- The Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Explore over 800 hiking trails through lush forests and rushing streams in this scenic park.
- Biltmore Estate: Step back in time at this impressive mansion built by George Vanderbilt, now open to the public as a museum.
- The Blue Ridge Parkway: Take a scenic drive through the Blue Ridge Mountains, stopping at picnic areas, hiking trails, and scenic overlooks along the way.
- Chimney Rock State Park: Enjoy panoramic views of the park’s waterfalls, streams, and cliffs, including the towering Chimney Rock.
- Nags Head: This popular beach town on the Outer Banks offers a wide variety of beaches, restaurants, shops, and activities.
- The Outer Banks: Explore this chain of barrier islands with a range of beaches, dunes, lighthouses, and historical landmarks, as well as a variety of activities like fishing, kayaking, and surfing.
- Carolina Beach State Park: Enjoy a quiet and relaxing escape with hiking, fishing, boating, and camping opportunities in this coastal park.
- Hanging Rock State Park: Hike through scenic trails and relax in one of the park’s picnic areas while enjoying views of the Sauratown Mountains.
- Linville Gorge Wilderness Area: This wilderness area offers hiking trails that lead through the rugged terrain of the Linville Gorge, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
- The Black Mountain Range: Hike to the summit of this mountain range in western North Carolina for panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
- Fontana Dam: This dam is quite the looker, located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and offers views of the gorgeous landscape around it. Visitors can take a hike along the trails, but if that sounds like too much effort, there are plenty of picnic areas for lounging about and taking in the views.
- The Balsam Range: This mountain range is a hiker’s delight, located in western North Carolina and providing some of the most stunning views in the state. Follow the trails to the summit for a panoramic view, or just meander around and take in a natural beauty.
- Sliding Rock: This natural wonder is a perfect place to cool off on a hot summer day. Found in the Pisgah National Forest, Sliding Rock features a waterfall and a swimming area. Slide down the rock into the pool below, or just sit back and take in the breathtaking views.
- Mount Mitchell State Park: Head to the highest peak in the Eastern US for a view that’ll make you feel on top of the world. The state park in the Blue Ridge Mountains is home to hiking trails, picnic areas, and even camping opportunities for the adventurous.
- The Great Balsam Range: If you’re looking for a challenge, head to this Western North Carolina mountain range. With several peaks over 6000 feet, including Richland Balsam and Calloway Peak, this range is not for the faint of the heart. But the views are worth it, we promise.
- The Blue Ridge Mountains: A must-visit for any outdoor enthusiast, this large mountain range stretches from Virginia to Georgia and is packed with recreational opportunities. Take a scenic drive, hike the trails, or simply relax in a picnic area while taking in the views.
- Pisgah National Forest: This forest is not just a bunch of trees. It offers scenic drives, hiking trails, picnic areas, and tons of recreation opportunities. The forest is also home to several waterfalls, rivers, and lakes, making it a nature lover’s paradise.
- Grandfather Mountain: No, this mountain is not your actual grandpa. But it’s still pretty cool, with stunning views, hiking trails, picnic areas, and even a wildlife habitat preserve. This popular tourist destination is a unique landscape that will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a fairy tale.
- The New River: This scenic river is the perfect spot for outdoor activities such as fishing, kayaking, and tubing. The river is also known for its stunning beauty, with panoramic views that will take your breath away. Don’t forget your camera!