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Stunning is just the start
North Carolina’s landscapes unfold with thundering waterfalls, towering dunes, ancient forests and misty peaks, creating a tapestry of natural wonders waiting to be explored.
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Visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park
It's the most-visited national park for good reasons. Among them: 850 miles of hiking trails, brilliant fall color, impressive waterfalls and top-notch campsites.
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Discover Untamed Beauty at National Seashores
Four lighthouses, a herd of wild horses, and hundreds of miles of beaches and shoreline await on the national seashores of the Outer Banks and Crystal Coast.
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Hike The Appalachian Trail
This national treasure winds 88 miles through North Carolina's mountains. Explore it for a day or as part of a thru-hike with these insider tips.
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National Forests to Explore
The Nantahala, Pisgah, Uwharrie and Croatan national forests are full of wild places to hike, hunt, camp, raft and fish.
Granite goals
Featured local’s tip
Pick your path
Looking Glass Rock is the most prominent granite monolith in the East. Hike to the top for mountain vistas, go rock climbing with a guide, or skip the hike and get a great view from the Blue Ridge Parkway’s Looking Glass Rock Overlook.
Explore morePoints of Interest
Uwharrie National Forest isn’t just for adventure — it’s a place to slow down, soak in the quiet, reconnect with nature, and let the towering trees and fresh mountain air do the heavy lifting.
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A helpful guide in your pocket
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