Every trail has a story waiting to be discovered. As the Great Trails State, North Carolina is home to designated Trail Towns: communities that have committed to welcoming trail users while protecting the natural and cultural places that make each destination special. Emphasizing destination stewardship and accessible recreation, these towns help ensure that NC’s trails can be enjoyed by anyone for generations to come.
From the Blue Ridge Mountains to the coast, each trail offers a different way to experience the state’s landscapes and local traditions. This guide introduces Trail Towns located within roughly 30 minutes ofCertified Retirement Communities across the state, making it easy to discover nearby outdoor experiences while exploring places that are committed to caring for the trails they call home.
Windsor & Plymouth
Near Edenton, Windsor and Plymouth serve as gateways to the Roanoke River State Trail. Life along the river has shaped these communities for generations, and that connection continues through trails that invite visitors to experience the area’s woodlands and history at a slower pace. Plymouth’s Historic Walking Tour and Rail Switch Nature Trail offer a closer look at the town’s past, while Windsor’s Bertie Beach Nature Trail and Cashie Wetlands Walk reveal another side of the region through quiet wetlands and riverside landscapes.
Learn more about trails to explore in the Roanoke River area
South Mills, Camden & Shiloh
Just north of Elizabeth City, the communities of South Mills, Camden and Shiloh showcase the many ways NC’s Trail Towns connect visitors with the outdoors. South Mills houses the Dismal Swamp State Park, Dismal Swamp Canal and East Coast Greenway, where boardwalks and historic waterways come together in one destination. Camden expands this journey with the Camden Senior Trail and additional access to the East Coast Greenway, while Shiloh connects travelers to the African American Experience of Northeast NC, celebrating the region’s history through a scenic driving route.
Learn more about trails to explore in the South Mills area
Greensboro, Summerfield, McLeansville & Browns Summit
Trail Towns neighboring Jamestown and High Point like Greensboro, Summerfield, McLeansville and Browns Summit showcase how NC’s Trail Towns connect storytelling with nature. More than 100 miles of trails and greenways weave through the region, linking destinations like the Atlantic & Yadkin Greenway, Downtown Greenway and Keeley Park Trails with opportunities to explore. Along the way, self-guided experiences like the Guilford Courthouse National Military Park Walking Tour and the Black History Tour invite visitors to discover another layer of the area’s story, marking countless opportunities to connect with the world around you.
Learn more about trails to explore in the Greensboro area
Lumberton, Bladenboro, Dublin & White Oak
Lumberton‘s Trail Town designation reflects the many ways the Lumber River shapes life throughout the community. Paddle the blackwater waters from the Princess Ann Access at Lumber River State Park before continuing on foot through the shaded Naked Landing Trail or the Downtown River Walk. Luther Britt Park adds another layer to the experience by offering walking and biking trails with spaces that welcome families to spend time outdoors together. Beyond Lumberton, nearby Trail Towns like Bladenboro, Dublin and White Oak continue the journey, extending the region’s network of trails and outdoor recreation.
Learn more about trails to explore in the Lumberton area
Reidsville, Eden, Stoneville, Mayodan & Madison
The Trail Towns of Reidsville, Eden, Stoneville, Mayodan and Madison reveal a vibrant side of NC’s Piedmont. Rivers and trails have long shaped these communities, where paddling routes and scenic forest paths come together across the landscape. The Mayo River State Park Trails connect Mayodan and Stoneville, while the RoCo Blueway Trails carry paddlers through Madison and Eden. In Reidsville, the Chinqua-Penn Walking Trail and Lake Reidsville Trails invite visitors to slow their pace. Visitors driving through the area can embark on the RoCo Quilt Trail, which celebrates the history and craftsmanship found throughout Rockingham County.
Learn more about trails to explore in the Eden area
While these Trail Towns offer an expansive look into the beauty of NC, there are plenty more to discover. Dozens of Trail Towns can be found at every corner of the state, including 30-plus in the mountain region alone. To learn more about NC’s Trail Towns, visit Retire NC’s sister site, Outdoor NC.
