North Carolina is one of the best kept secrets in the country; it boasts 41 state parks, four national forests and 10 national park sites, with countless outdoor recreation opportunities for all interests and ages. North Carolina offers a unique geography; it’s bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the east, the Appalachian Mountains to the west, and it’s home to the highest mountain peak on the East Coast.
With such varying terrain and geographic regions, North Carolina has endless opportunities for outdoor adventure. From kayaking and diving, to hiking, horseback riding and camping under the stars, we’ve gathered our favorite outdoor experiences for nature lovers, thrill seekers and travelers who just want to get away. It’s officially time to add a North Carolina trip to your bucket list.
Here are our top 10 outdoor experiences in North Carolina.
1. Test your skills on an iconic trail.
An epic adventure awaits on the Appalachian Trail. This challenging 2,180-mile trail through the Appalachian Mountains is one of the most iconic hikes in the world. You’ll find over 300 miles of this legendary trail in North Carolina — 96 miles through the state, and 225 bonus miles along the Tennessee/North Carolina border. You don’t need to hike the entire trail to enjoy its beauty.
2. Hike from the mountains to the sea.
While it’s not as famous as the aforementioned Appalachian Trail, the Mountains-to-Sea Trail weaves from, you guessed it, North Carolina’s Great Smoky Mountains to the coastal Outer Banks. This trail is not recommended for beginners; it’s 1,175 miles long and includes a wide range of terrain. From small farms and coastal swamps to tough climbs and barrier islands, hikers will truly experience all that North Carolina has to offer. Or if you prefer, break up the trail and hike smaller sections instead.
Recommended: The Ultimate Guide to Camping in North Carolina
3. Float the day away on the river.
There’s nothing more relaxing than a lazy afternoon on the water. At 2.5 miles in length, this mellow stretch of the Dan River (between Lindsey bridge and 704 bridge) can take leisurely visitors anywhere between two and four hours to complete, depending on flow levels. If you don’t have your own raft, local tour company Dan River Adventures rents tubes in the summertime through mid-September.
4. Channel your inner mountain goat.
With 42 established routes in total, Ship Rock is a go-to rock climbing destination for North Carolinians. It’s located on the Blue Ridge Parkway (milepost 303), with easy access and close proximity to Appalachian State University. Mostly a trad climbing area, the rock is quartz, features great holds and takes gear well. Bring your rack, a pack full of food and water and spend the day at this popular crag.
5. Take to the skies in a hot air balloon.
Flying in a hot air balloon is one of the most unique ways to experience North Carolina’s beautiful Pisgah National Forest. The balloon ascends between 500 to 2,000 feet, and will follow the direction of the wind. Asheville Hot Air Balloons is one local tour company option. Take advantage of the seasons — the views change dramatically depending on the time of year. We recommend booking a reservation during the autumn months to watch the fall foliage come alive.
6. Explore an underwater ship graveyard.
Coined the “Graveyard of the Atlantic,” divers around the world come to experience the thousands of shipwrecks spanning the northern coastline of North Carolina’s Outer Banks. The Roanoke island Outfitters and Dive Center offers daily boat charters to some of the most popular wrecks, including the Bedloe, the Jackson, the Advance and the U-85. If diving isn’t your thing, the Outer Banks area is also known for spearfishing, kayaking and cycling activities.
Recommended: The Best Campgrounds in North Carolina
7. Zip through the Green River Gorge.
When visiting North Carolina, don’t miss out on the steepest and fastest zipline canopy tour. Thrill seekers will soar through the air 1,100 vertical feet above the Green River Gorge in the Saluda region. The Gorge – A Zipline Canopy Tour offers 11 different lines that zip you over a mile through the remote protected gamelands down below. It’s a must-try experience that offers a truly unique vantage point of the great outdoors. Take note there are height, weight and physical requirements for participation.
8. Take a scenic ride on horseback.
Located in the foothills of North Carolina, the Sauratown Trail is a 25-mile bridle trail (part of the previously mentioned Mountains-to-Sea trail) that is open to equestrians and hikers. Local Tokota Horse Stables offers scenic mountain trail horseback rides from their stables to the foot of Hanging Rock. Riding lessons are available if you’re not yet ready for a full two hour ride. Take note the trail is closed during hunting season (November to January), so plan accordingly.
9. Paddle through swamps.
Kayaking is a great way to experience the less-traveled waterways of North Carolina’s diverse coastal areas. If you don’t have your own gear, opt for an all-inclusive tour with a local company. Mahanaim Adventures offers half-day, full-day and overnight kayak adventures at nine different locations. While hunting for fossils and shark teeth, or paddling through 2,000-year-old bald cypress trees, you’ll explore the local flora and fauna of each unique area.
10. Celebrate with likeminded outdoor enthusiasts.
The Mountain Sports Festival was created to celebrate and foster the outdoor lifestyle in Asheville. And with over 20 years of history, it shows no signs of slowing down. The three-day summer festival offers sports competitions (disc golf, paddling, running and climbing) and a lineup of local live bands and artists. Visitors can fuel up with healthy eats from local food vendors, or shop for gear at outdoor retailer booths. Plan your East Coast getaway to hit this festival in May.
