Big elevation gains, heavy rainfall and steep terrain come together at Gorges State Park to create a lush, temperate rain forest packed with plunging waterfalls, rugged gorges and sheer rock walls. Hike a section of the Foothills Trail, chase cascades like Rainbow Falls and Turtleback Falls, then keep an eye out for rare plants and wildlife that thrive in this unique corner of the Blue Ridge.

Two bold peaks — Crowders Mountain and The Pinnacle — rise above the Piedmont at Crowders Mountain State Park, delivering steep climbs, towering cliffs and long-range views on clear days. Pick from 11 trails that range from mellow lake loops to lung-burners, including the Ridgeline Trail that links into Kings Mountain sites across the state line. After your hike, fish at the 9-acre lake or reserve a backcountry campsite for a night under the stars.

From high peaks to remote campgrounds, North Carolina offers some of the best seats in the house for admiring the night sky. Whether you're scanning constellations through a telescope or simply soaking in the stars overhead, these seven spots deliver stellar views

Treat your eyes — and your nose — with the region’s fabulous florals. Take home a bouquet of your favorites or simply enjoy them in their wild glory, from a single hue to a full spectrum of color.

The mountain biking coach has been exploring the mountains in and around Brevard for decades, and now he’s sharing the rides, hikes and eats that keep him here.

The Lumber River gets its deep, inky hue from tannins released by cypress and gum trees lining its banks. It’s one of only four rivers in North Carolina with a National Wild and Scenic River designation — and the only blackwater river to earn that honor.