America the great, America the beautiful. There are so many gorgeous, diverse states, but I think the one we love the most is our home, the Tar Heel State. North Carolina has no shortage of stunning scenery and natural wonders. These 15 sites will remind you why we will always call this place 'home.'
1. The breathtaking and ancient Looking Glass Rock. Composed of Whiteside Granite formed 390 million years ago.
Every year, like thousands of others, we wonder: When do leaves change color in North Carolina? And then come exciting plans of driving the scenic byways from the mountains to the coast, stopping in between to taste the local flavor.
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Luckily for us, our friends at SmokyMountains.com have provided us with an excellent resource! SmokyMountains.com utilizes a refined data model that depends on a combination of factors, including historical temperature and precipitation, forecast temperature and precipitation, the type of tree known to be prominent in that geographic region, the historical trends in that area, and user data.
With this handy North Carolina fall foliage map for 2024, let's look at some places for prime leaf peeping:
1. Clingmans Dome, Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Folks, there's nothing higher in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park than Clingmans Dome, at a staggering 6,643 feet when the colors show first in late September or early October. We can see them from the handy observation tower, only a steep half-mile walk, showcasing phenomenal views.
The Clingmans Dome web page of the National Park Service has more information.
2. Craggy Pinnacle Summit, Blue Ridge Parkway(and all of the Parkway, for that matter)
Unique viewpoint of the Linn cove viaduct at sunrise in Autumn on the Blue ridge Parkway, North Carolina, USA.
This trek is a bit of a challenge, but in only a mile our eyes have access to the most stunning sight for fall in North Carolina. Find out more about this hike on the AllTrails Craggy Pinnacle Trail web page.
Depending on which end we're on, the Nantahala Scenic Byway journey begins at Marble traveling 45 miles to Bryson City, or vice versa. Take in the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Nantahala
River, and the Nantahala Gorge. The route is full of exploring activities, including zipline trails, train rides, and rafting. More about this adventure is located in the North Carolina Byways Scenic Guidebook.
4. Half-Mile Farm by Old Edwards
And while you're up high in the state, consider Highlands for some more of the first peeks of autumn in North Carolina. Stay at Old Edwards Inn Half-Mile Farm, a luxury country inn surrounded by picturesque countryside. Read further on the Half-Mile Farm Facebook page.
5. The College Town Ride, Davidson
This creative route connects the lovely, rural Piedmont landscape, which peaks in mid-to-late October, through historic sites, including the Davidson College campus and other buildings, and a thriving downtown.
This serene space offers seven access areas to the reservoir. Spend the night at one of the 300+ campsites, ride a bike on the trails, and the fall also brings the cool migrating butterflies. For more information, visit the Falls Lake State Recreation Area web page.
On the lovely coast, fall comes a little later. This 3.3-mile trail is so pretty in November. Get the details about the Sweetgum Swamp to Blueberry Ridge Trail on the AllTrails website.
Almost everyone has seen the Grand Canyon, whether in photos or in person, but we might have something far better in North Carolina. For locals, there is a more beautiful place where we'd much rather spend our time. Known as "The Grand Canyon of North Carolina," the most beautiful gorge in America often shines even brighter than its competition. Linville Gorge in North Carolina is the most beautiful of its kind if you ask around these parts.
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Welcome to Linville Gorge, a beautiful spot that belongs among the best and most beloved natural wonders in America. It might even be number one, depending on who you ask.
One of only two wilderness gorges in the South, this area covers over 11,000 acres around the Linville River, making for a wide expanse of stunning natural beauty in any season. Anywhere you look is a new picture-perfect scene.
At sunset on the Hawksbill Mountain Trail, for example, you'll find that the overlook is a sight you can't find anywhere else. On the rocks above it all, you're given a full view of everything below.
Out on the Hawksbill Mountain Trail, you're given a great view for a 2.4-mile hike over approximately a 700-foot elevation gain. It's well worth the moderate hike to get to a view like this on Hawksbill Mountain!
It's top-rated by those who have been on the trail, so you'll want to be sure to add it to your hiking bucket list.
Though not everyone has the same opinions about natural beauty, we think Linville Gorge in North Carolina is a great contender for the most beautiful canyon in America. Have you ever experienced this natural wonder in person? If so, feel free to share your thoughts with us in the comments below - we would love to hear from you. Experience an amazing view of this beautiful gorge in North Carolina when you watch the drone footage below. You may just be inspired to plan your trip there ASAP!
