My Top Five Easy Hiking Trails In North Carolina

I'm a girl that loves the outdoors.  When I'm at home you can find me working in the yard, riding my horse or hiking one of the trails in the neighborhood.  You might also find me on my porch reading a book or visiting with friends.  I love a good hike but I don't necessarily want to hurt myself doing it.  I thought you might feel the same ! Here are my top five easy hiking trails in North Carolina.

Summer is here and the perfect affordable day trip to get that vitamin D in is exploring one of the many easy hiking trails in the area.  Most are within an hour or maybe two from the Charlotte area. Here are my picks for easy hiking trails in North Carolina.

Kings Mountain State Park has some gorgeous hiking trails.  Stay on those blue trails for woods, flora and fauna, wildlife, and little waterfalls along the way.  Bring the family and a picnic and enjoy the day.

Crowders Mountain State Park is very close to my home in Clover, South Carolina.  Show offs can head to the top of the mountain:) If you want a less strenuous stroll you will find it there too.  Set your own pace and your own goal.

DuPont State Recreational Forest boasts some amazing waterfalls and super easy hikes.  You will see some lovely things in a relatively short distance.

The drive and the easy hike we enjoy is at Linville Falls in North Carolina.  I do go chasing waterfalls and there are some beautiful ones there as well.  These are my top five easy hiking trails in North Carolina.

Only In Your State has comprised a comprehensive list of hiking trails in North Carolina from easy to hard.  Get details here and get your North Carolina hike on.

The daffodils are blooming, the Japanese cherry trees are glorious and all I can think about is lacing up my hiking boots and heading to the nearest State Park.  Here are the five best state parks for hiking in South Carolina.  Only In Your State never disappoints.  One of these is also one of my personal favorites.

Hiking is one of the best ways to fire all the happy chemicals in your brain.  Here is what you get from hiking. According to Google here are the benefits, As Daniel Levitin explains in his book, Successful Aging, hiking exercises the part of your brain designed to help you navigate through life—for example, the restrosplenial cortex and the hippocampus, which aids in memory, too—which is why hiking not only helps your heart, but helps your mind stay sharp, as well.  Plus it is fun!

Our family hikes quite a bit and when I go with my kids I tell them; breathe deep, look around and enjoy every step.  It increases the dopamine in your brain, you will sleep better and we have a no phones policy so the talks are nice.

There are so many wonderful state parks in both North Carolina and South Carolina where you can hike, camp, ride bikes or horses. Here are the 5 best state parks for hiking in South Carolina.

This one is not listed in Only In Your State, but this is one of my favorites and I know you will love it especially if you live in the Charlotte area.  Kings Mountain State Park has it all!!  You can take your horse, which I have done hundreds of times but there are also designated hiking trails.  You will see all kinds of small waterfalls and beautiful  things to see, smell and feel.  You will also learn a little something about the Battle of Kings Mountain while you are there. To learn more about this park just go right here.

Here is what Only In Your State has to say about this gorgeous place, Get your burn on with this one! The trail will take you up and down rocky slopes, through forests, and back again for a 3.5 mile loop. Don't forget to bring insect repellent with you! This is for the advance hiker for sure!

According to Only In Your State, 1,400 acres of breathtaking nature in the heart of Columbia, SC, this park offers so much including the much needed getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life. Family-friendly and pet-friendly with a load of amenities. Note that there is an admission fee.

Only In your State had this to say about this place, Also known as the "Mountains of the Midlands", there are plenty of nature trails and amazing sights to see from beginning to end. Definitely family friendly hikes and pet friendly. The best part besides all the beauty that will be surrounding you? It's free!

This is another personal favorite of mine. Over 7,000 acres of long leaf pines.  It is the perfect place for horseback riding and the hiking is glorious as well.  To learn more get details from their website right here.