Top Things to do in North Carolina
Top Hotels in North Carolina
- 1. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Asheville Downtown, an IHG Hotel
- 2. Hampton Inn & Suites Asheville Biltmore Area
- 3. Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort
- 4. Hampton Inn & Suites Asheville Biltmore Village
- 5. Embassy Suites by Hilton Charlotte Uptown
- 6. Hampton Inn & Suites Outer Banks / Corolla
- 7. Tru by Hilton Fayetteville I 95
- 8. Drury Inn & Suites Charlotte Arrowood
- 9. Bridgepointe Hotel and Marina
- 10. The Dunhill Hotel
10 Mountains in North Carolina That You Shouldn't Miss
North Carolina has something for everyone, with the highest mountains in the eastern U.S., 300 miles of pristine coastline, quaint towns and vibrant cities. From the mountains to the sea, explore the natural, scenic beauty, discover outdoor adventure or try one of 500 golf courses, including the legendary Pinehurst No. 2. Discover a favorite among 100 wineries and 60 craft breweries, tour historic and cultural treasures, sample farm to table delicacies and get the thrill of motorsports in the "home" of NASCAR.
Restaurants in North Carolina
1. Rocky Face Mountain Recreational Area
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 31 reviews
Home to unusual cacti plants, this site offers a multitude of outdoor activities from hiking and biking to hang-gliding and parasailing.
Reviewed By zonkey99 - Box Elder, United States
A Great place to just chill or be active! Great Hiking trails, great for those who rock climb, good picnic areas, nice natural type playground, with nearby hammocks to nap! Forgot a book? They have a little box library as well. When you are done reading/napping after that hike, hit the restroom before you level if need. :-) It’s a just great place for anything you want to do.
2. Blue Ridge Mountains
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 31 reviews
This mountain range, which passes through North Carolina, stretches from the northern part of Virginia to the northern part of Georgia.
Reviewed By Brittany_11_10 - Los Angeles, United States
In addition to the beautiful scenery in every direction (up, down, to each side), the road itself is in immaculate shape. It's one of the nicest roads in the States, seriously. We just drove across the country (West to East), and this was by far the nicest, smoothest, newest road. It's a dream on its own, and then you add in the gorgeous views and pretty hiking trails? This is a definite "must" if you're even remotely close.
3. Mount Jefferson State Natural Area
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 105 reviews
North Carolina scenic state park offering hiking, birdwatching, wildlife, a wide variety of trees and rare plant life.
Reviewed By tracymW3537RP - Mt. Athos Peninsula, Greece
Well maintained park, with good signage. Clean Restrooms, picnic tables, scenic overlooks. Variety of activity levels.
4. Whiteside Mountain
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 376 reviews
Expert rock climbers are attracted to Whiteside Mountain, which offers some of the highest cliffs in the east, rising more than 2,100 feet to its summit at 4,930 feet.
Reviewed By pianohiker - Sarasota, United States
Yes worth the drive (for us, from Franklin), and the slightly strenuous walk. Do use the gravel trail up on the left, it's a mile incline to the top. Then take the harder trail down, not gravel at all, but through the woods, rocky and fun. The views you will get from the "harder" trail are simply amazing and you will miss them if you just use the gravel trail up and then down (unless you have kids or are not stable on your feet). The summit at 4930 is along the Eastern Continenal Divide and there is a marker explaining that up top. Also info about the "pluton" rocks from 470 million years ago. Great teaching tools. Small fee for parking.
5. Waterrock Knob
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 301 reviews
Reviewed By GoVols79 - Chattanooga, United States
Waterrock Knob is part of the Plott Balsams mountain range in western North Carolina. At mile marker 451.2 on the Blue Ridge Parkway there is a great stop with a National Park Service Visitor Center that is open seasonally. It features a large parking lot with great views all around, restrooms and hiking trails. We enjoy hiking so we took the trail to the top but the view isn’t any better from what you see in the parking lot. It is paved for the first half and then turns to a dirt trail. The trail isn’t overly technical but I wouldn’t wear flip flops. It is also pretty steep; especially the paved part. The summit of the trail is 6,273 feet above elevation and is the highest point on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The visitor center is small but has a station for stamping a NPS passport, maps, an assortment of gifts and food and drink. There are also displays about the area and wildlife. We picked up Junior Ranger packets for the kids to complete. Waterrock Knob is a great stop on the Parkway and was one of the highlights of our trip.
6. Black Balsam Knob
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 17 reviews
Reviewed By jeannethem2018 - Kathleen, United States
Great little hike. Some families and dogs, most people were mask conscious and friendly. I would suggest doing the entire loop starting with Balsam knob and ending with the lower loop to the parking area. In total about 3 hours.
7. Hendersonville Visitor Center
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 57 reviews
The Visitor Center offers area brochures, maps, things to do, directions, lodging information, dining options & public restrooms. The Gift Shop at the Visitor Center offers a unique selection of gifts & souvenirs. Open 7 days week, Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas & New Year's Eve.
Reviewed By LKaupa - Hendersonville, United States
The locals inside can help you so many ways. They have maps, brochures and advise about the many places to visit, stay and eat. It is very relaxed, large and modern. You can ask even the most unusual questions. A small gift shop is there and bathrooms. Activities for the four seasons can be discovered also. Go Enjoy
8. Rough Ridge Lookout
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 39 reviews
Reviewed By Retriever32 - Winston Salem, United States
Stop at mile marker 302 on the Parkway, follow the steps up to start the 1 mile hike to the top Great overlooks with views of Lin cove viaduct, grandfather mountain and the blue ridge Moderate difficulty Great fun for age 4 to 90
9. Black & White Market
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 35 reviews
A completely unique and one-of-a-kind shop. Farmhouse Decor, New and Old. Local Goods: Pottery, WoodWork, Soaps, Shirts. Vintage Furniture and Decor. Appalachian Trail shirts. Eco Candle Line. Seasonal Decor & Gifts. Appalachian Mountains & Great Smoky Mountains Souvenirs. We are located in a 121-year-old building, originally John E Fain Groceries, in the heart of downtown Murphy.
Reviewed By Stylist240
Stopped in with my coffee to shop! Loved the NEW store! Found a couple items for my house as well! So friendly, and welcoming! Black and White Market has something for everyone! :)
10. Roan Mountain
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