There’s no shortage of natural beauty in North Carolina.
From the soaring peaks of the Appalachian Mountains to the rolling dunes of the Outer Banks the Tar Heel State is a feast for the eyes.
And while there are too many stunning sights to list in one blog post here are 10 of the most must-see places in North Carolina.
1.
Mount Mitchell
As the tallest mountain in the Eastern U.S.
a visit to Mount Mitchell is a must for any nature lover.
Located in the Pisgah National Forest the peak of Mount Mitchell rises to 6684 feet offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
Hiking to the summit is a popular activity but even if you don’t make the hike the drive to the top is well worth it.
2.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Spanning the border of North Carolina and Tennessee the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the country.
And it’s no wonder why – the park is home to an incredible variety of plant and animal life as well as stunning vistas.
Whether you’re hiking to a waterfall or taking a drive on the scenic Newfound Gap Road there’s no shortage of beauty to be found in the Smokies.
3.
Linville Gorge
Another must-see for hikers and nature lovers is Linville Gorge often referred to as the “Grand Canyon of the East.” The 12-mile-long gorge is home to some of the most rugged and beautiful terrain in the state with sheer cliffs waterfalls and hiking trails.
The Linville River winds its way through the gorge and tubing or whitewater rafting is a popular way to enjoy the scenery.
4.
Chimney Rock State Park
Chimney Rock is one of the most iconic landmarks in North Carolina and a visit to the park that bears its name is a must.
The park is home to several hiking trails of varying difficulty leading to stunning views of the Hickory Nut Gorge and Lake Lure.
The highlight of the park is of course Chimney Rock itself a 315-foot-tall granite monolith that can be reached via a short hike or an elevator ride.
5.
White Lake
White Lake is a beautiful natural lake located in Bladen County.
The lake is a popular spot for swimming boating and fishing and its sandy shores and clear waters make it a perfect place to relax and enjoy the outdoors.
White Lake is also home to the North Carolina Wildlife Education Center where you can learn about the state’s diverse wildlife.
6.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore
The Outer Banks are a must-see for any beach lover and Cape Hatteras National Seashore is one of the highlights.
The seashore stretches for 70 miles from Ocracoke Island to Bodie Island and is home to some of the best beaches in the state.
The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is also a popular attraction and is the tallest brick lighthouse in the United States.
7.
Biltmore Estate
The Biltmore Estate is a must-see for any history or architecture lover.
The massive estate located in Asheville was built in the late 19th century by George Vanderbilt.
Today the estate is open to the public and features a winery gardens an Antler Hill Village and much more.
A tour of the Biltmore House the largest private home in the United States is a highlight of any visit.
8.
Old Salem
Old Salem is a historic district in Winston-Salem that offers a glimpse into the past.
The district was settled in the mid-18th century by the Moravians and today it is home to a living history museum.
Visitors can tour the historic buildings watch craft demonstrations and learn about the Moravian way of life.
9.
Blue Ridge Parkway
The Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the most scenic drives in the country and a visit to North Carolina wouldn’t be complete without a drive on at least a portion of the parkway.
The 469-mile-long parkway winds its way through the Appalachian Mountains and is home to numerous overlooks with stunning views.
The parkway is also a popular spot for hiking biking and camping.
10.
Yadkin Valley Wine Region
North Carolina is home to a growing wine industry and the Yadkin Valley Wine Region is a great place to sample some of the state’s best vintages.
The region is home to more than 50 wineries as well as numerous vineyards tasting rooms and restaurants.
A visit to the Yadkin Valley Wine Region is a perfect way to relax and enjoy the beautiful North Carolina countryside.