From Murphy to Manteo, North Carolina is filled with abundant natural attractions that would make any seasoned traveler say, “wow!” While it’s hard to fit them all into a week, month or even a year; when it comes to exploring the ol’ North State, there’s a few you need to keep high up on your radar.
- Chimney Rock
Flickr / SusanK State park and piece of million-year-old history wrapped into one; Chimney Rock is a must-have experience while in the foothills. You can explore the amazing rock outcroppings and hiking throughout the 6,807-acre state park, or climb 499 steps to the top of the iconic Chimney formed 535-million years ago. While almost 500 steps is indeed a lot, at the top you’re treated to stunning views of Lake Lure, the Foothills and the Piedmont. Don’t forget to check out Hickory Nut Falls on your way out. For more information and directions click here.
- Blowing Rock
flickr/turcottes78 The other ‘rock,’ is Blowing Rock; once named by Ripley’s Believe It Or Not as “The only place in the world where snow falls upside down.” Another ancient formation, the metamorphic rocks here are believed to have been formed 1,055 million years ago. Located 4,000 ft. above sea level, Blowing Rock dangles over John’s River Gorge offering stunning Blue Ridge views - and a few myths, legends and stories tied along to this mysterious rock. For more information and directions click here.
- Jockey’s Ridge
Flickr / Matt Herring As the highest active sand dune on the east coast, Jockey’s Ridge is a Sahara experience right next to the coast. Many love walking around on the towering sand dune and the adventurous even try hang gliding off of it. If you prefer to take in the view or fly past it, Jockey’s Ridge is a must-visit place next time you’re in the Outer Banks.
- Linville Gorge
Flickr / Alex LeSeuer Deemed the ‘Grand Canyon of the East,’ Linville Gorge is home to towering rock walls that split at the base of the Linville River. The high walls of the gorge run for 12-miles with elevation ranging from 2,000 feet to 3,400 feet. Popular points of interest include Table Rock, Hawksbill, and Wiseman’s View. Go to Wiseman’s late at night and you might get a glimpse of the mysterious Brown Mountain Lights lingering in the distance. For more information and directions click here.
- Looking Glass Rock
Flickr / Valerie When driving on the Blue Ridge Parkway, it might come as a surprise to see a large, dome-shaped rock planted in the middle of lush, green mountains; but that’s how you know you’re looking at Looking Glass Rock. Referred to as a ‘pluton monolith,’ Looking Glass would’ve been a volcano had it not cooled before reaching the earth’s surface. Today, it exists a scenic vista off the Blue Ridge and even a place for hiking or rock climbing. For more information and directions click here.
- Mount Mitchell
Flickr / Frank DiBona A beloved destination for any traveler or North Carolinian, the highest peak east of the Mississippi does not disappoint. Named after Elisha Mitchell, who died while trying to prove its status as the tallest (and is buried at the top of the mountain), today, the highest peak sits at 6,684 feet in the Black Mountain range of the Blue Ridge. Read all about Mount Mitchell here.
- Whitewater Falls
flickr/Angi English Just like North Carolina is home to the highest peak, we’re also home to the highest waterfall east of the Rockies - Whitewater Falls. Cascading a total of 811 feet, the fall is so large its shared between North Carolina and South Carolina. Nonetheless, it’s still a breathtaking sight to take in. Make a whole weekend out of chasin’ waterfalls with our two-day Land of Waterfalls trip here.
- The Outer Banks
Flickr / Wendy Just in time for summer, the 200-mile stretch of barrier islands is home to remote beaches, pirate legends, wild horses and uncharted territory. To make the most of it, hop on board the Outer Banks Scenic Byway for the weekend trip of a lifetime. For more information and directions click here.
We are so lucky to call this state home! Which ones have you visited? Any you’d add to the list?
Flickr / SusanK
State park and piece of million-year-old history wrapped into one; Chimney Rock is a must-have experience while in the foothills. You can explore the amazing rock outcroppings and hiking throughout the 6,807-acre state park, or climb 499 steps to the top of the iconic Chimney formed 535-million years ago. While almost 500 steps is indeed a lot, at the top you’re treated to stunning views of Lake Lure, the Foothills and the Piedmont. Don’t forget to check out Hickory Nut Falls on your way out. For more information and directions click here.
flickr/turcottes78
The other ‘rock,’ is Blowing Rock; once named by Ripley’s Believe It Or Not as “The only place in the world where snow falls upside down.” Another ancient formation, the metamorphic rocks here are believed to have been formed 1,055 million years ago. Located 4,000 ft. above sea level, Blowing Rock dangles over John’s River Gorge offering stunning Blue Ridge views - and a few myths, legends and stories tied along to this mysterious rock. For more information and directions click here.
Flickr / Matt Herring
As the highest active sand dune on the east coast, Jockey’s Ridge is a Sahara experience right next to the coast. Many love walking around on the towering sand dune and the adventurous even try hang gliding off of it. If you prefer to take in the view or fly past it, Jockey’s Ridge is a must-visit place next time you’re in the Outer Banks.
Flickr / Alex LeSeuer
Deemed the ‘Grand Canyon of the East,’ Linville Gorge is home to towering rock walls that split at the base of the Linville River. The high walls of the gorge run for 12-miles with elevation ranging from 2,000 feet to 3,400 feet. Popular points of interest include Table Rock, Hawksbill, and Wiseman’s View. Go to Wiseman’s late at night and you might get a glimpse of the mysterious Brown Mountain Lights lingering in the distance. For more information and directions click here.
Flickr / Valerie
When driving on the Blue Ridge Parkway, it might come as a surprise to see a large, dome-shaped rock planted in the middle of lush, green mountains; but that’s how you know you’re looking at Looking Glass Rock. Referred to as a ‘pluton monolith,’ Looking Glass would’ve been a volcano had it not cooled before reaching the earth’s surface. Today, it exists a scenic vista off the Blue Ridge and even a place for hiking or rock climbing. For more information and directions click here.
Flickr / Frank DiBona
A beloved destination for any traveler or North Carolinian, the highest peak east of the Mississippi does not disappoint. Named after Elisha Mitchell, who died while trying to prove its status as the tallest (and is buried at the top of the mountain), today, the highest peak sits at 6,684 feet in the Black Mountain range of the Blue Ridge. Read all about Mount Mitchell here.
flickr/Angi English
Just like North Carolina is home to the highest peak, we’re also home to the highest waterfall east of the Rockies - Whitewater Falls. Cascading a total of 811 feet, the fall is so large its shared between North Carolina and South Carolina. Nonetheless, it’s still a breathtaking sight to take in. Make a whole weekend out of chasin’ waterfalls with our two-day Land of Waterfalls trip here.
Flickr / Wendy
Just in time for summer, the 200-mile stretch of barrier islands is home to remote beaches, pirate legends, wild horses and uncharted territory. To make the most of it, hop on board the Outer Banks Scenic Byway for the weekend trip of a lifetime. For more information and directions click here.
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