, live entertainment and an operating cotton gin.

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The Places to See in Pleasure Island, North Carolina

Pleasure Island, off the coast of North Carolina and just south of the city of Wilmington, is a barrier island consisting primarily of a strip of beaches and the Fort Fisher Historical Site. The two beaches are both public, but Carolina Beach is the most commercial while Kure Beach is largely residential. Some island residents have objected to its long-established and arguably decadent-sounding name, but families find a wealth of activities on Pleasure Island, from aquarium to boardwalk, fine dining to bar hopping.

Fort Fisher and North Carolina Aquarium

• When the Union Army had blockaded all other ports, Fort Fisher safeguarded the last remaining nautical gateway for supplies into the Confederacy during the Civil War. When the fort fell during the last days of the conflict, Wilmington Port was seized. Today, the Fort Fisher Historical Site on Pleasure Island draws tourists to its visitor center and the fort’s remains, including the gigantic earthwork fortifications and replica cannon. Fort Fisher is also the site of North Carolina Aquarium, an awesome 235,000-gallon saltwater tank on Kure Beach near Cape Fear River. The aquarium, which includes a host of natural environments and a two-story tank with sharks, stingrays and eels, was named one of the nation's top 10 aquariums by the Travel Channel. It’s open daily except for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.

Carolina Beach and Amusement Park

• A welcoming collection of shops, bars, restaurants, carnival rides, arcades and fishing piers has earned Carolina Beach boardwalk recognition as one of America’s 10 best boardwalks by Food & Wine magazine. Annual events range from concerts and boat regattas to fireworks that light up the night every Thursday during the summer season. The Carolina Beach Amusement Park, which includes an eye-catching Ferris wheel and two dozen other rides, is open evenings from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Parks

• Pleasure Island is home to two major park systems for nature lovers or families who need to burn off excess energy. Carolina Beach Lakes Park encompasses 11 freshwater nautical acres surrounded by gazebos, sheltered picnic areas and a playground. Paddle boats can be rented seasonally. Carolina Beach State Park draws overnight campers and fishing enthusiasts to its 761 acres. Hardy visitors can explore miles of tree-shrouded hiking trails. Use of the park is free except for the camping facilities and the marina for fishing.

Restaurants

• From crab shacks lining Carolina Beach to finer dining venues closer inland, Pleasure Island has something for every visitor and every mood. One Carolina Beach boardwalk landmark is the 1940s-era Britt’s Donuts, where a line often forms outside the door. Big Daddy’s Restaurant on Kure Beach offers Southern-style seafood and steaks with seasonal outdoor dining. Hurricane Alley’s on Carolina Beach offers breathtaking deck views of the Atlantic Ocean, while nearby Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar is among the Best Seafood Dives in America, according to Coastal Living magazine.

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Places of Interest in & Around Graham County, North Carolina

Graham County, tucked into the southwestern corner of North Carolina, is home to some of the tallest mountains east of the Mississippi River. National forestland covers roughly two-thirds of the sparsely populated county, which serves as a gateway to a vast wilderness area. Bordering the northern edge of the county is Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most visited national park in America. Graham County’s heavily wooded highlands, sprawling man-made lakes, winding mountain trails and roads, whitewater rapids and primitive natural beauty make it a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts.

Visit Mountain Lakes

• Fontana Lake, formed by a hydroelectric dam on the Little Tennessee River, covers more than 10,200 acres along the northeastern border of Graham County. Near the center of the county is sprawling Lake Santeetlah, created by a hydroelectric dam on the Cheoah River. Surrounded by thickly wooded mountains, these two reservoirs offer a wide array of recreational activities. Facilities at Fontana Lake, part of the Tennessee Valley Authority network, include campgrounds, picnic areas, playgrounds, boat ramps, fishing and swimming areas, marinas and multipurpose trails. Lake Santeetlah, managed by Brookfield Smoky Mountain Hydropower, has a fishing pier, campgrounds, day-use areas, a marina, multiple boat access areas and a network of trails that crisscross the land surrounding the lake.

