Love exploring the great outdoors in North Carolina? We do, too! It’s not hard to find pretty places to visit, though. What is hard is narrowing down the list to one that’s actually doable in a reasonable amount of time. Check out the nine nature attractions below. In our opinion, these gorgeous destinations belong on everyone’s North Carolina bucket list. We hope you enjoy exploring these natural wonders in NC!

1. Crabtree Falls - Blue Ridge Parkway
Crabtree Falls, North Carolina 28777, USA
Google Maps/anirudh reddy
Take a 2.5-mile loop trail to view this 70-foot emerald waterfall deep in the forest along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Not exactly an easy trail, it's doable if you have the staying power to climb back out of the gorge on your way back to the car.

Learn more about the falls and the trail to Crabtree Falls.

2. White Lake
White Lake, NC 28337, USA
Google Image/JC Boykin
Located near Elizabethtown, White Lake has been a vacationing paradise resort area for decades. The main attraction is the pristine, crystal clear lake with a white sand bottom. What more do we need for a natural getaway?

Learn more about White Lake. And if visiting during the summer, head over to this old-school water park for even more family fun!
3. Sand Dollar Island
Sanddollar Island, 610 Front St, Beaufort, NC 28516, USA
TripAdvisior/Julie R
Hop on one of the ferry services out to this small island that's teeming with sand dollars. The excursion is like no other you'll find along the coast, but there is no shade and no facilities, so plan accordingly and prepare to return with a bounty of sand dollars!

The whole family should love this adventure. Learn more about Sand Dollar Island!
4. Jockey's Ridge State Park
Jockey's Ridge State Park, 300 W Carolista Dr, Nags Head, NC 27959, USA
Flickr/Harrison Group
Trek over the largest living sand dune on the East Coast when you visit North Carolina's most popular state park. Discover a variety of ecosystems here, plus trails that lead to the ocean. At the right time, you may even see hang gliders taking off from the enormously high perch on top of the dune.

Learn more about Jockeys Ridge State Park. You can also watch the brief video below to see why visiting Jockey's Ridge State Park is such a fun thing to do in NC.

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5. Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest - Robbinsville
Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest, Cheoah Ranger District, Nantahala National Forest, 5410 Joyce Kilmer Rd, Robbinsville, NC 28771, USA
TripAdvisor/D2958ZXgarym
Western North Carolina is home to one of the largest old-growth forests in the country and a visit here is like traversing into Narnia. Hiking trails and picnicking make this a great place to spend time outdoors with the kids!

Learn more about Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest.
6. Rattlesnake Lodge Ruins - Swannanoa
Rattlesnake Lodge, NC 28787, USA
Facebook/Rattlesnake Lodge Ruins
Hike a 3.9-mile loop trail deep into the woods to discover the ruins of Rattlesnake Lodge, a once-thriving homestead for a family in North Carolina.

Learn more, including how the place got its unique and almost terrifying name, in this previous article about Rattlesnake Lodge.
7. Elk River Falls - Elk Park
Elk River Falls, Elk River Rd, Elk Park, NC 28622, USA
alltrails/Brett Donar
Drive down a beautiful country road to the parking area for this massive waterfall and rock beach and then hike down 0.3-mile to reach the beach at the base of the falls. Take caution to heed all warning signs about venturing toward the top of this enormous waterfall and don't swim on let your raft drift too close to the plunge pool. There have been many fatalities here over the years and the waterfall is rumored to have a bottomless plunge pool. Still, even with all of the warnings, this is a gorgeous hike with a huge payoff.

Learn more about Elk River Falls and the secluded beach nearby!

8. Bullington Gardens - Hendersonville
Bullington Gardens, 95 Upper Red Oak Trail, Hendersonville, NC 28792, USA
Google Local/Bullington Gardens
You'll be dazzled by the enchanting Fairy Trail hiding inside this botanical gardens in Hendersonville. Discover fairy homes, fairy doors, fairies, and a whole world of enchantment. Due to the pandemic, there may be a wait to enter the fairy trail as the gardens want to be sure everyone has enough time to enjoy it and to practice social distancing. Learn more about the Fairy Trail at Bullington Gardens.
9. McGailliard Falls Park - Valdese
McGalliard Falls Park, Church St NW, Valdese, NC 28690, USA
Google Images/Lisa barrier
Head to this little-known city park near Valdese to discover a waterfall hiding in plain sight along a trail, as well as sandy beach at the bottom (yes, you can swim!). This may become your new go-to spot if you live anywhere near here. Bring a picnic!

Learn more about this waterfall park in North Carolina.

Did we miss adding your favorite spot in nature? What places do you have on your North Carolina bucket list? Feel free to add them to the list by joining the Facebook discussion or, you can nominate them here for a featured article.

For related content, be sure to check out our list of the best hikes in North Carolina.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

North Carolina bucket list

Beth C. | February 16, 2023

What other places belong on my North Carolina bucket list?

It should come as no surprise that North Carolina is an outdoor enthusiast's dream! Some of the most beautiful places that you should add to your North Carolina bucket list include:

  • Cape Hatteras National Seashore
  • Chimney Rock State Park
  • Fort Fisher State Recreation Area
  • Goose Creek State Park
  • Grandfather Mountain State Park
  • Great Smoky Mountains National Park
  • Hammocks Beach State Park
  • Mount Mitchell State Park
  • Raven Rock State Park
  • South Mountains State Park

 

What are the most beautiful hiking trails in North Carolina?

You could easily devote an entire lifetime to exploring the Tar Heel State's stunning trails. Some of the most beautiful hiking trails in North Carolina include:

  • Whiteside Mountain
  • Crabtree Falls
  • Harper Creek Falls
  • Linville Falls
  • Stone Mountain Loop
  • Carolina Beach State Park
  • Looking Glass Rock
  • Mount Mitchell
  • Hanging Rock State Park
  • Pilot Mountain
  • Craggy Pinnacle Overlook
  • Grandfather Mountain

 

If you plan to hike in North Carolina, be sure to be prepared! Always check out a trail map or guide before hiking, and be sure to tell someone where you plan on going. Better yet, bring a hiking buddy! For safety, pack lots of food, water, and layers, as the weather can change in an instant -- especially in the mountains! Waterfall trails are especially popular, but they can also be dangerous. It's vital that hikers take note of all signs. Stay on the designated trail and never swim in areas marked unsafe. Also, never leave anything but footprints on the trail. Be sure to leave the trail as beautiful as you found it.

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