The North Carolina side of Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers some of the most diverse and accessible adventures in the Southern Appalachians — from the mist-draped ridgelines of Kuwohi to the trout-filled creeks of Deep Creek and the wide-open meadows of Cat

In Halifax County, Sylvan Heights Bird Park offers a truly global experience with no passport required. Home to the world’s largest collection of rare and endangered waterfowl, the park features more than 2,500 birds from around the world, including swans, parrots, cranes, owls, toucans, flamingos and an astonishing variety of ducks, geese and pheasants.

With its striking black-and-white diamond pattern, Cape Lookout Lighthouse stands as one of the Outer Banks’s most iconic coastal landmarks and certainly one of its most remote.

Just outside the Triad cities, Hanging Rock State Park spans more than 9,000 acres of hardwood forest, sheer cliffs, quiet coves and elegant waterfalls, all stitched together by a trail system that rewards both casual walkers and serious trekkers. 

Recognized instantly by its soaring Big Pinnacle, Pilot Mountain State Park rises above the rolling hills of the Piedmont and delivers some of the most dramatic views in North Carolina. Just 20 miles north of Winston-Salem, this state park draws hikers, climbers, paddlers and photographers with its mix of quartzite cliffs, scenic trails and riverfront access along the Yadkin.

Spanning more than 500,000 acres of rugged mountains, cool river gorges and hardwood forests, Nantahala National Forest is North Carolina’s largest national forest and one of its most varied. Elevations range from 1,200 feet to 5,800 feet, creating a patchwork of ecosystems and outdoor experiences, from shaded coves to panoramic overlooks.

In Bertie County, just southeast of Windsor, the Sans Souci Ferry offers travelers a ride through history and across the Cashie River. One of only three remaining cable ferries in North Carolina, this unique crossing has been in operation since the 1930s under the NC Department of Transportation, though ferry service at this very spot dates back to the early 1800s.

Stretching across 20,000 acres and straddling the North Carolina–Virginia border, Lake Gaston is a favorite destination for boaters, anglers and lake-loving families. Bounded by the Kerr and Gaston dams, its shoreline touches Warren, Halifax and Northampton counties in North Carolina, offering easy access to open water from multiple public points.

With a 50,000-acre reservoir at its heart, Kerr Lake State Recreation Area offers endless opportunities for outdoor adventure and relaxation. This massive reservoir, located an hour north of Raleigh, is surrounded by eight access areas, each offering a unique experience.

Located 40 miles west of Wilmington in NC’s Inner Coastal Plain, Lake Waccamaw State Park sits on the shores of NC’s largest Carolina bay. Thousands of Carolina bays — unique geological features that form a shallow crater in the earth’s surface — dot the East Coast, but this lake stands out as one of the few filled with open water instead of dense vegetation.