In Memory of a Poet

• Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest protects one of America’s most impressive remnants of old-growth forest. The 3,800-acre forest contains examples of more than 100 different tree species, some more than 100 feet tall and over 20 feet in circumference. Fittingly, the forest is dedicated to the memory of poet Joyce Kilmer, whose most famous poem celebrates the beauty and wonder of trees. A 2-mile hiking trail in the shape of a figure-eight offers access to this ancient forest and Popular Cove, a grove containing some of the park’s largest trees. A picnic area adjoins the trailhead parking lot.

Drive the Skyway

• Stretching from Santeetlah Gap near Robbinsville in the east to Tellico Plains, Tennessee, in the west, Cherohala Skyway traverses more than 40 miles of Smoky Mountains high country. Elevations along the skyway range from a low of 900 feet, at the Tellico River, to 5,400 feet, at Haw Knob, which straddles the North Carolina-Tennessee line. Completed in 1996 and designated a National Scenic Byway, the paved two-lane road offers spectacular mountain views, and is particularly popular with motorcyclists, as is the Tail of the Dragon, an 11-mile stretch of U.S. Highway 129 that features 318 curves.

Raft the Cheoah River Rapids

• American Whitewater, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the restoration and conservation of the nation's whitewater resources, reports rising sentiment that the Cheoah River will become “one of the crown jewels of the whitewater world.” Of prime interest is a 9-mile stretch of the river from Santeetlah Dam to Lake Calderwood, which each year enjoys 16 releases of water from the dam, creating optimal whitewater conditions for rafters. Nantahala Outdoor Center’s rafting trips on the river depart from the Cheoah Outpost located at the Blue Waters Mountain Lodge near Robbinsville.

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Things to Do in Elizabeth City, NC

Waterway access, history and small town charm define the town of Elizabeth City, North Carolina. Its riverfront location on the Pasquotank River adds to its attractiveness for both boaters and visitors alike. If you plan to visit or stop on your way through, enjoy a number of enticing cultural attractions, from the historic district, which tells of the town's pre-Civil War past, to the modern multipurpose arts facility, highlighting the area's best visual and performing artists.

Tour the City

• Take a guided tour of Elizabeth City with locals who know it best. De Tours in Elizabeth City offers a walking tour of the 20-block historic district, full of stately Antebellum-era homes and buildings. The tour includes exploring inside the oldest brick home in town, where you'll be offered tea and snacks. Carolina Carriages offers a horse-drawn carriage ride tour around town, which includes the downtown area, the historic district and the waterfront. They even have haunted carriage tours on select evenings, during which you'll learn about the mysterious happenings and spooky events of the city's past.

Explore the Museums

• The Museum of the Albemarle offers an in-depth look at the complex past and present of Elizabeth City and other towns in the northeastern region of North Carolina. Exhibits take a look at life in the Albemarle region during the Civil War, which saw soldiers fighting on both sides, and include a replica of the home of the city's first settlers. For families, Port Discover is the place to go with young children. This interactive and hands-on museum encourages kids to explore the world of science. Exhibits include Kinetic Kids, where children can discover hospital occupations and take a fitness test, and Experimentation Station, a lab area where young visitors perform science experiments using the scientific method.

Enjoy the Arts

• Get a taste of the art scene at the Arts of the Albemarle, a multipurpose theater and art facility in the heart of downtown. Inside, check out artwork from local and national artists in the Jaquelin Jenkins Gallery. Catch an original play or beloved musical performed at the Maguire Theatre by its resident theater troupe, the Center Players. Visiting regional and national acts also perform at the Maguire Theatre throughout the year. You can also catch community theater performances by the Encore Theatre Company, which also performs at Arts of the Albemarle. Just a few blocks away, stop by the independent Red Rabbit Art Gallery, primarily featuring portrait paintings by local and regional artists.

More to Explore

• The waterfront area of Elizabeth City is a hub of activity and entertainment, especially in the warmer spring and summer months. Events typically held at the wharf include outdoor movies in the summer and various festivals. Check out the fresh produce, baked goods and handmade crafts at the Downtown Waterfront Market if you're visiting on a Saturday. Grab a bite to eat at one of the waterfront restaurants selling fresh-caught fish. Stroll along the docks to take in the Albemarle Sound views at sunset. Consider visiting Elizabeth City's United States Coast Guard Air Station. Tours are available for the public on the first Friday of each month.

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