If you’ve been struck with the travel bug, we have a surefire cure! North Carolina has no shortage of sweet little road trips, and they’ll take you to some of the most spectacular spots in the state! In fact, it’s hard to choose with so many beautiful sights to see in one great state. For some ideas on where to start, here is a list of 25 jaw dropping places in North Carolina that will blow you away.
- The ‘Serendipity House’ from the movie Nights in Rodanthe is now a vacation rental called the Inn at Rodanthe.
Wendy/Flickr
- ‘The Road to Nowhere’ starts in Bryson City and leads to a tunnel deep within the Smoky Mountains. Although this road to nowhere has much speculation and dead ends past the tunnel, it gives you breathtaking views of Fontana Lake and the Great Smoky Mountains.
Flickr / Smoky Dan
- While you’re in the car, take a drive down the Uwharrie Mountains Wine Trail. It covers 42 miles with four vineyards where the land flows for miles into vast hills as mountains sit in the distance. It’s a beautiful drive, just make sure to bring a DD!
The Charlotte Observer
- Home to its own mini-desert at Jockey’s Ridge, the largest active sand dune on the east coast is one of the most spectacular natural wonders in North Carolina.
Flickr / Zach Frailey
- Step back in time in downtown Winston-Salem. Old Salem is a little slice of history where you can take a tour, ride a horse-drawn carriage, and get some Moravian cookies.
Brian Leon/Flickr
- Live a little and conquer your fears on the Mile High Swinging Bridge at Grandfather Mountain. It’s sure to be an exhilerating experience!
Flickr / Scott Thompson
- Since we’re in the mountains, take a drive to Chimney Rock State Park, one of the filming locations for the movie The Last of the Mohicans and one of the most picturesque sights in North Carolina.
Red/Flickr
- Linville Falls was also a filming location for Last of the Mohicans. Besides breathtaking waterfalls, Linville has some beautiful hiking trails.
Flickr / Kevin Mcgee
- Breathtaking in its own unique way, The USS North Carolina is a floating slice of history. This battleship was awarded 15 battle stars during her service. It now resides in Wilmington.
Flickr / Zach Frailey
- Craggy Bottoms Trail is straight out of a fairytale leading to breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Flickr / Selena N.B.H
- Though the ships that explored the NC beaches are long gone, you can still see their legacy with the descendants of Spanish mustangs known as ‘Corolla Wild Ponies’
Flickr / Harrison Group
- No list of NC landmarks is complete without The Biltmore Estate. Natives know the best time to go is during Christmas.
Flickr / Blake Lewis
- There’s nothing quite like sliding down a 60-ft rock into crisp mountain water to remind you you’re alive. Take a dip, or a (long) slip at Sliding Rock.
Flickr / John Walsh
- Come see sunken treasures, and sunken pieces, from Blackbeard’s ship, Queen Anne’s Revenge, at the NC Maritime Museum in Beaufort. ARRGH.
National Geographic
- It’s a real two-for-one on the Outer Banks Scenic Byway. Enjoy beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Pamlico Sound on the other.
VisitNC.com
- With a 6,684-foot elevation, the highest point on the East Coast is Mount Mitchell, which is right here in our home state! Enjoy epic views from the summit’s observation deck, visit the museum detailing the history of the mountain, and explore the network of trails.
Flickr / Frank Kehren
- The infamous 11-mile ‘Dragon’ at Deals Gap is one of the most popular roads for motorcyclist because of it’s sharp turns and breathtaking views. Take a drive, if you dare, although it’s considered one of the most dangerous roads in the country.
Matt Lehrer/Fickr
- The Atkinson Mill in Selma will take you back in time, it has been in continuous operation making cornmeal products for more than 250 years.
Atkinson Milling Company/Facebook
- The Reed Gold Mine, outside of Concord, is the only underground gold mine open to the public. It is also said to be the location of the ‘first documented commercial gold find in America.’
Flickr / Neal Wellon
- Tryon Palace is a true North Carolina gem. Located in New Bern, it is known for being the first permanent state capitol.
Flickr / Zach Frailey
- NC loves its nostalgia and the town of Bath gives you just that. As NC’s oldest town, this waterfront community is breathtaking.
Visit NC
- Meander a bit off the Blue Ridge and you’ll find Skinny Dip Falls, a beautiful, hidden gem perfect for swimming on a warm summer day.
tony27502/Flickr
- Bald Head Island Lighthouse or ‘Old Baldy’ is the oldest NC lighthouse that’s still standing. It was first operational in 1817 helping guide ships past the dangerous shoals at the river.
Flickr / Anne Ruthman
- The Blowing Rock in the Blue Ridge Mountains is considered ‘North Carolina’s oldest attraction.’ Hike up here for the most incredible views of surrounding forest and mountain peaks.
Flickr/Andy Turnbull
- There’s nothing more ‘classic Carolina’ than Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, the tallest lighthouse in the country.
Flickr / Val D’Aquila
In such a beautiful state, this list of jaw dropping places in North Carolina is really just scratching the surface. What are some of your favorite sights in this beautiful state? Even better, what are some of your favorite hidden gems or natural wonders in North Carolina? Share below in the comments!
Wendy/Flickr
Flickr / Smoky Dan
The Charlotte Observer
Flickr / Zach Frailey
Brian Leon/Flickr
Flickr / Scott Thompson
Red/Flickr
Flickr / Kevin Mcgee
Flickr / Selena N.B.H
Flickr / Harrison Group
Flickr / Blake Lewis
Flickr / John Walsh
National Geographic
VisitNC.com
Flickr / Frank Kehren
Matt Lehrer/Fickr
Atkinson Milling Company/Facebook
Flickr / Neal Wellon
Flickr / Zach Frailey
Visit NC
tony27502/Flickr
Flickr / Anne Ruthman
Flickr/Andy Turnbull
Flickr / Val D’Aquila
And to learn more about some of the above jaw dropping places in North Carolina that have been featured on the big screen, check out this list!
