North Carolina

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)

9. Beech Mountain Hiking & Biking

10. North Carolina Outdoor Adventures (NCOA)

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.