North Carolina is a downright magical place. Between our straight-from-a-fairytale forests and hidden castles, to our resplendent waterfalls and natural wonders, there’s so much magic here in The Tar Heel State. Here are 10 fairytale places in North Carolina that are absolutely enchanting.

1. Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest
Flickr / Steve
Flickr / Cowboy Kid
Named in honor of the poet, Joyce Kilmer, who wrote 'Trees,' this 3,800 acre-tract of publicly owned virgin forest has some of the most beautiful trees in North Carolina. Not to mention, some of the biggest. You can find four-hundred year old trees in this magical place.
2. Land of Oz Theme Park
Emerald Mtn
Once a bustling theme park dedicated to The Wizard of Oz, this fictional, whimsical place now sits quietly on the side of Beech Mountain. Land of Oz has gained tons of attention in the past year. Each October, the yellow brick road brims with life at the Autumn in Oz event.
3. Frying Pan Tower
Flickr / John Flannery
Forty miles off the North Carolina coast, you'll find Frying Pan Tower, one of the most unique accommodations not just in North Carolina, but the U.S. If you've ever wanted to spend the night in the middle of the Atlantic... you're in luck. The tower operates as a bed and breakfast for a wildly unique experience.
4. Whiteside Mountain
Flickr / Frank Kehren
Whiteside Mountain is 400 million years old and home to the elusive and magical 'shadow of the bear.' For a couple of weeks in early Spring and Fall, the bear makes its way onto the mountain in the form of a breathtaking, and sometimes unbelievable shadow. Located not far from Highlands and Cashiers, there's also so much to explore in this area of Western, North Carolina.
5. Mingo Falls
Flickr / Carey and Kacey Jordan
Located on Eastern Cherokee Reservation in Charleston, Mingo Falls is such a truly unique wonder. The water gracefully slides down the fall's steep rocks, for a totally ethereal experience. Of all the fairytale places in North Carolina, Mingo Falls may be the most magical.

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6. Cape Hatteras National Seashore
Flickr / Alan Strakey
Flickr / Steve Walker
With breathtaking views on both the Pamlico Sound and Atlantic Ocean, Cape Hatteras is peak North Carolina splendor. While some parts are more developed, you can take your SUV or truck and drive to some of the most remote, uninhabited stretches you'll ever find on The Outer Banks.
7. Great Dismal Swamp
Flickr / U.S Fish and Wildlife Service
Great Dismal Swamp is a beautiful place cloaked in intrigue and mystery. Archaeological evidence shows that humans have inhabited the swamp for 13,000 years. Harriet Beecher Stowe actually used the swamp as a setting for her second novel, which largely focused on the 'Maroons' (African American refugee slaves who had escaped) who inhabited and hid in the area. It's an intriguing place, sometimes downright scary at night -- but beyond beautiful in the day.
8. Sarah P. Duke Gardens
Flickr / Anthony Doudt
Flickr / Orlando Contreras López
Sarah P. Duke Gardens are beyond beautiful. It's the perfect place for a daytime stroll that will completely relax you and make you forget about the outside world.
9. Castle Mont Rouge
Abandoned Homes Of North Carolina
Located in Rougemont, it's hard to believe you can find this whimsical castle hiding in the woods. It was once a sculptor's dream-to-life vision. But the plans fell apart and were left in abandon after the tragic death of his wife. While not in the best condition, many explorers take a day trip to witness the magic in the making.
10. DuPont State Forest
Flickr / vgm8383
DuPont State Forest has so much scenic beauty; it's truly one of the most magical, fairytale places in North Carolina. The park is 10,000 acres of peak North Carolina beauty, and offers some of the most magical hikes and scenic vistas in the state.

What did you think of our second list? Would you add anything? Tell us in the comments below! And for more fairytale places in North Carolina, definitely check out this magical road trip!

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More to Explore

Fairytale Places in North Carolina

Sarah | April 01, 2021

Does North Carolina have many castles?

North Carolina is home to many castles -- some of which are truly remarkable man-made wonders. If you're seeking the total royal treatment here in orth Carolina, Castle McCulloch is a dream-come-true. In addition to being an absolutely incredible wedding venue, the caslte also hosts some totally swanky soirees. While the gorgeous castle primarily caters to weddings, it is open to the public for many different events, making it a must-add to your North Carolina bucket list! If you thought you'd only get to experience a castle in the hillsides of Europe... think again! 

What are some of the most magical places in North Carolina?

Visiting North Carolina will surely make you believe in magic, as the state is home to some truly marvelous, magical places. Craggy Gardens is like something out of a fairytale. With beautiful trees twirling over the trails, this hike is spectacular. Plus, the view from the top is spellbinding. Most notably, it offers one of the best perspectives of the Blue Ridge Parkway in the state. Bonus: in June the rhododendron blooms add an extra layer of beauty. And The Outer Banks is an absolute wonderland. It's a magical place where wild horses run free, historic lighthouses still shine, and the sunsets are in more hues that you can count. It's truly one of North Carolina's most magical treasures.

Does North Carolina have many waterfalls?

North Carolina is home to over 250 waterfalls -- and they're all absolutely delightful. From epic, thundering falls to babbling, meandering cascades, North Carolina has some of the very best waterfalls in the entire country. Looking Glass Falls, High Falls, and Cathedral Falls are some of our favorites for viewing, and Lower Cascades Trail and Crabtree Falls Loop are two of our favorite waterfall hikes in North Carolina.

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Featured Addresses
Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest, Cheoah Ranger District, Nantahala National Forest, 5410 Joyce Kilmer Rd, Robbinsville, NC 28771, USA
Land of Oz, 1 Yellow Brick Rd, Beech Mountain, NC 28604, USA
Fryingpan Mountain Lookout Tower, Canton, NC 28716, USA
Whiteside Mountain, North Carolina 28741, USA
Mingo Falls, North Carolina 28719, USA
Nags Head, NC 27959, USA
Great Dismal Swamp, North Carolina 27976, USA
Sarah P. Duke Gardens, 420 Anderson St, Durham, NC 27708, USA
957 Mountain Brook Rd, Rougemont, NC 27572, USA