One of the most scenic hikes in North Carolina takes you on an adventure that leads to the Green River Narrows. Embark on a journey to a gorgeous destination in the middle of the forest and enjoy a number of waterfall cascades as well as one of the most beautiful rivers in the Tar Heel State.

Leave your car at or near 4134 Big Hungry Rd, Flat Rock, NC, 28731, and hike this three-mile trail that leads to a section of the Green River known as The Narrows.
Google Maps
The river is one of the most exciting bodies of water for kayakers, rafters, and tubing enthusiasts. It begins in the Blue Ridge Mountains and flows all the way to the Piedmont. Three sections display very different river conditions: The Upper, The Narrows, and The Lower.
The Green River gets its name from its green color. This section of the river (The Narrows) is laden with large and small boulders.
Jennifer Munsey/AllTrails
And the river here has a tendency to make dramatic drops with narrow passages for kayakers and rafters to navigate. Then, the river tends to create large pools of beautiful, green water. It flows in this fashion for the duration of The Narrows section.
The trail itself is also very scenic. It begins on the Pullman Creek Trail off State Route 1802.
Paige Wagner/AllTrails
At approximately 1.2 miles into the trail it will veer left (Pullman Creek Trail) and right (Green River Trail). Go right at this fork and follow it all the way down to the river for another 0.3 miles.
For a short distance, the trail will be relatively flat and very easy, but it soon turns extremely difficult and can be slippery as you navigate down to the river bed.
Amaraporn Huyser/AllTrails
The trail is rated "hard" by AllTrails.com. So please leave small children at home and bring hiking sticks if you have them.

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In spite of its difficulty, it's well worth the effort when you reach the gorgeous Green River.
James Ray/AllTrails
The narrows here are truly a sight to behold!
Along the river, you'll find a number of flat rocks on which to sit and absorb the beautiful surroundings.
Scott Messing/AllTrails
A picnic is certainly in order for this hike. Just remember to take back out with you all that you carry in so we can leave this spot in pristine condition for generations to come.
You may even want to find a gently flowing pool on the river and take a dip!
Peter Rabbino/AllTrails
You won't be the first, but you just might be the only people you'll see on this remote trail.
That is unless you arrive on a day when a kayaking event is taking place.
Rashid Clifton/Google Reviews
If that's the case, the excitement will way overshadow having to share this spot with others.
The Green River Narrows Trail is three miles in length. That is, it's 1.5 miles to the river and 1.5 miles back to your car.
AllTrails


Let's go on an adventure to the Green River Narrows Trail along the Pulliam Creek Trail in Flat Rock, North Carolina in this video from Xamul Vang:

The overall elevation change on the Green River Narrows Trail is 810 feet. This is one of the most beautiful hikes you can possibly take in North Carolina. To learn more about the Green River Narrows hike, consult our friends at AllTrails.com. Or, sign up for AllTrails+ to get even more information about each hike your travels lead you to.

For another can’t-miss waterfall hike in North Carolina, hike this short, 1.2-mile trail to Moore Cove Falls near Brevard!

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More to Explore

More North Carolina hiking

Chris Muras | July 16, 2023

What are the best hikes in North Carolina?

North Carolina is blessed with incredibly scenic terrain, waterfalls, mountain views, and hiking trails. Here are a few of the best hiking trails in North Carolina to get you started on your love for the outdoors:

  • Clingmans Dome Observation Tower Trail, Bryson City, NC: This short 1.3-mile trail takes you to an iconic overlook on the Tennessee-North Carolina border. You can see for miles into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. When you reach the end of the 54-foot observation lookout you will be at the highest point of the Great Smoky Mountains and the highest in Tennessee.
  • Triple Falls Trail, Hendersonville, NC: Take this easy 2.9-mile loop trail to the beautiful Triple Falls. You can also veer off the main trail to head to High Falls and a stunning scenic overlook. It is a fun relaxing hike good for all ages, and dogs too.
  • Hot Springs to Max Patch Appalachian Trail: A hiking trip to North Carolina wouldn't be complete without stepping foot on the Appalachian Trail. If you are looking for a challenging trek try this 19.2-mile excursion. Whether you try to tackle it all in one day or break it up into a longer backpacking trip it is well worth the challenge.
  • Moores Knob Trail, Danbury, NC: Hanging Rock State Park is a must-visit park for any of us outdoor lovers. The Moores Knob Trail takes you around a 4.5-mile loop passing through the campground area by a crystal-clear lake and up to higher elevations to enjoy views of Hanging Rock, Sauratown Mountain, and Pilot Mountain.

 

We've barely broken in our hiking boots at this point. So, if you want even more hiking fun in North Carolina, check out our guide to the best hikes in NC. It will give you more road trips and outdoor adventure ideas than you can imagine.

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Green River Narrows, 4134 Big Hungry Rd, Flat Rock, NC 28731, USA