The heat is ON! I love our Queen City but she is on fire this summer! Lucky for us we can hit the mountains in no time and have some respite from the blazing streets of Charlotte. Hiking is a great way to explore, learn about nature and get the kids away from electronics for a while. We have rounded up some kid-friendly hikes in the area. These hikes range in distance from 0.8 miles to 4.4 miles. Some lead you to waterfalls, others lead you to beautiful vistas but each one is sure to be a place to build memories with your family this summer! We have mapped out each hike on this interactive Google Map, please make sure that you visit each hike's website before you head out for any last-minute changes or updates.
Suggested Hikes:
Mt. Mitchell is the highest point east of the Mississippi and once you make it to the summit you can take a picture with the sign to prove it!
Duggers Falls Creek Trail is tucked away in Linville Falls but offers a much shorter hike than Linville Falls.
Pisgah Covered Bridge is not in the mountains but close to the NC Zoo making it an easy stop on your next trip to the zoo.
Graveyard Fields Loop is a 3.2-mile hike right off of the Blue Ridge Parkway. This hike offers beautiful views, blueberry picking and some of the best fall colors.
Linville Falls is one of the most popular destinations for waterfalls and hikes. BUT did you know Linville Gorge it referred to at the Grand Canyon of the Southern Appalachians!
Alum Cave Trail is worth the drive! Close to Gatlinburg, Alum Cave is a unique hike. While the full hike connects Alum Cave to Mount LeConte, this full hike is for experienced hikers. The hike from the trailhead to Alum Cave has plenty of adventures, there are logs to climb on, climb the stairs at Arch Rock and see beautiful views. Alum Cave does not have a cave, but it has some stunning vistas.
Bent Creek is not just one hike, there are several loops to choose from at a variety of distances and difficulties.
North Carolina Arboretum offers some easy hikes along with beautiful gardens. There is a charge to go into the gardens but it is well worth it, you will spend a full day there. Bring your bikes, there are plenty of trails to ride on as well.
Moore Cove Falls are often overlooked in favor of the more popular Looking Glass Falls which is located right nearby. Moore Cove offers an easy hike and one of the few waterfalls you can walk behind.
The Carl Sandburg Home and National Historic Site was once home to one of our countries most beloved poets. In addition to seeing his home, there are several trails that are kid-friendly and the house is worth the visit.
Check out our tips for hiking with kids before you head out, if you are looking for even more hikes make sure to visit the Kids in Parks website.
