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NORTH CAROLINA

It was here in North Carolina that the first ever flight took off with the Wright brothers at the helm, and this same adventurous spirit can be found across the state, from the towering Appalachian Mountains to the quaint coastal towns. It’s a place for thrill-seekers and discoverers, whether you visit the great sports teams in the cities, the numerous wineries inland or partake in the plethora of outdoor pursuits.

OUTDOORS IN NORTH CAROLINA

Contrasts collide in North Carolina – from the forest-cloaked Great Smokies of the Blue Ridge Mountain Range in the west to the remote beaches of the untamed Atlantic Ocean to the east, where wild horses roam. Paddle, hike, bike, ride; climb, fish, camp – the possibility for adventure in North Carolina is infinite.

TOP OUTDOOR EXPERIENCES

01: FLY FISHING IN MAGGIE VALLEY

01: FLY FISHING IN MAGGIE VALLEY

Nestled among the Great Smoky Mountains, the town of Maggie Valley is famous for trout fishing. So much so, the town and its river, Jonathan Creek, is a state-designated Heritage Trout Waters area. You’ll find numerous fly-fishing guides on hand, with that friendly southern hospitality, to show you the best spots.

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02: CATALOOCHEE ELK WATCHING

02: CATALOOCHEE ELK WATCHING

In the same region, wild elk roam the Cataloochee Valley. Almost wiped out in the mid-1800s, 52 elk were released in 2001, which have since grown to a 200-strong herd. These majestic, antler-bearing creatures are a sight to behold in any season. Sometimes, they can even be spotted in the town of Maggie Valley.

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03: GORGES STATE PARK

03: GORGES STATE PARK

Gorges State Park is the place to go to satiate that desire to get away from it all. It’s true Southern backcountry – rugged rivers, sheer precipices and primitive campsites. Fasten your backpack and get ready to explore over 8,000 acres of temperate rainforest, 26 waterfalls and 56 miles of hiking trail.

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04: LAKE TOXAWAY

04: LAKE TOXAWAY

Follow in the footsteps of the great American families, the Ford, Edisons and Rockefellers, by taking a trip to the crystal-clear waters of Lake Toxaway, the state’s largest private lake. A stay at Greystone Inn will afford you the privilege of taking a boat out or enjoying a sunset cruise aboard Miss Lucy, a charming wooden ferry.

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05: TRANSYLVANIA COUNTY BIKING

05: TRANSYLVANIA COUNTY BIKING

More interesting terrain than road-cycling and less dangerous than descending steep slopes by mountain bike, gravel biking has enjoyed a boom in recent years. Transylvania County, boasting hundreds of miles of well-maintained gravel roads that run deep into the forest, is the perfect place to perfect your new-found hobby.

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KEY CITIES IN NORTH CAROLINA

Wilmington

Even if you’ve never been to Wilmington, there’s a good chance you’ll recognize its sights. That’s because this region of North Carolina’s southern coast has hosted 400+ TV and film productions. In the mood for action on the water? Try surfing, paddleboarding, kayaking and more on island beaches.

Greensboro

It might be North Carolina's third most populous city but a strong community feeling runs through it, from monthly First Fridays, a monthly self-guided cultural walk, to the Downtown BORO, a designated area that allows you to explore downtown with a drink in hand. It's city packed with parks, musuems, shopping and events.

Boone

From challenging mountain sports to cozy mountain cabins, from festivals and art galleries to Tweetsie Railroad Theme Park, Boone is where adrenaline junkies and leisure seekers alike flock for the perfect getaway any time of year. Break away from your daily routine and dive into your perfect adventure. From fly fishing and canoeing, to zip lining and skiing, Boone is the perfect escape.

Charlotte

This dynamic region is home to North Carolina's largest city, but that’s not all there is to discover here. Head north of the Queen City to shop furniture or explore the home of NASCAR and welcoming lake communities, or get outside at scenic and adventure attractions to the south, east and west.

Raleigh

You won't find a better range of ways to treat yourself than in the Triangle of North Carolina. This region boasts award-winning inns, hotels and spas, culinary delights for every taste, and cultural experiences including university gardens, art and history museums, and whimsical whirligigs.

Wilmington

Greensboro

Boone

Charlotte

Raleigh

KEY CITIES IN NORTH CAROLINA

Wilmington

Even if you’ve never been to Wilmington, there’s a good chance you’ll recognize its sights. That’s because this region of North Carolina’s southern coast has hosted 400+ TV and film productions. In the mood for action on the water? Try surfing, paddleboarding, kayaking and more on island beaches.

Greensboro

It might be North Carolina's third most populous city but a strong community feeling runs through it, from monthly First Fridays, a monthly self-guided cultural walk, to the Downtown BORO, a designated area that allows you to explore downtown with a drink in hand. It's city packed with parks, musuems, shopping and events.

