This post is sponsored by Backcountry and ShopStyle. All opinions are my own.
We are blessed to live in an area where we have access to great hiking. It’s how we get the girls outside in the summer, it’s how I get back into the swing of exercise if I’ve avoided it for a while, it’s usually part of every family adventure. Now, we’re not doing three-week backpacking journeys but for both paved trails or more challenging adventures, I get my clothes, shoes and gear at Backcountry. In this post you’ll find five easy hikes for families in Western North Carolina and Upstate South Carolina, and my favorite items from Backcountry to wear on our hikes.
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Hydro Flask40oz Wide Mouth Water Bottle // SmithCaper ChromaPop Polarized Sunglasses // StoicTech Hoodie // OnCloud Ridge Hiking Boots // Patagonia Women’s Running Shorts
5 Easy Hikes for Families in North Carolina
Dupont State Forest // One of our favorite places to hike is in Dupont State Forest. You can easily access Triple Falls, High Falls and Hooker Falls. Our favorite loop is to start out in the High Falls parking lot and take the loop up to High Falls, over to Triple Falls and then get on the Hooker Falls loop, and end up at the Hooker Falls parking lot.
Black Balsam Knob // This is an easy, short and beautiful hike with breathtaking views of the North Carolina mountains! Located off the Blue Ridge Parkways, the trail is only 1.5 miles round trip. You should definitely pack a picnic for this one and it’s extra beautiful at sunset!
Max Patch Mountain // This is an easy hike with wide-open panoramic views of the Carolinas. There is a short 1.5 mile hike for a 360 degree view or a full 10 mile hike if you’re in for adventure.
Secret Falls Trail // This Highlands, NC hike is a shorter hike that is quieter with plenty of beautiful views and a waterfall.
Carl Sandburg Historic // This is one of our favorite hikes! It’s an out and back hike with 1.5 miles to the summit. Parts of it are a little steep but it’s definitely doable with small kids!
Hydro Flask40oz Wide Mouth Water Bottle // SmithCaper ChromaPop Polarized Sunglasses // StoicTech Hoodie // OnCloud Ridge Hiking Boots // Patagonia Women’s Running Shorts
What to Wear Hiking
Hiking Boots //
OnCloud are my favorite tennis shoes. They now make a hiking shoe, which I’m so excited about. The OnCloud Ridge boots come up to your ankles to protect from bugs, which is why I opt for a hiking boot like this (key in the south). We have a ton of waterfall trails by us so I love that the OnCloud Ridge Hiking Boots are sturdy and don’t slip as we climb over rocks and through creeks. Just like my OnCloud running shoes, they’re super comfortable. You can climb up a steep trail and have plenty of arch support and your feet don’t hurt at the end of the day.
Lightweight Hoodies //
Hooded long sleeve tees are great because they protect you from both the sun and bug bites. When we go hiking, I always wear a super light layer on top, then a tank like this one under. I like this StoicTech Hoodie and the BackcountryTahoe 2 Sun Hoodie. Both have UPF protection which is great for summer hikes.
Hydro Flask //
We use the Hydro Flask40oz Wide Mouth Water Bottle. Our whole family can drink from one Hydroflask the entire hike. We take this specific Hydro Flask hiking because the cap has a little handle so it’s easy to carry and it holds a ton of water. The outside shell is also easy to hold. It comes in more than ten fun, bright colors.
Quick-Drying Shorts //
Backcountry Chitto Trail Short // Moisture-wicking and anti-odor treatment with a rear zippered pocket for stashing your keys make these a great, versatile short for your on-trail pursuits.
Shop The Look //
Hydro Flask40oz Wide Mouth Water Bottle // SmithCaper ChromaPop Polarized Sunglasses // BackcountryChitto Trail Short // BackcountryTahoe 2 Sun Hoodie // StoicTech Hoodie // OnCloud Ridge Hiking Boots // Beyond Yoga Tank // Backcountry Mesh Back Bra Top // Patagonia Women’s Running Shorts
Backcountry Promo Code and Sales
North Face is 40% off past season styles so it’s a great time to stock up. For your first Backcountry order you can use my code CRISTIN15 for 15% off full-priced items (exclusions apply).