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Address: 23288 Beacon Rd E, Rodanthe, NC 27968, USAAddress: Lakeview Drive East, Lakeview Dr E, North Carolina 28713, USAAddress: Central, NC, USAAddress: Jockeys Ridge, Nags Head, NC 27959, USAAddress: Winston-Salem, NC, USAAddress: Mile High Swinging Bridge, 2050 Blowing Rock Hwy, Linville, NC 28646, USAAddress: Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park, Chimney Rock, NC 28720, USAAddress: Linville Falls, NC 28752, USAAddress: 1 Battleship Rd NE, Wilmington, NC 28401, USAAddress: Blue Ridge Mountains, United StatesAddress: Corolla, NC 27927, USAAddress: Biltmore, 1 Lodge St, Asheville, NC 28803, USAAddress: Sliding Rock, North Carolina 28768, USAAddress: 293 W Beaufort Rd Ext, Beaufort, NC 28516, USAAddress: Outer Banks, North Carolina, USAAddress: Yancey County, NC, USAAddress: Deals Gap, North Carolina 37885, USAAddress: 95 Atkinson Mill Rd, Selma, NC 27576, USAAddress: Reed Rd, Gold Mine, NC 27816, USAAddress: Tryon Palace, 529 S Front St, New Bern, NC 28562, USAAddress: Bath, NC 27808, USAAddress: Skinny Dip Falls Trailhead, Blue Ridge Pkwy, Canton, NC 28716, USAAddress: 101 Light House Wynd, Bald Head Island, NC 28461, USAAddress: Blowing Rock, NC, USAAddress: 46379 Lighthouse Rd, Buxton, NC 27920, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Jaw-Dropping Places In North Carolina March 16, 2021 Melissa Mahoney Does North Carolina have any natural wonders? A state as beautiful as North Carolina is home to endless natural wonders and you can take this Natural Wonders Road Trip to see 10 of them. From the Outer Banks to Pilot Mountain, Whitewater Falls, and Looking Glass Rock, this trek will give you a small taste of why so many are enchanted by this state. Which hidden gems in North Carolina should I visit? It’s nice to find the lesser-known places, places that aren’t overrun with tourists or even locals in some cases. NC has many hidden gems to add to your bucket list including the town of Saluda. With a population of under 900 people, Saluda has a charming downtown featuring shops, galleries, and restaurants all surrounded by wilderness. Secret Falls in the Nantahala National Forest is a lovely natural hidden gem tucked away close to the Georgia border and few people know how to get there. You can find more hidden gems in our previous article, Most People Don’t Know These 15 Hidden Gems Exist In North Carolina. What’s the most beautiful hike in North Carolina? There are too many beautiful hikes in the Tar Heel State to mention, so it’s hard to pick just one. There are numerous waterfall, mountain, and beach trails you can take that will lead you through breathtaking scenery and all of them could be considered the most beautiful!
The OIYS Visitor Center
Jaw-Dropping Places In North Carolina
March 16, 2021
Melissa Mahoney
Does North Carolina have any natural wonders? A state as beautiful as North Carolina is home to endless natural wonders and you can take this Natural Wonders Road Trip to see 10 of them. From the Outer Banks to Pilot Mountain, Whitewater Falls, and Looking Glass Rock, this trek will give you a small taste of why so many are enchanted by this state. Which hidden gems in North Carolina should I visit? It’s nice to find the lesser-known places, places that aren’t overrun with tourists or even locals in some cases. NC has many hidden gems to add to your bucket list including the town of Saluda. With a population of under 900 people, Saluda has a charming downtown featuring shops, galleries, and restaurants all surrounded by wilderness. Secret Falls in the Nantahala National Forest is a lovely natural hidden gem tucked away close to the Georgia border and few people know how to get there. You can find more hidden gems in our previous article, Most People Don’t Know These 15 Hidden Gems Exist In North Carolina. What’s the most beautiful hike in North Carolina? There are too many beautiful hikes in the Tar Heel State to mention, so it’s hard to pick just one. There are numerous waterfall, mountain, and beach trails you can take that will lead you through breathtaking scenery and all of them could be considered the most beautiful!
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
A state as beautiful as North Carolina is home to endless natural wonders and you can take this Natural Wonders Road Trip to see 10 of them. From the Outer Banks to Pilot Mountain, Whitewater Falls, and Looking Glass Rock, this trek will give you a small taste of why so many are enchanted by this state.
Which hidden gems in North Carolina should I visit?
It’s nice to find the lesser-known places, places that aren’t overrun with tourists or even locals in some cases. NC has many hidden gems to add to your bucket list including the town of Saluda. With a population of under 900 people, Saluda has a charming downtown featuring shops, galleries, and restaurants all surrounded by wilderness. Secret Falls in the Nantahala National Forest is a lovely natural hidden gem tucked away close to the Georgia border and few people know how to get there. You can find more hidden gems in our previous article, Most People Don’t Know These 15 Hidden Gems Exist In North Carolina.
What’s the most beautiful hike in North Carolina?
There are too many beautiful hikes in the Tar Heel State to mention, so it’s hard to pick just one. There are numerous waterfall, mountain, and beach trails you can take that will lead you through breathtaking scenery and all of them could be considered the most beautiful!