Boone

From challenging mountain sports to cozy mountain cabins, from festivals and art galleries to Tweetsie Railroad Theme Park, Boone is where adrenaline junkies and leisure seekers alike flock for the perfect getaway any time of year. Break away from your daily routine and dive into your perfect adventure. From fly fishing and canoeing, to zip lining and skiing, Boone is the perfect escape.

Charlotte

This dynamic region is home to North Carolina's largest city, but that’s not all there is to discover here. Head north of the Queen City to shop furniture or explore the home of NASCAR and welcoming lake communities, or get outside at scenic and adventure attractions to the south, east and west.

Raleigh

You won't find a better range of ways to treat yourself than in the Triangle of North Carolina. This region boasts award-winning inns, hotels and spas, culinary delights for every taste, and cultural experiences including university gardens, art and history museums, and whimsical whirligigs.

OTHER EXPERIENCES IN NORTH CAROLINA

Stargazing in Burnsville

Located at the Mayland Earth to Sky Park in Yancey County, this nationally recognized observatory is open to the public for 360-degree views of the moon, planets, and stars through custom-built telescopes.

Jockey’s Ridge State Park

Rising 110 feet, Jockey's Ridge is the tallest active sand dune on the East Coast. Enjoy hiking, hang-gliding, kite-flying and sunset-watching across Roanoke Sound. You can experience the world of the desert. Shifting sands, high winds, extreme temperatures and a lack of water make the park resemble barren environments such as the Sahara Desert.

Currituck Wild Horses

Today, you’ll find the largest herds of feral horses at the extreme ends of the Outer Banks. Corolla, to the north, and Shackleford Banks, the southernmost of the barrier-island chain, have herds of about 100 stallions, mares, and foals that call their beaches and dunes home. A smaller, more domesticated herd lives on Ocracoke Island.

Pettigrew State Park for Kayaking in the Cypress Trees

An angler’s paradise, this park is the home of Lake Phelps, a 16,000-acre natural lake, a virgin forest and recreational facilities including a family campground, group camping, trails, picnic areas, boat ramp, exhibits, fishing pier and play fields. Ideal for shallow draft sailboats, canoeing and windsurfing. View displays of prehistoric Indian culture in the exhibit hall.

The Blowing Rock

The Blowing Rock is an immense cliff 4,000 feet above sea level, overhanging Johns River Gorge 3,000 feet below. The phenomenon gets its name because the rocky walls of the gorge form a flume through which the northwest wind seeps with such force that it returns light objects cast over the void. The current of air flowing upward from the Rock prompted the Ripley’s Believe-It-Or-Not cartoon about “the only place in the world where snow falls upside down.” Enjoy the scenic views and observation tower, gardens, and hiking trails.

Stargazing in Burnsville

Jockey’s Ridge State Park

Currituck Wild Horses

Pettigrew State Park for Kayaking in the Cypress Trees

The Blowing Rock

OTHER EXPERIENCES IN NORTH CAROLINA

Stargazing in Burnsville

Located at the Mayland Earth to Sky Park in Yancey County, this nationally recognized observatory is open to the public for 360-degree views of the moon, planets, and stars through custom-built telescopes.

Jockey’s Ridge State Park

Rising 110 feet, Jockey's Ridge is the tallest active sand dune on the East Coast. Enjoy hiking, hang-gliding, kite-flying and sunset-watching across Roanoke Sound. You can experience the world of the desert. Shifting sands, high winds, extreme temperatures and a lack of water make the park resemble barren environments such as the Sahara Desert.

Currituck Wild Horses

Today, you’ll find the largest herds of feral horses at the extreme ends of the Outer Banks. Corolla, to the north, and Shackleford Banks, the southernmost of the barrier-island chain, have herds of about 100 stallions, mares, and foals that call their beaches and dunes home. A smaller, more domesticated herd lives on Ocracoke Island.

Pettigrew State Park for Kayaking in the Cypress Trees

An angler’s paradise, this park is the home of Lake Phelps, a 16,000-acre natural lake, a virgin forest and recreational facilities including a family campground, group camping, trails, picnic areas, boat ramp, exhibits, fishing pier and play fields. Ideal for shallow draft sailboats, canoeing and windsurfing. View displays of prehistoric Indian culture in the exhibit hall.

The Blowing Rock

The Blowing Rock is an immense cliff 4,000 feet above sea level, overhanging Johns River Gorge 3,000 feet below. The phenomenon gets its name because the rocky walls of the gorge form a flume through which the northwest wind seeps with such force that it returns light objects cast over the void. The current of air flowing upward from the Rock prompted the Ripley’s Believe-It-Or-Not cartoon about “the only place in the world where snow falls upside down.” Enjoy the scenic views and observation tower, gardens, and hiking trails.