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
What to do and see in North Carolina, United States: The Best Forests
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. Pisgah National Forest
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 662 reviews
A park within easy driving distance from Hendersonville that offers hiking, camping and fishing.
Reviewed By tomtI3003XC - Concord, United States
Pisgah Forest has some beautiful streams, waterfalls, mountains, and unspoiled forest that can’t be beat! Whether you are site seeing , hiking , trout fishing, camping or Mountain biking there are more than enough in the huge National Forest ???? The Looking Glass Waterfall is a prime example of just some of the sights to see, with very easy access to view it’s beauty right off the side of the main road coming into the forest from North Brevard NC. And just a little south of Pisgah is my favorite MTB getaway DuPont State Forest, so you can enjoy both with minimal driving.
2. Nantahala National Forest
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 37 reviews
The mountainous southwestern tip of North Carolina is overspread by the 527,486-acre Nantahala National Forest, which features a magnificent river gorge for kayaking or rafting, plus other popular sites for hiking, fishing, camping and boating.
Reviewed By smkymtnrev - Englewood, United States
The Nantahala National Forest is too large and diverse to adequately review as a singular place to visit. The area of my liking is that remote section of upper Santeelah Creek which is reached by driving down an old logging road from the Cherohala Skyway. This area is both remote and beautiful....and offers a pretty quick escape from the busyness of life to folks in both TN and NC.
3. DuPont State Recreational Forest
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 755 reviews
This forest covers more than 10,000 acres from Hendersonville to Brevard, North Carolina.
Reviewed By EclecticBull - Durham, United States
Parking at Hooker Falls Access we were able to see 3 waterfalls in 2.5 hours of hiking. We started by walking up the Triple Falls trail, down the steps to the top of the second tier of Triple Halls (which was fantastic), then continuing on along the river via the High Falls trail to the base of High Falls (even more spectacular). We returned to the parking area via the same trail, and took the short Hooker Falls trail to a nice swimming hole. Fantastic morning with a huge payoff for 4.5 miles of hiking. Get there before 9 am if going on a weekend and you'll enjoy the beauty before the crowds descend (as well parking near the trial head).
4. Battle Park
5. Nags Head Woods Ecological Preserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 260 reviews
Located in the Outer Banks, this preserve is one of only a few maritime forests left in its natural state.
Reviewed By akvolkan
If you're looking for a change of scenery or some trail running (can get runs in between 1-7miles), you have to visit this unique corner of the Outer Banks
6. Pearson's Falls Glen
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 210 reviews
Named after its founder, Charles William Pearson, this 268-acre area of wilderness offers an abundant variety of flowers.
Reviewed By JD3073 - Greenville, United States
Clean, well-maintained, easy 1/4 mile hike to a beautiful waterfall. $5 each adult, $1 for 12 years and under - they do take credit cards. Restroom on site, picnic tables and benches throughtout. Stairs and uneven stone path. Not suitable for stroller or wheelchair.
7. Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 119 reviews
Impressive 3800-acre wilderness that was once the unchartered hunting ground of the Cherokee Indians.
Reviewed By lianatron
This was a beautiful, moderate hike. Lots of greenery, some cute wildlife, and a fun trail! Because of high waters, one end of the trail is the closed so you can only enter from the right side. You can do most of the loop, but then you have to turn around and go back the other way, making it about 4 miles rather than two miles :)
8. Clemmons Educational State Forest
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 81 reviews
Reviewed By JenEricTravelers - Fort Worth, United States
Beautiful hideaway that every family should enjoy, with or without kids. We happened upon it during our first day in NC (just moved here) and returned for a few hours. Not very busy, but you will pass a few people along the way. And the educational moments along the way are fun; I finally learned about a 'cord' of wood measurement.
9. Downtown Wake Forest
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 128 reviews
Reviewed By Sherpa552868 - Wake Forest, United States
A nice variety of businesses from retail shops to inventive and creative food and beverage options. Even a candy shop and bookstore! Family-friendly events throughout the year.
10. Panthertown Valley
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 33 reviews
Reviewed By tumbleweedchris - Asheville, United States
I visited Panthertown and took an all day hike up, down, and around mountains and waterfalls. I purchased the map you can find online by Burt Kornegay, and have a hard time imagining hiking without it. The trails have scant blazing and there are many social trails. You can easily get turned around if you are not prepared. As an added bonus, the map will include the social trails that will lead you to hidden waterfalls that very few people visit. I have lots more exploration to go at this park, but it's the most fun I have had outdoors in West Carolina. The best part is that this park is less frequented by others and you are likely not to see many people during the day. This is a must do when venturing into nature in the area.
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