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. 

Step back in time at the Occoneechee Speedway Trail, the sole survivor of NASCAR's original 1949 dirt tracks, in Hillsborough. This 44-acre National Register of Historic Places site — once the roaring Occoneechee/Orange Speedway (1948-1968) and one of only three racetracks on the National Register — echoes with the thunder of legends like Fireball Roberts and Richard Petty.

Spanning more than 500,000 acres across Western North Carolina, Pisgah National Forest is a playground for outdoor lovers and one of the most scenic places to explore. From towering waterfalls and thundering creeks to sun-soaked ridgelines and high-elevation balds, this treasured national forest has no shortage of remarkable places to explore.

Set against the picturesque hills of Person County, Sunset Buffalo Ridge Farm offers one of the most distinctive animal encounters in North Carolina. This family-owned, 300-acre working bison farm invites visitors to experience a guided safari-style tour, where you can learn about bison behavior, conservation and sustainable farming, all while observing the herd just yards away.

Less than 30 minutes from Charlotte, Lake Norman is North Carolina’s largest human-made lake, a 32,500-acre reservoir where lake life thrives.

North Carolina’s section of the Blue Ridge Parkway, stretching from Milepost 217.5 to 469, offers an unparalleled journey through billion-year-old mountains. This scenic route reveals sweeping vistas, vibrant wildflowers and fall foliage, and rich cultural stops.