When it comes to summer day trips in North Carolina, it’s completely understandable to have your usual beach, mountain, and state park day trips. Sure, nature is gorgeous and amazing, but sometimes it’s all about digging a little bit deeper to uncover true gems in the Tar Heel state. These nine day trips are the perfect mix of natural beauty, whimsy, fun, and history.

1. Slide down an exhilarating natural waterslide
Lauren Hirsh/Flickr
This 60-foot sliding rock has long been a popular destination for those looking for a rush of adrenaline away from the public water parks. This natural waterslide pumps out 1,100 gallons of water per minute, propelling you down the rock and into the 8 foot, very chilly splash pool. This is a great day trip if you're looking to splash in a natural swimming hole, plus, you're in a prime location for plenty of more adventure.

Get more information on Sliding Rock here.
2. Hop on board a train for a once-in-a-lifetime tour of the state
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad/Facebook
If you're wanting to explore remote sections of North Carolina, you should choose the comforts of rail travel. Great Smoky Mountains Railroad offers all that and more, and it's well worth the journey. Throughout the year, themed train rides (like the legendary "moonshine excursion" or Wizard of Oz, for example) make things extra special. Each excursion offers its own unique slice of beauty and exploration.

Read all about Great Smoky Mountains railroad here.

Address: 45 Mitchell Street, Bryson City, North Carolina, 28713
3. Wander along the Outer Banks Scenic Byway
SharonB2/TripAdvisor
We once named this the "Day Trip of a Lifetime", and for good reason. Spanning 138 driving miles and 25 ferry miles, the OBX Scenic Byway beautifully transports you from Dare County all the way to the Crystal Coast. It's recommended you space out the drive over a few days, where each day offers something different. From riding with the ocean on one side and the sound on the other, crossing over stunning bridges, to witnessing wild horses, historic lighthouses and quaint coastal towns, it truly is a once-in-a-lifetime drive.

Read all about the OBX scenic byway here.
4. Eat ice cream on a farm
Maple View Farm Ice Cream/Facebook
Ice cream is a summer staple, so take it to the next level and visit Maple View Farm Ice Cream. This gorgeous ice cream shop, literally on a farm, puts you right in the middle of the action! It also offers a wide assortment of award-winning ice cream flavors, as well as fresh dairy products that you'll definitely want to take home.

Read all about Maple View Farms here.

Address: 6900 Rocky Ridge Road, Hillsborough, North Carolina, 27278

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5. Walk across the gorgeous Flowering Bridge
Friends of Lake Lure Flowering Bridge/Facebook
As the original connecting point for both Lake Lure and Chimney Rock, the 1925 three-arch bridge once faced demolition until some inventive preservationist found a super-unique way to save it. Today, the Lake Lure Flowering Bridge spans across the Rocky Broad River and features several beautiful flower sections as well as an herb garden. The bridge is maintained by a group of dedicated volunteers. The bridge, also known as the "Gateway to Somewhere Beautiful", is a truly hidden gem nestled deep in the foothills.

Read all about the Flowering Bridge here.
6. Check out some groovy tobacco barn art in the middle of nowhere
Jennefer/Flickr
Cameron, North Carolina, native David Ellis decided to breathe a little more artistic life back into his hometown by painting some intriguing, abandoned tobacco barns in an array of bright, colorful paintings. He and his group of recruited New York City artists were nicknamed by locals as the 'Barnstormers.' Today, their work can be seen throughout the small town, with rumors of the group popping in every few years or so to revitalize their work, or sometimes even add more to the collection.

Read about the Barnstormers and how to find them here.
7. Spend a lazy day on one of the best beaches in America
Ole Bendik Kvisberg/Flickr
Ocracoke's Lifeguard Beach has been called one of the best beaches in America more than once. This half-mile, small-but-mighty beach is known for its clean water, pristine white sand, gorgeous dunes, and no commercial high rise development in sight. It's a great way to get away from it all without really getting away from anything.

Read all about Lifeguard Beach here.

8. Check out some of the largest trees in the eastern United States
Mark S/TripAdvisor
The 3,800-acre Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest is home to some of the largest and oldest contiguous tracts of old-growth forest in the Eastern United States. This diverse forest is home to some trees that are over 400 years old, and the moniker is dedicated to the famous poet of the same name, known for his beautiful prose on the topic of nature. Today, visitors can take the Poplar Cove Loop Trail to see some of the oldest trees in the area, some of which reach up to 100 feet tall with a 20-foot circumference!

Read all about Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest here.

Address: 5410 Joyce Kilmer Road, Robbinsville, North Carolina, 28771
9. Float down a natural lazy river
Deep Creek Camping
Sure, lazy rivers can be found at pools and water parks, but adventuring down a natural lazy river is SO much better. From the French Broad, Dan River, or Deep Creek; there's plenty of places to peacefully float while taking in stunning scenery; sometimes, the current can even get a bit fast, making some portions a tad thrilling (if you could say that). If you're looking for a great option up and away from it all in the mountains, check out Deep Creek.

Now that’s a summer list packed full of unique fun! Which ones have you done, and which ones are at the top of your list? Are there any you’d add? Let us know in the comments!

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Summer Day Trips in North Carolina

Tori Jane | March 15, 2021

Where can I go swimming in North Carolina?

Swimmers rejoice, because you're in luck! North Carolina is home to tons of swimming holes, lakes, creeks, rivers, and everything else your aquatic heart desires. Some of the most notable swimming holes in the state are Deep Creek, in Bryson City, where you can tube your way to a deep swimming hole, and Hunt-Fish Falls, in Wilson Creek, where you'll get your fill of awesome natural waterfalls, amazingly blue water, and deep, refreshing swimming spots.

What are some things to do outside in North Carolina?

There is so much to do outside in this beautiful state that we don't know where to start! Take your pick from a smorgasbord of options, like enjoying the Blue Ridge Parkway nature walk, hiking the Cascades Trail (or any of the other countless trails all over the state!), swimming in any number of swimming holes and beautiful lakes, and, of course, camping, glamping, and so much more. Obviously, these aren't even close to all the things you can find to occupy yourself - North Carolina is full to the brim with outdoor activities that your entire family will love.

Where can I find natural beauty in North Carolina?

Well, to put it bluntly - everywhere. North Carolina is a gorgeous state full of incredible opportunities to witness natural beauty in all its splendor. Check out this list of some of our favorite places to find natural beauty in North Carolina.

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Featured Addresses
45 Mitchell St, Bryson City, NC 28713, USA
6900 Rocky Ridge Rd, Hillsborough, NC 27278, USA
5410 Joyce Kilmer Rd, Robbinsville, NC 28771, USA