1. Triangle Hiking and Outdoors Group (THOG)
- Location: Raleigh-Durham area
- Activities: Hiking, biking, kayaking, paddleboarding, skiing, snowboarding, and more
- Description: The original Meetup hiking group in the Carolinas, THOG offers over 300 events a year, including hikes, bike rides, and seasonal snow sports. Membership is free and open to adults over 21.
- Website: MeetupMeetup
2. Lake Norman Outdoor Adventures
- Location: Lake Norman area
- Activities: Hiking, camping, kayaking, whitewater rafting, biking, and more
- Description: A group for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy activities like hiking in the foothills, camping, kayaking on the French Broad, and biking the Virginia Creeper Trail.
- Website: MeetupMeetup
3. Piedmont Hiking and Outing Club (PHOC)
- Location: Greensboro, NC
- Activities: Day hikes, canoeing/kayaking, biking, overnight backpacking, camping, skiing trips, and social outings
- Description: A club offering regular outdoor activities, including day hikes, canoeing, biking, and ski trips, along with social gatherings and group trips.
- Website: PHOCphoc.club
4. Need More Outdoors
- Location: Western North Carolina
- Activities: Whitewater kayaking, conservation learning, and more
- Description: Provides adventures and activities for children ages 7–18, including whitewater kayaking and conservation learning programs.
- Website: Need More OutdoorsNeed More Outdoors
5. Base Camp Cullowhee
- Location: Cullowhee, NC
- Activities: Outdoor recreation trips, experiential education, and outdoor equipment rentals
- Description: Offers a range of outdoor recreation trips, experiential education opportunities, and outdoor equipment rentals for students and the community.
- Website: Base Camp CullowheeWestern Carolina University | Home
6. Snow and Adventure Club of the Carolinas
- Location: Charlotte, NC
- Activities: Skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, and international adventure trips
- Description: Provides members with the ability to travel internationally to snow and adventure destinations at a lower cost group rate.
- Website: Snow and Adventure ClubSnow and Adventure Club of the Carolinas
7. U.S. National Whitewater Center (USNWC)
- Location: Charlotte, NC
- Activities: Whitewater rafting, kayaking, canoeing, rock climbing, mountain biking, hiking, ice skating, and more
- Description: A not-for-profit outdoor recreation and athletic training facility offering a variety of outdoor activities on approximately 1,300 acres of land.
- Website: USNWCen.wikipedia.org
8. Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC)
- Location: Bryson City, NC
- Activities: Whitewater rafting, kayaking, canoeing, mountain biking, hiking, and more
- Description: Offers guided outdoor adventures, including whitewater rafting and kayaking, in the Nantahala River area.
- Website: NOCRomantic Asheville+1en.wikipedia.org+1en.wikipedia.org+1Romantic Asheville+1
9. Beech Mountain Hiking & Biking
- Location: Beech Mountain, NC
- Activities: Hiking, mountain biking, canoeing, kayaking, skiing, snowboarding, and more
- Description: Provides access to over 27 miles of maintained biking and hiking trails, along with free canoe and kayak rentals at Buckeye Lake.
- Website: Beech Mountainen.wikipedia.orgBeech Mountain Visitor Center+1en.wikipedia.org+1
10. North Carolina Outdoor Adventures (NCOA)
- Location: Western North Carolina
- Activities: Tubing, rafting, whitewater kayak instruction, and more
- Description: Offers a variety of outdoor adventures, including tubing, rafting, and whitewater kayak instruction, in the Blue Ridge Mountains area.
- Website: NCOANeed More Outdoorsen.wikipedia.org+2ncoutdooradventures.org+2en.wikipedia.org+2
These groups and organizations offer a variety of outdoor activities across North Carolina, catering to different interests and skill levels. Whether you’re looking to hike, bike, paddle, or explore, there’s a community ready to welcome you.