Last Updated on July 21, 2023 by
There is something for everyone in North Carolina. There are beautiful beaches, gorgeous views of the mountains, and tons of charm in this state. Moreover, NASCAR, America’s most popular spectator sport, is also based in North Carolina.
Besides hiking, mountain climbing, and skiing, visitors can also experience Appalachian culture in the Smokey Mountains and the Blue Ridge Mountains. One can also pay a visit to the diverse cities of the state. In the coastal region of NC, you’ll find secluded barrier islands in Out Banks and a lively city by the beach called Wilmington.
Some top North Carolina attractions include:
Murphy River Walk
Murphy is a heavenly town in Cherokee County, nestled in the foothills of the rivers Hiwassee and Valley. The town in itself offers over 80 amazing outdoor activities for tourists, especially couples. Some of these include amusements parks, hiking trails, movie theaters, and much more. However, the unbeatable experience here is the Murphy river walk. The Murphy River Walk is a three-mile trail system that follows the Valley and Hiwassee Rivers. You can stroll through several different types of natural environments along this easy pathway around the historic town of Murphy.
The place enjoys the reputation of a couples retreat with its mountain backdrop and scenic waterfalls. Many resorts and motels are also available here, providing event space where people who wish to celebrate an important event can do so on a pristine beach with a majestic mountain backdrop. There‘s also no shortage of North Carolina cabin rentals for those who wish to extend their stay in the exotic town filled with natural splendor.
Chimney Rock State Park
Chimney Rock State Park has a beautiful waterfall of 400 feet (120 meters). There is no doubt that the place, a 300-foot (90 meters) monolith that boasts an amazing view of the surrounding area. It is the most famous destination in this state park.
For visitors to reach the top of the Chimney, they can either take the elevator or climb 500 steps (equivalent to 31 flights of stairs). Having been approved only in 2005, this park is relatively new.
Bald Head Island
Bald Head Island is a great destination for visitors looking for a slower pace and no cars. The only way to reach this island is by boat or ferry from Southport. There are 23 kilometers of beaches, and the atmosphere is relaxed. You can get around by walking, riding a bicycle, or using a golf cart.
Bald Head Island golf course, marshes, and maritime forests make up the island’s landscapes. This turtle nesting site is also open throughout the summer season and often allows visitors to walk around turtle nests to watch for nesting mothers or monitor nests for young hatchlings.
Hanging Rock State Park
Located in the Sauratown Mountains, this lovely park offers visitors over 18 miles (29 km) of hiking trails that range from easy to difficult. Home to a number of lovely waterfalls, it also features a lake that is ideal for boating, fishing, and swimming.
For those who wish to stay in the park, Hanging Rock State Park has ten cabins and a campground for tents and trailers. It is famous for its stunning quartzite formations and ridges, such as the Devil’s Chimney and the eponymous Hanging Rock.
Old Salem
As a living museum, Old Salem recreates life in the Winston-Salem area during the 18th and 19th centuries. In Old Salem, visitors have the opportunity to interact with interpreters and see how Moravian settlers lived and worked.
Visitors to Old Salem can observe shoemakers, gunsmiths, and tailors at work as they provide their respective services or make their wares. In addition, they can participate in hands-on activities in some areas.
Asheville
With its beautiful setting in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville has a reputation as a vibrant, artsy community. There are numerous boutiques and bars in the town center, as well as great places to eat and drink.
The overall creative vibe here is enhanced by strolling musicians and street performers. Furthermore, Ashville is not too far from the world-famous Biltmore Estate. Almost one million visitors per year visit this Châteauesque-styled house, built between 1889 and 1895, that’s the largest privately-owned home in the United States.
Blue Ridge Parkway
Being the most scenic parks in the United States, Blue Ridge Parkway is hands down the best places to visit in North Carolina. It is especially beautiful during the fall months when the surrounding hills turn hues of orange, yellow and red.
During the springtime, the parkway is beautiful, with the Carolina rhododendrons and dogwoods blooming. Between the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park, the Blue Ridge Parkway stretches for 469 miles (755 km).
Charlotte
Charlotte, the state’s largest city, has a lot to offer visitors, especially motorsport enthusiasts. The city has many exciting attractions, such as Carolina Winds and Discovery Place, a combination science museum and aquarium.
You can also visit the NASCAR hall of fame in this city. Mooresville is a nearby suburb where nearly all NASCAR shops exist; most of these are public shops.
Wilmington
Many North Carolina beaches are located in Wilmington, including Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, and Wrightsville Beach. The historic port city is also a great destination for families. Moreever, NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher has been named one of the top aquariums in the U.S.
A leisurely walk along Wilmington’s Riverwalk, which runs along the Cape Fear River, is also a popular attraction. Mansions and plantations can also be found along the way, such as Poplar Grove Plantation, the oldest peanut plantation in the country.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the United States since it is easily accessible from several large East Coast cities. There’s more to this park’s popularity than its accessibility, such as the beautiful views and abundant wildlife in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The park is home to over 1,500 black bears and deer, foxes, turkeys, and recently reintroduced elk. Besides that, there are approximately 850 miles of trails here.
Conclusion
North Carolina offers a variety of outdoor activities, museums, and theme parks for visitors to enjoy and savor. Whether it is for a vacation, a family reunion, a business trip or a cultural excursion, one can always find something to do in the heart of NC.
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