From the Appalachian Mountains to the eastern Atlantic coastal plains, North Carolina has an array of beautiful hiking trails for hikers of every skill level. Offering some of the country’s most picturesque views, North Carolina is a top destination for lacing up those boots and discovering unmatched outdoor adventure.

Read on for information about how to find good boots for hiking land in North Carolina.

Choose Your Hiking Adventure

Hiking means lots of different things to lots of people. Depending on the hiker, it can be a half-hour stroll along the Cape Fear River or a multi-day trek through the Blue Ridge Mountains. That’s why there’s no way to pinpoint the single most excellent pair of boots for hiking.

Some boots are lightweight and resemble trail runners, perfect for low-impact hikes; others feature heavy-duty waterproof designs with extra-grippy outsoles designed to conquer the most advanced trails.

To find the best boots for you, you’ll want to consider what hiking means to you.

Good Boots for Casual Day Hikes

If you’re an avid casual day hiker, you will likely want sturdier footwear than a traditional sneaker without the bulk of a conventional boot. Instead, most casual day hikers look for lightweight boots with excellent traction, like trail runners for all-terrain, all-season hiking.

Good boots for casual North Carolina hikes should be lightweight, comfortable, stable, and shock absorbent. Think part sneaker, part hiking boot hybrid.

Good Boots for Long Hikes and Rough Terrains

For the long-haul hiker looking to tackle those rougher terrains, you will want a pair of boots with soles that offer maximum grip and provide lots of ankle support. In fact, ankle support and sturdy heel cups are crucial elements for proper foot protection while hiking North Carolina’s mountain ranges.

North Carolina is known for its hot, humid summers and moderate winters. If you’re hiking in August or September, you’ll be dealing with the heat as well as over-grown vegetation and bugs. Choose a boot that will protect your feet and ankles and has proper venting for keeping cool. Several all-weather boot designs are available that give you the lightweight feel of a trail runner with all ankle and foot support you need for those more demanding treks.

North Carolina Hiking Boots

Many of the hiking trails throughout the state, particularly in the mountainous regions, are pretty long and best suited for overnight hiking adventures. However, there are also plenty of opportunities for day hiking across the region too.

While a casual day hike doesn’t require the gear or preparation involved in a multi-day or overnight hike, both require appropriate preparation, including choosing good hiking boots to match the occasion.