10 Beautiful Places to Visit Across North Carolina

North Carolina’s state and national parks offer bountiful opportunities to get outside and explore nature’s wonders. From hiking to the summit of Eastern America’s tallest peak to relaxing on the undeveloped beaches of the Outer Banks, here are 10 park visits to add to your plans.

Pro tip: By practicing the 7 Outdoor NC Leave No Trace Principles while exploring, you’ll become an important part of our story, preserving these stunning spaces for generations to come.

1 Great Smoky Mountains National Park

1 Great Smoky Mountains National Park

CherokeeSee on map

With more than half of its vast acreage in North Carolina, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most-visited national park in the country. If you prefer a rolling view, i.e., from the car, Cataloochee Valley at the park’s eastern edge is a popular destination for spotting elk. For hikers, a short journey through the Deep Creek area along the southern border brings you to three waterfalls: Juney Whank, Indian Creek and Tom Branch. This area is also filled with flowering plants, such as sweet shrub and rhododendron.

Website(865) 436-1200Directions

2 Cape Hatteras National Seashore

2 Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Outer BanksSee on map

The barrier islands that separate the Pamlico Sound and Atlantic Ocean are a state and national treasure. Cape Hatteras National Seashore stretches from Bodie Island on the north end southward to Ocracoke Island. In between, you’ll find miles of pristine beaches, marshes teeming with wildlife and iconic structures. The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse – the tallest brick lighthouse in the United States – is a stunning sight. Catch one of the ferries that service the islands and enjoy the views from the water. (Please note: Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is temporarily closed for climbing until further notice.)

Website(252) 473-2111Directions

3 Raven Rock State Park

3 Raven Rock State Park

LillingtonSee on map

Located at the intersection of the central and coastal regions, Raven Rock State Park boasts varied topography and ecosystems. A 2.5-mile loop trail leads to the namesake Raven Rock. Carved by wind and water, the 150-foot cliff was once a navigational landmark for river pilots. Getting to the top requires scaling 135 stairs, but the journey is worth it when you reach the overlook with a view of the Cape Fear River. In early spring, Raven Rock is a favorite spot to see wildflowers in bloom.

Website(910) 893-4888Directions

4 Chimney Rock State Park

4 Chimney Rock State Park

Chimney RockSee on map

An icon in Western North Carolina, Chimney Rock Mountain is the centerpiece of this state park about an hour southeast of Asheville. Climb the 26 stories of stairs that make up the Outcroppings Trail to reach the top and enjoy views of Hickory Nut Gorge, Lake Lure and the Piedmont region. The Skyline Trail brings you to Peregrine's Point, the highest peak in the park at 2,640 feet. The views from this route might look familiar; scenes from "The Last of the Mohicans" were filmed here. Want a different stunning view of Chimney Rock? The Lake Lure Flowering Bridge offers a calming place to stroll through more than 2,000 species of plants.

Website(828) 625-1823Directions

5 Hammocks Beach State Park

5 Hammocks Beach State Park

SwansboroSee on map

For those who enjoy unspoiled shores, Hammocks Beach State Park in Swansboro is your sanctuary. Only 33 acres of the park are located on the mainland. The premier feature here is Bear Island, accessible by ferry, boat, canoe or kayak. The island is 4 miles long and less than a mile wide with 4 miles of beach, and it's a prime location for hunting shells. The beach is also a popular destination for nesting loggerhead sea turtles. (Please note: Bear Island's campsites and ferry service are closed through summer 2024 for a major construction project.)

Website(910) 326-4881Directions

6 Fort Fisher State Recreation Area

6 Fort Fisher State Recreation Area

Kure BeachSee on map

Fort Fisher interests history buffs, birders, beachgoers and the environmentally conscious. Five miles south of Carolina Beach in the Wilmington area, the fort was built in 1861 to defend the Confederacy. Then during World War II, the fort was used as a firing range for training military personnel. The grounds are more peaceful these days as visitors stroll along the marsh-lined boardwalks. Each season brings different natural wonders, from nesting loggerhead sea turtles to migrating warblers, hawks and peregrine falcons. Five miles of undeveloped shoreline make for a relaxing day at the beach.

Website(910) 458-5798Directions

7 South Mountains State Park

7 South Mountains State Park

Connelly SpringsSee on map

Boasting 50 miles of trails, many of which intersect, a hike for all levels can be found at this rugged state park that’s just a little over an hour from Charlotte. Whether you find beauty in spotting wildflowers, walking alongside babbling rivers, enjoying picnics in nature or taking in 80-foot waterfalls, a day in South Mountains State Parks offers all in abundance.

Website(828) 433-4772Directions

8 Grandfather Mountain State Park

8 Grandfather Mountain State Park

Banner ElkSee on map

With 2,456 acres of rugged backcountry, Grandfather Mountain State Park is ideal for the experienced hiker. Not to be confused with the area of Grandfather Mountain that’s operated by a foundation (and known for the Mile High Swinging Bridge), the state park preserves an undeveloped area home to 70-plus rare and endangered species. The Nuwati Trail, the only one rated “easy,” will take you to Storyteller’s Rock with views of Boone Bowl and Calloway Peak. For adventure-seekers, the Daniel Boone Scout Trail (rated strenuous) ascends about 2,000 feet across 3 miles, with the upper half offering sights of the Linn Cove Viaduct.

Website(828) 963-9522Directions

9 Goose Creek State Park

9 Goose Creek State Park

WashingtonSee on map

One of the most appreciated features of Goose Creek State Park – located in rural Eastern North Carolina outside of Washington – is the quiet. Come to this park to unwind, have a leisurely paddle along the creek and spend quality time camping with family and friends. Bordered by Goose Creek, Mallard Creek and the Pamlico River, the park’s picturesque banks have trees with Spanish-moss-laden branches that reach out over the water. Eight miles of trails lead to marshes and swamps that earned the site a National Natural Landmark designation.

Website(252) 923-2191Directions

10 Mount Mitchell State Park

10 Mount Mitchell State Park

BurnsvilleSee on map

As the highest point in the East, Mount Mitchell’s 6,684-foot summit overlook platform affords some of the longest mountain views in North Carolina. On clear days, you can see as far as 85 miles. The elevation also contributes to chilly or cool temperatures year-round. The mountain’s spruce-fir ecosystem is home to flora and fauna, more closely resembling that of New England and Canada than the surrounding Southeast. One of the best ways to experience Mount Mitchell’s ecological diversity is hiking one or more of the mountain’s seven trails.

Website(828) 675-4611Directions