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Carolina Beach State Park
While hiking through the coastal park, you might spot a Venus flytrap or pitcher plant along the trail. If you want a closer look at these carnivorous plants, stop by the new Bog Garden. Behind the visitors center, this area replicates the sensitive, shrinking environment these insect-eating marvels need to thrive.
Ledge Creek Forest Conservation Area
Across North Carolina, groups like the Tar River Land Conservancy work to preserve wild spaces such as this one, featuring easy, well-maintained pathways. Six lightly trafficked trails encircle pretty ponds, follow creekside game trails and ensure everyone can experience a patch of Piedmont forest.
Croatan National Forest
Experience the breadth of coastal ecosystems within 160,000 acres of woods at Croatan National Forest. The 22-mile Neusiok Trail links beaches, salt marshes, wetland bogs, savannas and pine forests. The Saltwater Adventure Trail offers a 100-mile paddling route that circumnavigates the national forest.
Palmetto-Peartree Preserve
Birders flock to the 9,700 acres of Palmetto-Peartree Preserve, bordered by the Albemarle Sound and Alligator River, to catch a glimpse of the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker. Other species vary by season and include bald eagles and songbirds like the yellow-billed cuckoo.
Carolina Raptor Center
Located on the Latta Nature Preserve, the 3⁄4-mile Raptor Trail is home to birds of prey from around the world. See more than 30 avian ambassadors along the trail, or meet them during special programs offered throughout the week. Carolina Raptor Center also houses a Raptor Hospital that treats up to 1,000 sick, injured or orphaned birds of prey each year.
North Carolina Zoo
The world’s largest natural habitat zoo has raked in awards for its green initiatives, including the composting of nearly 2,000 tons of organic waste and manure each year. From April to October, hop into an open-air safari vehicle for a Zoofari tour of the Watani Grasslands and an up-close look at rhinos, gazelles and antelopes.
Tuttle Educational State Forest
Scenic pathways crisscross the 362-acre Tuttle Educational State Forest in the Blue Ridge Foothills, traversing crystalline streams in a forest of pines and hardwoods. Views of Grandfather Mountain, interpretive signage, and remains of the old farm and one-room school await.
Cradle of Forestry
The science of forestry was born in North Carolina, and Cradle of Forestry celebrates the work it takes to maintain and preserve stands of trees, empowering visitors to connect deeply with the woods around them.
North Carolina Estuarium
Along the Pamlico River in Washington, North Carolina Estuarium sheds light on the marshes, estuaries and sounds that make up our inner coast. Interactive displays, boat rides and hands-on activities impart the importance of these ecosystems.
Grandfather Mountain
On Grandfather Mountain, hiking trails, wildlife habitats and the Mile High Swinging Bridge lean into the spectacle and fragility of nature. Innovative and interactive displays for all ages foster a deeper appreciation for the natural world at Grandfather’s on-site Wilson Center for Nature Discovery.
Visit Outdoor NC for additional tips on how to connect with nature and help preserve the natural beauty of our state.