When the weather allows, getting outside to explore the universe is always top of mind, especially in a place like North Carolina. For some great places to fuel your wanderlust this year, check out our list of low-key destinations below – and than start planning!
- Moore Cove Falls - Brevard
TripAdvisor/Lisa S Hike an easy, 1.2-mile trail into this stunning waterfall that spills 50 feet over a ledge and then cascades further down the hill. All the while, there’s a ledge hikers can stand under and get behind the waterflow. Learn more about it here.
- Rent a UTV and go offroading! - Banner Elk
Google Maps/Shannon Sellers For the most fun you can possibly have on four wheels, rent your very own UTV and go off-roading in the Highland mountains. What fun! Learn all about it in this previous article!
- Shangri La Stone Village - Prospect Hill
Flickr/bobistraveling Travel over to see one of the strangest and yet charming roadside attractions in all of North Carolina. Shangri La is the creative work of a single North Carolinian who built his own miniature village right in his own front yard. Learn all about it right here.
- McGaillard Falls - Valdese
Google Maps/Jason Kyes Head to this hidden city park in North Carolina with an enormous waterfall at its center. Bring a picnic and swimwear and stay all day! Learn more in this previous article.
- The Fairy Trail - Hendersonville
Google Maps/Kimberly Chastain-Santacrose Head to the beautiful Bullington Gardens in Hendersonville to embark on the most enchanting trail in the entire state. The hike is filled with fairy homes, gardens, tea settings, and more. Read all about it here.
- The riverfront city of Wilimington
TripAdvisor/SaraAntonLargo Head to North Carolina’s most vibrant riverfront city for some rest and relaxation. Get an idea of things to do by reading this previous article.
- North Carolina Museum of Art - Raleigh
Google Maps/Mauro Rodriguez Wander the state’s largest museum park (for free) and enjoy 164 acres of art installations and gorgeous rolling landscape. Learn more about it right here.
- Ride the Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster - Banner Elk
Facebook/Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster Take a little road trip over to Banner Elk to hop on the only mountain coaster in North Carolina. Whether you take one ride down the mountain or buy a bundle, you’re sure to love this thrilling adventure! Read all about it here.
- Tackle a 10-story snow tubing hill at Hawksnest - Seven Devils
Google Maps/Paul Petrie Because a winter in North Carolina without a snow tubing excursion just wouldn’t be winter. Hit the road to Seven Devils to take on the monster hills at Hawksnest. Read more about it here.
- Take a little drive on North Carolina’s Waterfall Scenic Byway - western North Carolina
Flickr/Jeff Heard You’ll pass scores of waterfalls on this 98-mile scenic drive in the mountains of North Carolina. Some are even visible from your car! Learn more here.
Out of 10 places, how many do you think you’ll make it to this year? Let us know in the comments!
TripAdvisor/Lisa S
Hike an easy, 1.2-mile trail into this stunning waterfall that spills 50 feet over a ledge and then cascades further down the hill. All the while, there’s a ledge hikers can stand under and get behind the waterflow. Learn more about it here.
Google Maps/Shannon Sellers
For the most fun you can possibly have on four wheels, rent your very own UTV and go off-roading in the Highland mountains. What fun! Learn all about it in this previous article!
Flickr/bobistraveling
Travel over to see one of the strangest and yet charming roadside attractions in all of North Carolina. Shangri La is the creative work of a single North Carolinian who built his own miniature village right in his own front yard. Learn all about it right here.
Google Maps/Jason Kyes
Head to this hidden city park in North Carolina with an enormous waterfall at its center. Bring a picnic and swimwear and stay all day! Learn more in this previous article.
Google Maps/Kimberly Chastain-Santacrose
Head to the beautiful Bullington Gardens in Hendersonville to embark on the most enchanting trail in the entire state. The hike is filled with fairy homes, gardens, tea settings, and more. Read all about it here.
TripAdvisor/SaraAntonLargo
Head to North Carolina’s most vibrant riverfront city for some rest and relaxation. Get an idea of things to do by reading this previous article.
Google Maps/Mauro Rodriguez
Wander the state’s largest museum park (for free) and enjoy 164 acres of art installations and gorgeous rolling landscape. Learn more about it right here.
Facebook/Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster
Take a little road trip over to Banner Elk to hop on the only mountain coaster in North Carolina. Whether you take one ride down the mountain or buy a bundle, you’re sure to love this thrilling adventure! Read all about it here.
Google Maps/Paul Petrie
Because a winter in North Carolina without a snow tubing excursion just wouldn’t be winter. Hit the road to Seven Devils to take on the monster hills at Hawksnest. Read more about it here.
Flickr/Jeff Heard
You’ll pass scores of waterfalls on this 98-mile scenic drive in the mountains of North Carolina. Some are even visible from your car! Learn more here.
For more road trip adventures in the Tar Heel State, check out these spots that are way out in the boonies but oh-so worth the trip!
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Address: Moore Cove Falls, North Carolina 28768, USAAddress: Banner Elk, NC 28604, USAAddress: Prospect Hill, NC 27314, USAAddress: McGalliard Falls Park, Church St NW, Valdese, NC 28690, USAAddress: Bullington Gardens, 95 Upper Red Oak Trail, Hendersonville, NC 28792, USAAddress: Wilmington, NC, USAAddress: North Carolina Museum of Art, 2110 Blue Ridge Rd, Raleigh, NC 27607, USAAddress: Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster, 3265 Tynecastle Hwy, Banner Elk, NC 28604, USAAddress: Hawksnest Snow Tubing and Zipline, 2058 Skyland Dr, Seven Devils, NC 28604, USAAddress: 2202 Walnut Creek Rd, Marshall, NC 28753, USA
