Best Hiking States In The U.S., Where Does North Carolina Rank?
The autumn months are great for hiking. The weather is a bit cooler, and the changing foliage serves a picturesque backdrop. Over the summer, Why This Place detailed the ten best…
The autumn months are great for hiking. The weather is a bit cooler, and the changing foliage serves a picturesque backdrop. Over the summer, Why This Place detailed the ten best states for hiking in the country, and North Carolina ranked in the top 20.
Why This Place explained how they determined which states earned a spot on the list. An index score was created to give all 50 US states a score out of 100.
The areas examined covered a broad range of hiking conditions that are essential for a great hiking experience. This included the number of hiking trails in the state, the average rainfall, average temperature, waterfalls in the area, and the state and national park coverage.
The East Coast faired very well. In fact, five of the top ten states were in the Northeast. Connecticut claimed the top spot, scoring a 73.98 out of 100.
North Carolina Ranked #19
In the Mid-Atlantic, only Delaware and Maryland finished higher in the complete list of best states for hiking. North Carolina has 55 hiking trails per 1,000 miles, according to Why This Place. Having an average temperature of 59.55 degrees certainly helps inspire hikers to get out on the trails.
Visit North Carolina calls out the western part of the state as a great region to get out on the mountains. "More than 900 miles of hiking trails link you with adventures in the North Carolina mountains," they say.
Perhaps learning that North Carolina is on the top 20 best states for hiking now has you itching to lace up your boots. To help you decide where to hike, All Trails has a detailed list of where to go. Their ten best trails in North Carolina cover a lot of ground, and highlight spectacular views. They name Clingman Dome Observation Tower Trail as the top hiking spot in the state. This is rated as a moderate difficulty. Even better, this 1.3 mile hike can be completed in less than an hour.
North Carolina Has One of the Best Winter Getaways in the U.S.
It's never too early to start planning an exciting winter getaway, especially since the most popular winter vacation spots get booked up quickly. The good news, though, is that most people take vacations in the summer, so traveling in the winter can be a bit more relaxing. You are also able to usually find better travel rates during the winter season, except during the holidays. If you don't have to travel during the holidays, just don't, because it's a mess. So, what are the best winter getaways in the U.S.? North Carolina has one of them.
I've researched some of the most popular winter vacation destinations in hopes of finding the perfect spot. The following list includes not just sunny, warm getaways, but also some areas that people who love snow can enjoy. Honestly, many people who live in a warm climate like to flock to a snowy location for a bit during the winter to get that seasonal experience, even if that seems counter intuitive. Of course, those who live in the northern parts of America love to go to a warm spot and get away from their daily lives filled with snow and ice.
I'm a Michigan girl, so I'm very familiar with the cold and ice in the winter. Not that I like it. Each year, I say I'm going to escape, even if it's just for a few days, to a warmer location. But, I never do. Maybe this year will be different. Looking at vacation rates, it's fairly easy to find some good deals, again, if it's not during the holiday travel season. Read on for some of the bets winter getaways in the U.S., based on my research. What's your favorite winter vacation spot? Reach out to me on social media here and let me know. Have a fantastic winter, and stay warm.
Best Winter Getaways in the U.S.
5. Savannah, Georgia
If you're looking for a mild getaway, Savannah, Georgia, is a great choice. It's pretty mild in the winter, so not too cold or too hot. The Historic District is a popular winter vacation spot, too.
4. Asheville, North Carolina
The beautiful area of Asheville, North Carolina, has plenty of gorgeous snowfall, and it's less dangerous than many other areas with snowfall. Lately, Asheville has one up in population, but it's still a popular tourist destination. One choice spot is the French Broad River, with lots of winter activities, breweries and restaurants.
3. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
If you want to enjoy a winter vacation and learn about history, Philadelphia is a great vacation spot. Sure, it's won't be like sunny Florida. But, Philly has lots of great museums and historical spots to enjoy indoors, while staying toasty.
2. Traverse City, Michigan
I know what you're thinking. Why go to Michigan in the winter? Well, if you love snow, then it's worth the trip. Traverse City, Michigan, is a quaint town, but it's big enough to have lots of things to do and places to stay. It's also cold in the winter but not as cold as, say the Dakotas.
1. Key West, Florida
If you want to get away from the snow and ice, go to Key West, Florida. It's considered one of the finest tropical spots in the U.S. during the winter months. Soak up the sun and have a margarita, because why not?
