North Carolina is home to some of the most scenic and diverse hiking trails in the Southeast, catering to hikers of all levels. While the western part of the state generally gets thought of as the premier hiking, I am here to tell you there are still plenty of fun and scenic hikes local to NC State. In this blog post, we’ll explore three popular trails near Raleigh: Lake Johnson East Loop, Lake Crabtree Loop Trail, and the Hillsborough River Walk and Occoneechee Mountain Park. Each trail provides a unique outdoor experience with different levels of difficulty, scenic beauty, and opportunities for adventure that are within a 40-minute drive of NC State’s campus.

Overview

The Lake Johnson East Loop Trail is a serene and relaxing hike, perfect for those looking for a short, easy walk. The 2.8-mile loop circles Lake Johnson, offering beautiful views of the lake and the surrounding forest. This hike is ideal for beginners, families, and those just looking to enjoy a peaceful stroll in nature without the challenge of a strenuous climb or a high mileage hike.

What to Expect

The entire path around Lake Johnson is paved, making it a popular choice for walkers, joggers, and cyclists. The gentle terrain and minimal elevation gain of 170 feet make it accessible for most fitness levels. Additionally, the trail is shaded for much of the way, providing a cooler environment during the warmer months. 

Parking is available near the trailhead, and public bathrooms and water fountains are located next to the parking lot for your convenience. 

Why You Should Visit

For anyone in the Raleigh area seeking a nature escape that won’t take up your whole day, Lake Johnson East Loop Trail is a great choice. It’s an easy walk, but the calmness of the lake and the surrounding trees make it feel like a true retreat into nature. Plus, with the entire trail being paved, it’s a hike that can be enjoyed year-round, even after rain when dirt paths might be muddy.

Lake Crabtree Loop Trail

Location: Lake Crabtree Park, Morrisville, NC 27560
Length: 5.4 miles
Elevation Gain: 144 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Trail Type: Loop path around Lake Crabtree

Overview

For hikers looking for a bit more distance and variety in their surroundings, you should check out the Lake Crabtree Loop Trail. This 5.4-mile loop encircles Lake Crabtree, and with a moderate difficulty rating, this trail provides a good balance for those looking to push themselves a bit more than on a beginner trail, without venturing into overly strenuous territory.

What to Expect

This trail is a blend of dirt paths and paved sections, which adds a bit of diversity to your hike. The trail’s elevation gain is minimal, at 144 feet, but the distance makes it a longer hike than the Lake Johnson trail, making it a solid workout.

Caution and Tips

It’s a good idea to check at the park entrance before starting your hike, as the trail may sometimes be closed due to rain or wet conditions. When hiking this trail, I recommend hiking counterclockwise around the lake. This way, the path is easier to find from the parking lot, and it leaves some of the more scenic overlooks of the lake until later in the hike.

From mile 4.2 to mile 5.4 (assuming you’re hiking counterclockwise), be cautious as this section is shared with mountain bikers. Be mindful of the bikers and give them space to pass, as this is a popular spot for both hikers and cyclists.

Why You Should Visit

Overall, the Lake Crabtree Loop Trail offers a wonderful blend of lakeside views, shaded paths, and a medium to longer hiking distance, making it a perfect moderate-level hike for nature lovers. The trail does an excellent job of balancing a slightly tougher hike than Lake Johnson to satisfy those looking for adventure, but the lack of elevation and well-maintained trails and walkways will be appreciated by those who do not want to stray too far out of their comfort zone.

Hillsborough River Walk and Occoneechee Mountain Park

Location: Hillsborough Riverwalk, Hillsborough, NC 27278
Length: 7.7 miles
Elevation Gain: 567 feet
Difficulty: Moderate to Hard
Trail Type: Out-and-back hike

Overview

If you’re up for a challenge and ready for some spectacular views, the Hillsborough River Walk and Occoneechee Mountain Park trail is a fantastic choice. This 7.7-mile trail features a much greater elevation gain than the previous two, with 567 feet, and offers a more rugged, natural hiking experience. The trail follows the Eno River before climbing up Occoneechee Mountain, providing varied terrain and a variety of different North Carolina landscapes.

What to Expect

This trail is rated moderate to hard, primarily due to its length and the elevation changes. While the hike is challenging, the rewarding views make it well worth the effort. There are bathrooms and water fountains available at Gold Park, which you’ll pass around miles 2.1 and then mile 6.0 on your way back, providing convenient rest stops and the ability to re-fill water along the way.

The highlight of this hike comes at mile 5.0, where there is an excellent outlook offering panoramic views of the surrounding area. This is the perfect spot to take a break, have some water, and take in the beauty of North Carolina. The remaining portion of the hike is mostly downhill, making for a comfortable, relaxing, and scenic return journey.

Why You Should Visit

For more experienced hikers, the Hillsborough River Walk and Occoneechee Mountain Park trail is a must-do. The variety in elevation, combined with the sweeping views from the outlook at mile 5.0, makes this hike a memorable experience. Whether you’re looking to challenge yourself with a longer, tougher hike or simply want to enjoy the natural beauty of central North Carolina, this trail has plenty to offer.

Conclusion

Whether you’re in the mood for a relaxed, easy walk, a moderate lakeside hike, or a more challenging mountain trek, North Carolina has a trail to suit your needs. The Lake Johnson East Loop, Lake Crabtree Loop, and Hillsborough River Walk and Occoneechee Mountain Park trails each provide a unique outdoor experience with varied scenery, difficulty levels, and amenities. From the peaceful lakeside paths of Lake Johnson and Lake Crabtree to the more strenuous but rewarding climb up Occoneechee Mountain, these hikes showcase some of the best natural beauty central North Carolina has to offer. Next time you’re looking for an outdoor adventure in the Raleigh area, consider exploring one of these fantastic trails. Happy hiking!

Columnist: Danny Ryan