The 10 Most Gorgeous Springtime Destinations In All Of North Carolina

Are you ready for, or already enjoying, spring in North Carolina? Well, I want to help make this spring the best one ever for you all with a visit to some of the following spots that are a shoo-in for natural beauty. See below what makes each one of them worthy of a visit - and then start planning!

1. Gorges State Park - Sapphire

Drop down into one of the most beautiful gorges on the East Coast to explore waterfall after waterfall. Gorges State Park is pretty new in the system and offers primitive camping, backpacking, hiking, and tons of waterfall chasing. Admission is free.

2. Great Smoky Mountains Railroad - Bryson City

Take a ride on the Tarzan Train through the smokies to enjoy the glorious period during springtime when the foliage brightens up with new green leaves. You can also take a special adventure on the train where you'll travel deep into the Nantahala Gorge, get off the train, and then go ziplining through the lush green canopies.

3. Mingo Falls - Cherokee

Hike into the stunning Mingo Falls, located just outside of Cherokee. The hike is short, but it's a steady uphill climb on more stairs than you'll care to count. But totally worth the effort!

4. Merchants Millpond State Park - Gatesville

Canoe, kayak, camp, and wander in wonder at Merchants Millpond State Park, an entirely underrated state park with stunning vistas everywhere you look.

5. Shackleford Banks

Gaze out over the bluest water on the North Carolina coast from Shackleford Banks. And prepare to share the beach with the famous wild horses that live here.

6. Moore Cove Falls - Brevard

Make the 1.2-mile hike into one of the most beautiful, natural fountains you'll ever encounter at Moore Cove Falls. Play until your heart's content under the ledge and behind the waterfall's steady stream as it pours over the tall cliff and barrels toward the spillway that carries it further down the mountain.

7. Morrow Mountain State Park - Albemarle

Discover some ancient discoveries at the beautiful North Carolina state park that is Morrow Mountain State Park - Albemarle. The quarry sites alone were used thousands of years ago for making chipped-stone tools. See six more places to explore ancient ruins in the Tar Heel State

8. Prodigal Farm - Rougemont

There is no better time to visit Prodigal Farm than during spring. Get down on the ground and play with the baby goats at this 94-acre farm in the rolling hills of North Carolina's Piedmont.

9. McGaillard Falls Park - Valdese

Just to the east of Morganton in the town of Valdese is a city park with a waterfall as the main attraction. McGaillard Falls is perfect for enjoying a day in the water, if you happen to visit on a warm enough day in the spring. Bring your bathing suit!

10. Great Smoky Mountains National Park

April to June in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the optimal time to view wildflowers all along the highways and the trails. It's also a fantastic time to visit the park, period!

How many of these spring day trips in North Carolina have you already discovered - and how many of those are worthy of a return trip this spring? Can you suggest some other things to do in North Carolina in spring? Or, what are your favorite North Carolina day trips? Let us know in the comments!

And for another list to check out: 11 Low-Key Destinations In North Carolina That Will Fuel Your Wanderlust!

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/north-carolina/11-must-see-attractions-in-nc/

If you’re still in the mood for more Tar Heel State adventures, take a look at this video about Clingmans Dome: