While hustle and bustle excites the senses, there’s nothing like pure solitude to rekindle your inner zen. North Carolina is filled with beautiful places where you can do anything from catching a wave to hiking a mountain. Yet, some of those places also come with more than their fair share of tourists and visitors. If you’re looking for your own little getaway, plan a trip to these 10 places.
Flickr / Patrick Mckay
Jockey’s Ridge is a seaside oasis, home to the largest active sand dune on the east coast. It retains a Sahara-like vibe just steps from the ocean.
Only In North Carolina / Danny Richard Buxton
From miles of hiking trails to an outstanding viewpoint of the ‘Grand Canyon of the East,’ Linville Gorge is a slice of mountain paradise and the gateway to the Blue Ridge. You could spend a whole weekend here exploring different vantage points and trails on the Gorge, like Table Rock and Hawksbill. If you want to take it all in minus the hike, Wiseman’s View offers a stunning overlook that’s great to sit and take it all in during sunset.
Outer Banks Realty
The OBX scenic byway takes you to the ends of the earth, North Carolina style. With the Atlantic on one side and the Pamlico Sound on the other, it’s as close as you can get to driving through the ocean and to untouched terrain. The byway also includes 25 ferry miles that transport you to unique fishing villages and islands.
Flickr / Gary Boyd
From the lush, green hiking trails, to the miles of sprawling grassy balds on top of Roan, this massif (a small mountain chain) is an adventure lover’s paradise.
Flickr / abbyladybug
When talking about Carova, paradise is an understatement. Only accessible by four-wheel drive, this slice of beach heaven is home to wild horses, quiet beaches, and little to no commercial development. It’s one of the last places on the Outer Banks that still retains old world charm.
Flickr / Angi English
Gorges State Park and Upper Whitewater Falls are in close proximity to each other. Tucked away in the mountains and on the SC border, the striking change in elevation within a few short miles has created the only temperate rainforest in the SE. Here you’ll find miles of rugged and challenging hiking trails, plunging waterfalls, and diverse landscapes. Whitewater Falls is the highest waterfall east of the Rockies, falling at over 800 ft. the upper portion falls through NC with the lower cascades in SC.
Emory Rakestraw
With spring approaching, now is the perfect time to plan a trip to Craggy Gardens, the rhododendrons will be in full bloom come May and wandering through this short but magical hiking trail will have you asking - where are the fairies? Once you reach the top, you’re treated to beautiful Blue Ridge views and a large overlook perfect to take a rest and take it all in.
Flickr / Bryan Elkus
You don’t have to be a Nicholas Sparks fan to know that Rodanthe is pretty amazing. While the Serendipity House has been moved from its cinematic location, it’s still available for tours and rentals. Rodanthe feels worlds away; the beach is quiet yet the waves are loud, and it’s hard to not just go with the flow and live by the tide when you’re here.
Terrah Hewett / Only In North Carolina Facebook
North Carolina is home to some pretty amazing beaches, but one that doesn’t get enough credit is indeed Holden Beach. It’s the perfect place to catch a life changing sunrise, just like pictured above!
Flickr / brighterthansunshine
Pilot Mountain is a slice of the Blue Ridge right in the Piedmont. Home to daring rock formations and awesome hiking trails, it’s great for a day trip if your’e craving the mountains but not that long drive. Nearby you’ll also find Hanging Rock, another one of our favorite destinations with waterfalls and jaw dropping views!
While you’re hitting the road and exploring the state, how about trying these seven unforgettable NC road trips?
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