Die besten Trail-Laufrouten in North Carolina

In contrast to the extremely rugged and challenging terrain found in the region, this route provides plenty of views on more mellow terrain. According to Wikipedia, the natural hot spring the town of Hot Springs, NC is named for is the only one of its kind in North Carolina, and in most of the southeastern United States....

Just a short drive from Asheville, this run is an excellent opportunity to experience one of North Carolina's premier waterfalls. Most would consider the trail easy, though as you approach the base of the falls, off-camber rocks and roots may pose challenging obstacles to some....

Run through dark spruce-fir forests on this well-marked summit loop to the highest of the Great Balsam Mountains. Less than 1.5 miles round trip, the trail climbs along a ridge, summits the peak, then skirts around its western edge back to the parking lot....

The Neuse River Trail is a lengthy paved greenway trail running through the Raleigh/Durham metro area. This trail is extremely popular with road cyclists (both recreationally and for commuting), but walkers/hikers, runners, skaters, and more all use this trail....

The American Tobacco Trail is a 22.6-mile rail-trail that runs through three counties in North Carolina: Durham, Chatham, and Wake. The trail follows the former railroad corridor of the American Tobacco Company, which was built in the 1970s and abandoned in the 1980s....

With little elevation change, this well-marked loop is one of the easier trail running routes in Pisgah National Forest. Despite the name, the Forest Service says the name is "more historical than descriptive," though expect plenty of mountain laurel and rhododendron along the way....

Commissioned in 1941, the 70' tall fire tower on Fryingpan Mountain is the perfect destination for a short run. The panoramic views from it's perch also make it the perfect spot to watch the sunrise or sunset....

Just a short drive from Asheville, this is one of the best introductions to Bent Creek Experimental Forest. This is an all-seasons route and it's "figure-8" shape allows for a shorter option without a visit to the Explorer Loop....

Originating from the Smokemont Campground, this 6.5-mile loop is an excellent introduction to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. It's gradual inclines and well traveled path make this perfect for all levels of trail runners....

A ~10-mile tour of Bent Creek and the NC Arboretum mostly following old gravel roads. Intermediate at most and free of any popular downhill mountain biking trails. Very easy to shorten or lengthen depending on preference....

This 10-miler follows the Mountains to Sea Trail (MST) from the Visitor Center to Lunch Rock, a popular overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The trail is easy to follow and is consistently blazed with white dots....

Presented by White Dot Adventures, the Headwaters Trail Race is one of the most scenic trail running races in the southeast! A small field and low-key vibes make this race a favorite around the community and the hot soup and stew at the end of this December race is welcoming after a few hours on the trail....

Just a short drive from Brevard, this classic trail running loop takes you to an exposed slickrock overlook with incredible views towards the Balsam Range. The route departs from the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education, commonly referred to as the Fish Hatchery....

Popular among mountain bikers and hikers, Daniel Ridge is a moderate trail running loop with a 150' cascading waterfall near the trailhead. If you're limited on time, the falls is only a short walk from the trailhead and perfect for the entire family....

This is a great short trail run that sees less traffic than most of Pisgah National Forest. The loop originates at the Coontree Picnic Area and travels ~3.5 miles through beautiful terrain lined with rhododendron and mountain laurel....

Graveyard Fields is one of the more popular spots on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Pisgah National Forest - and it's not hard to see why. Over 5,000' above sea level, this flat mountain valley is known for its incredibly serene and beautiful waterfalls that pass through forming the headwaters of the Yellowstone Prong of the Pigeon River....

Whether you're camping at the Davidson River Campground, or a local looking to break up a monotonous afternoon, this is an excellent short run less than a 5-minute drive from the entrance of Pisgah National Forest....

The Green River Game Lands have claimed one of the top spots among Western NC locals, contending with other nearby destinations like Dupont and Pisgah. Begin your run at the trailhead along Green River Cove Road....

This loop is a local classic and one of the more popular trail running routes in Pisgah National Forest. Located just a few minutes off of Interstate 40, it's easily-accessible for both locals and those traveling in from the eastern half of the state....

This route is one of the best ways to experience some of Montreat's premier views. Located about 15 minutes from Interstate 40, and just north of Black Mountain, this area is a favorite among many....