With a 60-foot trip down a natural rock waterslide to reach the 7-foot-deep pool at the bottom, Sliding Rock isn’t your average swimming hole. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, visitors can enjoy the thrill of being whisked down the slide by 11,000 gallons of mountain stream water under the watchful eye of Forest Service lifeguards.
Not only is Fontana Dam a beautiful vista on the drive through the Great Smoky Mountains, at 480 feet high it's also the tallest concrete dam in the Eastern US. After crossing the length of the top of the dam, you've even traveled a bit of the grandiose Appalachian Trail.
This summer, take a cool trip to the Village of Sugar Mountain for a mile-high escape featuring panoramic Blue Ridge Mountain views and unforgettable memories. Experience “mountain time,” where a summer respite means cooler temperatures (the average summer high is 75 degrees Fahrenheit) and outdoor exploration.
The Director of the North Carolina Film office often feels nostalgic while exploring North Carolina, and he’s found great stops along the way where you can feel it too.
The Visit NC Partner Relations Manager shares his favorite summer activities, complete with music, cultural history, seafood and golf.
Visit NC Director of Tourism Marketing Scott Peacock is looking forward to his favorite summer activities: hiking in the mountains, enjoying cold beer at dive bars and discovering local tips from other travelers.
From Harriet Jacobs to Nina Simone, Pauli Murray to the Greensboro Four, changemakers from North Carolina’s past wield star power.
From its wildlife and aquatic adventures to its history, arts, culture and cuisine, these treasured experiences — some new and some old — will have you seeing the area in a brand-new way this summer.
Whether you’re a nature novice or a veteran hiker, we’ve found 10 North Carolina hikes that’ll help you reconnect with nature – and yourself. And by following the 7 Outdoor NC Leave No Trace Principles, you can help preserve the natural beauty all around.