When the weather heats up, one of the best ways to cool off is head to a shady waterfront trail. North Carolina has some lush and gorgeous waterfront hikes that offer beautiful scenery as well as the chance to skip a rock or two. Here are five trails to put on your must-hike list.

1. Lake Norman Lakeshore Trail, Statesville
Alltrails / Elizabeth Oconnell
This trail in Lake Norman State Park winds and bends endlessly along the waterfront.
Alltrails / Jonathan Gruenke
It has some gorgeous lake views, but you’ll encounter a few hills to reach them. It’s worth the effort!
2. Kitty Hawk Beach, Kitty Hawk
Alltrails / Paul Greenwood
The waterfront hiking in the Outer Banks is pretty much unlimited – while you can follow one of the many established trails and boardwalks, sometimes a hike on the sand is the best option. Follow the shore at Kitty Hawk and let your relaxation take flight.

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3. Rainbow Falls and Turtleback Falls Trail, Gorges State Park
AllTrails/Linda Brown
This hike along the wild Horsepasture River has a big payoff – it will take you to four amazing waterfalls. Watch your footing and take lots of pictures!
4. Theodore Roosevelt Nature Trail, Atlantic City
Alltrails / Eric Goodson
You may not see any humans, but you’re likely to see some birds in this tranquil nature center. The trail takes visitors through a maritime forest that’s bordered by a large salt marsh area and the Bogue Sound.
5. Lakeshore Trail , Great Smoky National Park
Alltrails / Paul Hewes
Enjoy a hike that lasts a few days or just take on a segment of this 32-mile trail. It skirts the shore of Fontana Lake, the largest lake in western North Carolina, so there’s a lot to explore.

This is just a small sample of the waterfront hikes you can experience in North Carolina. For more gorgeous hiking spots, here are some trails that anyone can enjoy.

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Featured Addresses
Kitty Hawk Beach, Kitty Hawk, NC 27949, USA
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, United States
Theodore Roosevelt Nature Trail, Pine Knoll Shores, NC 28512, USA
Gorges State Park, 976 Grassy Ridge Rd, Sapphire, NC 28774, USA
Lake Norman, North Carolina, USA