We would like to do some hiking this weekend in NC. Where would I go? Where do I find information about hiking trails? We can do the more difficult hikes and of course some scenic area would be nice?

It depends on which part of the state you can best drive to, because NC is a big state. I think you will find a challenge if you drive to Wesser on US 74 east of Ashville and take the Appalachin Trail in either direction.
The trail crosses the highway in the little town of Wesser. If you head to the Smokies, you go up a steep climb known as the Jumpup. The other way takes you toward Wayah Bald.

Another area would be around the peak known as Standing Indian. It is west of Franklin of of US 64.

A third area would be to get on the Blue Ridge Parkway and drive to Graveyard Fields about mile 418. There are trails in that area that lead to Cold Mountain.

And if you can get as far as the Smokies, the hike to the top of Mount LeConte, either along the Boulevard Trail or the Alum Cave Trail should be enough to hold you. The Alum Cave Trail is actually in Tennessee.

In the vicinity of the Cradle of Forestry near Brevard, along routeUS 276 there are trails. The one to the top of Looking Glass Rock is fairly interesting and it will take you several hours.

Perhaps someone else can come up with some other suggestions.

thanks for the info!
Alice

CORRECTION. Wesser is WEST of Ashville. Bad mistake! Ugh! Not good.

I strongly agree with the recommendation for Mt. LeConte! It straddles the NC-Tennessee border and is really worth a visit. Its trails are wonderful and I've done them many times. I'm not as fond of the Boulevard trail -- too long and flat for me and not too many great vantage points for views -- but LOVE the Alum Cave trail. It's very picturesque and is definitely the quickest route to the top of the mountain. There is a great view from the top of Mt. LeConte and a little primitive lodge with a set of very basic cabins where you can stay overnight, but it usually gets booked up way in advance unless you luck out and there's a cancellation. No electricity or running water in the cabins, just oil lamps and a few cold water pumps. Not sure about where to get information on that, but for info on Great Smoky Mountain National Park generally, go to the National Park Service website at http://www.nps.gov/grsm/

Also, there's a wonderful rustic old inn to stay at in Bryson City which has a very good restaurant and rocking chairs on a big front porch looking out over the Smokies, but I'm blanking on the name at the moment...