Carolina Treks: Local Hikes Worth Exploring This Summer

There’s just something about hiking in the Carolinas. From misty mountain ridgelines to forest trails that lead to waterfalls, we’re lucky to live in a place where adventure is never far away. Whether you're looking for a quick weekend loop or a leg-burning summit, we've rounded up a few of our favorite local hikes... ones that make us extra proud to call this corner of the country home.

1. Black Balsam Knob (NC)

Distance: 1.4 miles round trip
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Location: Blue Ridge Parkway, Pisgah National Forest

This short but mighty trail takes you above 6,000 feet for panoramic views that feel like you’ve been dropped into a Scottish highland. The bald summit is perfect for sunrise hikes or breezy summer evening strolls. Bonus: it’s dog-friendly and great for beginners who still want that “wow” factor.

2. Table Rock Trail (SC)

Distance: 6.5 miles round trip
Difficulty: Strenuous
Location: Table Rock State Park, SC

Table Rock is a local legend... and for good reason. This hike will have your legs burning, but the views from the granite-faced summit make every step worth it. You’ll climb nearly 2,000 feet, weaving through hardwood forest, stone staircases, and even a waterfall or two.

3. Raven Cliff Falls via Caesar’s Head (SC)

Distance: 4.4 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Location: Caesar’s Head State Park, SC

Want a scenic trail with a show-stopping waterfall? Raven Cliff Falls is calling. This trail winds through peaceful woods and leads you to a dramatic overlook where South Carolina’s tallest waterfall drops 420 feet into a mountain gorge.

4. Craggy Pinnacle (NC)

Distance: 1.4 miles round trip
Difficulty: Easy
Location: Blue Ridge Parkway near Asheville, NC

One of the best bang-for-your-buck trails in Western NC. In under a mile, you’ll summit Craggy Pinnacle with sweeping views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. In late spring and early summer, the trail bursts to life with blooming rhododendrons.

5. Congaree National Park Boardwalk Loop (SC)

Distance: 2.6 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Location: Hopkins, SC (just outside Columbia)

This unique hike takes you through one of the last remaining old-growth bottomland forests in the U.S. Think towering bald cypress, swampy boardwalks, and the occasional owl or wild hog sighting. It’s flat, shady, and incredibly peaceful.

6. Graveyard Fields (NC)

Distance: 3.2 miles (loop)
Difficulty: Moderate
Location: Blue Ridge Parkway, Pisgah National Forest

Just 45 minutes from Asheville, this trail is a summer favorite for its dual waterfalls, wild blueberries (in season), and wide-open meadows. The elevation keeps it cooler than the city, making it a perfect midsummer escape.

7. Looking Glass Rock Trail (NC)

Distance: 6.4 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
Location: Pisgah National Forest, near Brevard, NC

This is a true Pisgah classic. The trail takes you up switchbacks through hardwood forest to a massive granite overlook that delivers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. The summit is exposed, breezy, and unforgettable.

Hit the Trail in Style

At American Backcountry, we don’t just make shirts—we live the lifestyle. Our headquarters are tucked right here in the mountains of North Carolina, and we’re proud to be a small, family-run business that’s been making tees for over 30 years.

Being local means something to us. It means keeping jobs in our community, using American-made fabrics, and printing everything just down the road from where we hike on weekends. When you wear an American Backcountry shirt, you’re not just repping the outdoors—you’re supporting a business that cares about the places we all explore.

Got a favorite Carolina hike? Tag us @AmericanBackcountry and show us where your trail takes you.