Croatan Hiking

Adventurous Hiking

Why hike alone when you can join a guided or group hike in the beautiful North Carolina outdoors, and meet fellow hikers that love the outdoors just as much as you do. We offer year-round hiking.

Our guided hiking programs range to suit the needs of anyone from the beginner to the experienced, and can be combined as part of any other activity to create a complete day.

Whether your goal is to have a casual tour of North Carolina or to hone your skills in backcountry camping and hiking, your guide has the knowledge and skills to suit your needs. Our local guides are trained in the classroom and in the field, and will take you to the areas of interest on or off the beaten path in the forests.

Croatan Hiking guides have worldly experiences from all over the world, and hold advanced wilderness medical certifications. Our staff knows the backcountry trails of North Carolina, and they will provide you with a trip that offers spectacular views.

Favorite Trails

Easy

Triple Falls and High Falls River

Triple Falls and High Falls River Trail is a 2.2 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Hendersonville, North Carolina that features a waterfall. The trail is good for all skill levels and is primarily used for hiking, walking, running, and nature trips. The trail also offers a number of activity options and is best used from March until October.

Hickory Nut Falls

Hickory Nut Falls Trail is a 1.5 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Lake Lure, North Carolina that features a waterfall and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking and is accessible year-round.

Mouse Creek Falls and Big Creek Falls

Mouse Creek Falls via Big Creek Trail is a 5.7 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Waynesville, North Carolina that features a waterfall and is good for all skill levels. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Horses are also able to use this trail.

Moderate

Looking Glass Rock Trail

Looking Glass Rock Trail is a 5.7 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Brevard, North Carolina that features a river and is rated as moderate. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round.
This is a great hike with a steady climb. There are only a few points where things get a little technical, but wear the right shoes and it’s not bad. The end is amazing - find a spot to sit down and enjoy the view.

Rainbow Falls and Turtleback Falls Trail

Rainbow Falls and Turtleback Falls Trail is a 3.9 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Sapphire, North Carolina that features a waterfall and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking, nature trips, and mountain biking and is accessible year-round.
This short hike along the Horsepasture River features outstanding views of 4 large waterfalls and good camping.

Catawba Falls Trail

Catawba Falls Trail is a 2.1 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Old Fort, North Carolina that features a waterfall and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking, running, nature trips, and bird watching and is accessible year-round. Easy, short hike to pretty waterfalls. Low effort, high yield. Large parking lot right at the trailhead.
SAFETY WARNING: There have been deaths and many injuries caused by hikers falling from the falls. Please do not climb on slick rocks and in close vicinity of the falls (upper and lower) - a photo opportunity is not worth a life.

Difficult

Black Mountain Crest Trail

Black Mountain Crest Trail is a 11.3 mile heavily trafficked point-to-point trail located near Burnsville, North Carolina that features beautiful wild flowers and is only recommended for very experienced adventurers. The trail is primarily used for hiking, camping, and backpacking and is accessible year-round.
The Black Mountain Crest Trail is a point to point trail starting at Bowlens Creek Road and Ending at the Mt Mitchell Summit parking area or vice versa. Some find it easiest to start from the top. The trail follows the Mt Mitchell Ridge for the first 7 miles, traversing the largest collection of 6,000 ft peaks in the Eastern US. From Celo Knob, the trail descends about 3500 feet to Bowlens Creek.

Calloway Park via Profile Trail

Calloway Peak via Profile Trail is a 7.6 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Banner Elk, North Carolina that features a waterfall and is rated as difficult. The trail is primarily used for hiking, camping, and backpacking and is best used from March until November.
Beginning from Hwy 105 as a scenic, rolling pathway through seasonal wildflowers, this trail crosses the Watauga River and travels under a hardwood canopy for much of its length. Upper sections, beginning around Foscoe View, get steeper. There are frequent rest stops with stone benches and turnouts. The trail gets a bit muddy when wet.

Grandfather Mountain Trail

Grandfather Mountain Trail is a 3.9 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Linville, North Carolina that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as difficult. The trail is primarily used for hiking, camping, nature trips, and bird watching and is best used from April until November.
One of the most technical mountain hikes without climbing equipment east of the Mississippi, Grandfather Mountain trail traverses forest, exposed cliffs, rock outcroppings, ladders and attached cables to spectacular views.