From the winding Blue Ridge Parkway, miles of pristine coastline, and everything in-between, it’s easy to see that North Carolina is one of the most beautiful states in the nation. We’re lucky to be home to some of the most amazing natural beauty, and natural wonders in the country. In no particular order, here are fifteen of the most incredible natural wonders in North Carolina.

1. Jockey's Ridge
Flickr / Zach Frailey
Our list of must-see natural wonders in North Carolina begins at Jockey's Ridge. Jockey's Ridge is the tallest active sand dune on the East Coast. It's a popular spot for hang gliding, and once you're standing beside it, it's easy to imagine yourself in the middle of the desert.
2. Linville Gorge and Linville Falls
Flickr / Frank Kehren
Flickr / Zach Frailey
Linville Gorge was formed by the Linville River, and today this spectacular wonder has been referred to as the Grand Canyon of North Carolina. Behind the gorge lies the beautiful Linville Falls.
3. Whitewater Falls
Flickr / Matt Barnett
At 811 feet, Whitewater Falls is the highest fall east of the Rockies. Marvel at the beauty for yourself in Sapphire. One of the most beautiful North Carolina waterfalls, Whitewater Falls belongs at the top of your itinerary.
4. The Outer Banks
Flickr / Wendy
The 200-mile stretch of barrier islands is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the nation. Between unique scenery and plenty of history, the Outer Banks is a must-see.
5. Pilot Mountain
Flickr / Jacalyn Engler
Pilot Mountain is a classic landmark and one of the last remnants of the ancient Sauratown Mountain chain. The unique vegetation near the knob and activities such as hiking and rock climbing draw tourists to its beauty yearround.
6. Stone Mountain
Flickr / Matt Herring
Not to be mistaken with Georgia's Stone Mountain, North Carolina's Stone Mountain is a 600-foot dome of exposed granite rising from the ground...certainly a sight to see!
7. Looking Glass Rock
Flickr / Valerie
No list of natural wonders in North Carolina is complete without mentioning Looking Glass Rock. Looking Glass Rock is an ancient beauty composed of Whiteside granite formed 390 million years ago.
8. Linville Caverns
Flickr / Patrick Mueller
Linville Caverns is like nothing else you'll see in North Carolina. Explore this unique underground world of limestone caverns in the Pisgah National Forest.
9. New River
Flickr / -ted
The New River is one of the oldest rivers in North America and considered by geologists to be one of the oldest rivers in the world. The 320-mile river forms in Ashe County and flows through Southwestern Virginia and on to West Virginia.
10. Mt. Mitchell
Flickr / Frank DiBona
Flickr / Frank DiBona
At 6,684 feet in the clouds, there's no denying you'll get breathtaking views atop the highest peak East of the Mississippi.
11. Chimney Rock
Flickr / Susan Coleman
The 315 foot tall granite monolith is one of the most popular, and beautiful natural wonders in all of North Carolina.
12. French Broad River
Flickr / Melissa Wilkins
There's competition for 'oldest river' in North Carolina between the New River and the French Broad River. The river is an example of an antecendence, meaning it or its ancestor existed before the Appalachian Mountains. Because of this, the French Broad is an ancient river that flows across and through the mountains rather than down.
13. Lake Mattamuskeet
Flickr / Jim Liestman
As the largest natural lake in North Carolina, you'll find endless coastal beauty here.
14. Hanging Rock
Flickr / Jason White
Just 30 miles outside of the Piedmont you'll find the natural wonder of Hanging Rock. At 2,500 feet in elevation, this natural rock outcropping offers some amazing views. Located in Hanging Rock State Park, you can also spend the day exploring waterfalls and various hiking trails.
15. Sliding Rock
Flickr / John Walsh
The 60-foot-long Sliding Rock is a natural waterslide and one of the most popular tourist destinations on warm summer days. You can't beat the adrenaline rush of sliding down the rock and landing in crisp mountain water.

What did you think of our list of beautiful natural wonders in North Carolina? Which one is your favorite to visit? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below!

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natural wonders in North Carolina

Beth C. | April 01, 2021

What are the best North Carolina waterfalls?

When it comes to waterfalls, North Carolina certainly delivers. In fact, it seems as though the Tar Heel State has an endless supply of cascades, from off-the-beaten-path destinations to falls you can access right from the road. If you're looking to explore the best North Carolina waterfalls, you might start with any of the following places: Looking Glass Falls, High Falls, Bubbling Spring Branch Cascades, Turtleback Falls, Cathedral Falls, Wildcat Falls, Silver Run Falls, Upper Catawba Falls, Hickory Nut Falls, Mingo Falls, Tom Branch Falls, Crabtree Falls, Dry Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, Sunburst Falls, Moore Cove Falls, Soco Falls, Schoolhouse Falls, and Elk Falls. Learn more about these incredible North Carolina waterfalls.

What are the most beautiful places in North Carolina?

North Carolina is positively brimming with beautiful, historic, and one-of-a-kind destinations. One such destination is the Mile High Swinging Bridge. Located at Grandfather Mountain, it's considered to be the highest swinging footbridge in North Carolina. If you're brave enough to tackle this bridge, you'll enjoy some positively breathtaking views of Linville Peak. Other beautiful places to see in North Carolina include Craggy Bottoms Trail, the Biltmore Estate, the Outer Banks Scenic Byway, the Atkinson Mill in Selma, the Reed Gold Mine, and Tryon Palace. For more, check out these 25 Jaw-Dropping Places In North Carolina.

Does North Carolina have any hidden gems?

Yes! North Carolina is filled with hidden gems, and if you're up for some adventure, you can discover them in nearly every region of the state. Some hidden gems in North Carolina worth seeking out include the Botanical Gardens in Asheville, Cape Lookout National Seashore, Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve, White Oak River Campground, and the Uwharrie National Forest. Have you experienced any of these destinations? For more, check out these 10 Destinations In North Carolina That Only The Locals Know About.

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Featured Addresses
Jockeys Ridge, Nags Head, NC 27959, USA
Linville Gorge, North Carolina 28657, USA
Upper Whitewater Falls, North Carolina 28717, USA
Outer Banks, North Carolina, USA
Pilot Mountain, NC 27041, USA
Stone Mountain, North Carolina 28685, USA
Looking Glass Rock, North Carolina 28712, USA
6639 N Valley Pike, Harrisonburg, VA 22802, USA
New River, United States
Mount Mitchell, Mt Mitchell, North Carolina 28714, USA
Chimney Rock, NC, USA
French Broad River, United States
Lake Mattamuskeet, North Carolina, USA
Hanging Rock, North Carolina 28604, USA
Sliding Rock, North Carolina 28768, USA