North Carolina Hiking Bucket List

The North Carolina Hiking Bucket List features 50 hikes from every corner of the state—designed to help you explore North Carolina's most iconic and awe-inspiring trails. The adventures span a wide range of landscapes and regions, including alpine lakes, waterfalls, canyons, wildflower meadows, and rugged summits. You'll find hikes in or near Badin, Bakersville, Bald Head Island, Balsam Grove, Barnardsville, Blowing Rock, Burnsville, Canton, Carolina Beach State Park, Cedar Mountain, Charlotte, Cliffs of the Neuse State Park, Elk Park, Eno River State Park, Fort Macon State Park, Franklin, Glenville, Gorges State Park, Grandfather Mountain State Park, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Hanging Rock State Park, Hendersonville, Highlands, Hillsborough, Hot Springs, Kill Devil Hills, Lake Lure, Lake Norman State Park, Lake Toxaway, Linville, Marshall, Murphy, Nebo, Newland, Pilot Mountain State Park, Pisgah Forest, Raven Rock State Park, Southern Pines, Sunset Beach, Topton, Wake Forest, and William B. Umstead State Park. From bucket-list destinations to hidden gems, this box is your gateway to discovering the best hikes North Carolina has to offer.

Absolutely—but with some thoughtful planning. We believe hiking is one of the best ways to create unforgettable memories as a family. The Colorado Hiking Bucket List includes a wide range of trails, from short and easy walks to more challenging summit climbs. If you have small children, you can start with the accessible or low-elevation hikes now and save the more demanding adventures for when they’re older.

Every family is different, so you may need to modify certain hikes or choose ones that match your current season of life. With flexibility and a sense of adventure, this bucket list can grow with your family and inspire years of meaningful exploration together.

Most of the hikes in the Colorado Hiking Bucket List are best tackled from spring through fall, when trails are clear of snow and conditions are ideal. That said, some hikes can still be enjoyed in the winter—especially lower elevation trails or if you're prepared with snowshoes or microspikes.

We don’t assign specific seasons to each hike, since weather and trail access can vary year to year. Before heading out, we recommend checking local trail conditions or park websites to see what’s open and safe. With a little flexibility, this list can keep you adventuring all year long.

The North Carolina Hiking Bucket List is a deck of 50 scratch-off cards, each featuring a unique hike somewhere in the state. Every card includes the name of the hike, the nearest town or region, and helpful icons that highlight key details like distance, elevation gain, difficulty, views, and more.

To reveal the hike, just scratch off the foil. Want more info before you go? Scan the QR code on the card with your phone to unlock trail details, directions, tips, and nearby bonus stops on our website. It’s the perfect blend of mystery, planning, and adventure.

The Hiking Bucket Lists are designed for people with a generally active lifestyle who enjoy being outdoors and taking on new challenges. The 50 hikes included in each deck offer a wide variety—ranging in distance, difficulty, and elevation gain—so there's something for beginners and seasoned hikers alike.

That said, not every hike will be a perfect fit for every person. If you’re adventuring with young kids, older adults, or anyone with physical limitations, you might need to skip a few cards or adapt some hikes to fit your group’s needs. The list is meant to inspire a lifetime of exploration—you don’t have to do it all at once, and you don’t have to do it all the same way.

Each card in the Hiking Bucket List includes an icon that lets you know whether the hike is best for spontaneous adventuring or if you'll need to plan ahead.

If the card is marked “Plan Ahead,” it’s a good idea to scratch it off a few days in advance—some hikes may require a permit, reservation, or have seasonal access. This gives you time to check trail conditions and ensure everything’s good to go.

If it’s marked “Spontaneous,” you’re likely safe to scratch it and hit the trail the same day. Either way, the deck is built to support both last-minute adventures and well-planned outings, so you can explore however you like.

Yes, you can definitely purchase the North Carolina Hiking Bucket List as a gift! While we currently don't have the capability to add a gift note to the package, we do send out our packages in unbranded boxes, so the recipient won't see any branding on the outside of the box. This makes it a great option for surprising your loved ones with a fun and unique adventure experience in their state. Just add the item to your cart, enter the recipient's shipping information, and we'll take care of the rest. Your loved one will receive a special package filled with 50 exciting adventure ideas to explore and enjoy all around the state.

Yes! There’s no set order—you’re free to complete the hikes whenever and wherever you want. Whether you’re planning a weekend in the mountains or just want to explore somewhere close to home, you can pick a card based on your mood, location, or season.

Just choose an area you want to explore, scratch off a hike, and hit the trail. It’s all about making adventure work for you, on your own time.

Yes! Each card in the Hiking Bucket List includes a hidden QR code that you can scan with your phone after scratching it off. The code takes you to a custom landing page with helpful info about the hike—like trail maps, directions, tips, park links, safety notes, and bonus nearby stops.

You don’t need to scan the QR code to complete the hike, but it’s a great resource if you want extra guidance or help planning your adventure. It's like having a mini trail guide in your pocket.

The time to complete the North Carolina Hiking Bucket List varies based on your availability and pace. With diverse adventures across the state, it may take anywhere from a year to several years. Explore the cities and attractions at your own pace, making memorable experiences along the way. Enjoy the journey and embrace all that the state has to offer!