North Carolina has some beautiful, well-known locations, but there’s also plenty hiding amidst the scenery. If you’re someone who doesn’t mind taking the road-less-traveled to discover hidden gems, you’ll be delighted to visit any of the following hidden oases in North Carolina. From little-known parks to secret trails, this list is sure to bring out the adventurer in you!

1. Hanging Rock State Park
Hanging Rock State Park, 1790 Hanging Rock Park Rd, Danbury, NC 27016, USA
Flickr / Zach Frailey
Hanging Rock State Park is a well-known destination. But, for those looking for their own secluded retreat, we'd recommend taking a picnic to the majestic Lower Cascade Falls, as shown in the photograph above. And if you're looking for an extended stay, Hanging Rock State Park just so happens to feature one of the best campgrounds in North Carolina.
2. UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens
UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens, 9090 Craver Rd, Charlotte, NC 28262, USA
UNCC Botanical Gardens
You normally don't associate a wonderful, hidden, and quite large botanical garden with a college campus. That's not the case for UNC Charlotte. The beautiful botanical gardens include small streams, Asian-inspired buildings, and plenty of trails to wander along for an afternoon. Plus, admission is completely free! For more information, you can visit the UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens website.
3. Treehouse Vineyards
Treehouse Vineyards, Bay Street, Monroe, NC, USA
Treehouse Vineyards
North Carolina has plenty of beautiful vineyards, but what about one where you can rent your very own Treehouse? Located in Monroe, Treehouse Vineyards is perfect for a weekend away from it all! Learn more about planning your visit to Treehouse Vineyards in North Carolina.
4. SOCO Falls
Soco Falls, U.S. Hwy 19, Maggie Valley, NC 28751, USA
Flickr / vijay_SRV
Located off Highway 19 in Maggie Valley, this one is a true hidden gem because there are literally no signs directing you to the fall. You'll see the parking area off HWY 19, but might have to carve your own trail down to the fall to capture amazing pictures like the one above. (And for safety reasons, we wouldn't recommend straying from the trail!) Learn more about the short hike that leads to this spectacular North Carolina waterfall.
5. Craggy Pinnacle Overlook
Craggy Gardens Visitor Center, Blue Ridge Parkway, Black Mountain, NC, USA
Jennifer Remington / AllTrails
A short, 1.4-mile hike off the Blue Ridge Parkway takes you to this gorgeous overlook that gives you a great view of Craggy Gardens. When it comes to beautiful oases in North Carolina, you can't do much better than the view form Craggy Pinnacle Overlook.
6. Camp Alice Trail
Camp Alice Road, Camp Alice Rd, Chestnuthill Township, PA, USA
Flickr / Brian Greer
Located in Yancey, this moderate, lesser-known trail takes you to a beautiful open field with a great view of Mt. Mitchell. Perfect for a Walden-esque afternoon away from the world. One of the most beautiful short trails in North Carolina, Camp Alice definitely belongs on your radar.

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7. Croatan National Forest
Croatan National Forest, Havelock, NC 28532, USA
Flickr / Zach Frailey
With beautiful coastal scenery, Croatan National Forest is just as much a weekend trip as it is a day trip. Four different trails give you completely different experiences. Cedar Creek Trail takes you through tidal marsh, the Neusiok Trail is the coast's longest backpacking trail, Island Creek Forest Walk takes you through untouched coastal forest, and Patsy Pond gives you serenity and beautiful pines.
8. Moore's Cove Falls
Moore Cove Falls Trail, US-276, Brevard, NC 28712, USA
Flickr / Fred Dunn
Once you reach the popular Looking Glass Falls, take a moment to marvel at the beauty and then keep hiking. Just past the popular fall, you'll find this beautiful little gem called Moore's Cove Falls. The best part is you can stand behind the fall beneath the rocks and keep perfectly dry while capturing some beautiful pictures and moments!
9. Jomeokee Trail, Pilot Mountain
Pilot Mountain, NC 27041, USA
Flickr / Susan Smith
Pilot Mountain is an extremely popular destination, but many don't take full advantage of the trails offered. A personal favorite is the Jomeokee Trail. It gives you a view of spectacular rock formations as well as cozy little nooks to stop, rest, and even read a book! There's a lot to appreciate about one of the easiest trails in North Carolina.
10. Hawksbill Mountain
Hawksbill Mountain Trail Head, Nebo, NC 28761, USA
Flickr / Frank Kehren
While Wiseman's is the usual choice for checking out Linville Gorge, a simple day hike up Hawksbill Mountain gives you this incredible view pictured above...plus peace and quiet! You won't be clamoring to get a picture of the gorge from here.
11. Roaring Fork Falls
Roaring Fork Falls Trailhead, 208 Busick Work Center Rd, Burnsville, NC 28714, USA
WNC Waterfalls
The Pisgah National Forest has plenty of well-known waterfalls, but a secret one to check out is Roaring Fork. With a quick hike, you'll reach this peaceful destination and be rewarded with the beautiful sight of rushing water flowing down the mountainside.
12. Hammocks Beach State Park
Hammocks Beach State Park, 1572 State Rd 1511, Swansboro, NC 28584, USA
Flickr / Geekly Things
To really get away from everything, take the ferry or kayak over to Hammocks Beach State Park. If you wish to stay the night, you'll have to pitch a tent. This state park is so peaceful and remote, you'll forget about reality until you're back on the ferry home.

What are your favorite secret spots to get away from it all? Be sure to tell us in the comments below — we’d love to hear from you! Do you want to know more hidden oases in North Carolina? Check out our list of 10 Hidden Places In North Carolina Only The Locals Know About.

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hidden oases in North Carolina

Beth C. | August 17, 2021

What are some hidden parks I can visit in North Carolina?

One of the greatest parts about living in North Carolina is the opportunity to explore the state's beautiful outdoor spaces. The Tar Heel State is home to some of the most beautiful state parks in the world, and some of them are relatively undiscovered. One hidden park in North Carolina is known as Elk Knob State Park. One of the newer state parks, this destination boasts some of the most fabulous mountain views in the area. If you're up for an extended stay, be sure to pack your tent and hike down to the primitive backcountry campsites in the canyon. Talk about an adventure! Other hidden parks include Fort Macon State Park, Goose Creek State Park, Crowders Mountain State Park, Eno River State Park, and Lake James State Park. Learn more about these must-visit state parks in North Carolina.

Does North Carolina have any natural wonders?

You bet! There are so many natural wonders scattered throughout the state of North Carolina. If you're looking to cross some off your bucket list, it's best to start with the most famous: Jockey's Ridge, Linville Gorge, Whitewater Falls, the Outer Banks, Pilot Mountain, Stone Mountain, Looking Glass Rock, Linville Caverns, the New River, Mount Mitchell, Chimney Rock, and the French Broad River. Keep exploring by reading our overview of these incredible natural wonders in North Carolina.

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