Things to Do in North Carolina
If you’re looking for things to do in North Carolina, you’ve come to the right place. From the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to Clingman’s Dome, there is plenty to keep you occupied for days. Check out these activities: Beanstalk Ziplines, Great Smoky Mountain National Park, William B. Umstead State Park, and more. You’ll love everything about this state and will be glad you took the time to visit!
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The Great Smoky Mountains are a stunning park straddles the state line between Tennessee and North Carolina. This national park features lush forests, abundant wildflowers, and even a segment of the Appalachian Trail. The park also boasts atop Clingmans Dome, an observation tower that overlooks the surrounding mountains. The highest peak in the park, Clingmans Dome, is a must-see location for visitors who want to experience a breathtaking view of the mountains.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park includes some of the oldest known cartography and written history. The first European expedition to the region in 1540 was led by Hernando de Soto in search of gold and silver. The mountains were once a vast stretch of land stretching from Georgia to the Ohio River. Today, visitors can explore the ruins of the Cherokee Indians and learn about their history at the park’s visitor center.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to over a million acres of wilderness and is a popular destination for travelers, nature lovers, and anglers. The park’s soft blue haze gives it its name. Whether you’re on a hiking tour or a bike ride, the Smoky Mountains have something for everyone. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers plenty of outdoor activities for every traveler, from fishing to horseback riding.
Clingman’s Dome
You can hike up Clingman’s Dome year-round depending on the weather, but the road to the summit is only open between December and March. In winter, the road is closed, but you can still cross-country ski on it. The visitor center is open from 10 am to 6 pm from April to July and from 9:30 am to 5 pm from November through December. However, if it’s raining, you should check ahead of time.
Atop the mountain, you can view the Smoky Mountains and the entire state of North Carolina. You can even hike to the observation tower, built as part of the Mission 66 program to bring more visitors to national parks. The observation tower offers a 360-degree view of the Smoky Mountains and is an excellent place to watch a sunrise. The paved road to Clingman’s Dome connects with U.S. Highway 441 near Newfound Gap, and the 45-foot concrete observation tower is a National Register of Historic Places. The air quality monitoring station is maintained by the Environmental Protection Agency.
Visitors can also drive up to the observation tower, which is a half-mile-long paved road. This road starts in Tennessee, then zigzags through North Carolina and Tennessee before reaching Clingman’s Dome. It follows the Appalachian Trail and is accessible from both states. Visitors should be aware that the road is steep and requires a lock. If you plan to drive to Clingman’s Dome, make sure to have a designated driver.
Beanstalk Ziplines
A unique family adventure awaits at Beanstalk Ziplines in North Carolina. These adventure-packed tours take you through five interconnected zip lines before landing in the 520-foot mega zip. To top it off, you can take advantage of discounted add-ons and enjoy a picnic on the grounds, or play 18 holes of disc golf. The entire experience is a great way to bond with your family, while having a lot of fun.
The experience at Beanstalk Zip Lines combines the fun of zip line tours and the educational value of a ropes course. You will fly through the trees and enjoy views of the surrounding area from the tree-top stations. For added thrills, the zip lines are connected by a sky bridge. The five zip lines at Beanstalk include the QuickJump free fall. Whether you’re a family, group, or even a solo adventurer, you’re sure to find something that will suit your needs.
You can experience zip line excitement at the Beanstalk adventure in Morganton, NC. This zip line park combines the thrill of zip lines and a ropes course with climbing towers and tree houses. Visitors can even learn about local history and flora while taking part in the adventure. Aside from zip lines, the Beanstalk zipline adventure also includes a giant spider’s web and tree houses.
William B Umstead State Park
William B. Umstead State Park, located in Wake County, is one of the top things to do in North Carolina. This state park spans 5,599 acres and is nestled between Raleigh, Cary, and Durham. Located near the town of Cary, the park is an ideal getaway for families. Its scenic trails and beautiful scenery will make your trip to North Carolina an unforgettable one.
The park has thirteen miles of hiking trails, from easy trails to more difficult ones. Visitors can choose from short nature trails to longer hikes through the woods. Each trail is marked with a map and interpretive panels to help them know which trail is right for them. In addition, it is prohibited to ride a horse or bicycle on the hiking trails. For those who enjoy hiking, William B. Umstead State Park offers many fun activities for the whole family.
Whether you’re looking for a peaceful place to relax, William B. Umstead State Park is the perfect getaway. It combines the sounds of civilization with the sounds of nature. With trails tucked into the pines and wildlife, this park is an ideal getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life. The park’s scenic views and diverse activities make it an ideal destination for those looking for a peaceful place to spend a day.
Discovery Place Science
If you’re traveling with kids and want to show them the excitement of science, you’ll want to visit the Discovery Place Science, a museum in Uptown Charlotte, North Carolina. This hands-on science museum focuses on interactive exhibits that let kids experience how certain scientific processes work through hands-on experiences. While the exhibits can be quite educational, the attraction is most fun if you’re a family with younger children.
The museum has a special area for the youngest visitors, dubbed KidScience. This interactive exhibit is specifically designed for kids seven and under, and offers activities such as building, playing with water and sound, and more. The museum even has a soft-play area that children can use to burn off some energy and play with some of the fun science exhibits. Kids will love this place! It’s a great way to spend time with the whole family.
If you love science, you’ll enjoy the indoor aquarium at the Discovery Place science museum. Located in the Worlds Alive section of the museum, the aquarium is the perfect place to see sea horses, sharks, jellyfish, and many other unique creatures. For a truly hands-on experience, try to visit the aquarium during feeding time, as the animals can be fed. There are even touch tanks outside of the aquarium area for hands-on interaction with the creatures.
Linville Gorge
If you are looking for an outdoor adventure in North Carolina, you can visit the Linville Gorge Wilderness. It is the third largest wilderness area in the state and one of only two gorges in the southern United States. The Linville Gorge Wilderness is managed by the United States Forest Service and includes 11,786 acres centered around the Linville River. It is situated inside the Pisgah National Forest.
You can explore the gorge on foot from the visitor center. During the warmer months, you can hike to multiple waterfall views. Maps are available for your use, and the rangers can give you insider information about the gorge. You can also enjoy the view from a scenic overlook, called Chestoa View. It is open mid-April through October. To get to the Linville Gorge, follow NC-181 or Gingercake Road.
If you don’t mind hiking, you can try taking a scenic drive. This will give you a good view of the gorge and its surroundings. You can also take a walk on the Linville Falls Trail or Erwins View. It’s a challenging hike but you’ll be rewarded with a spectacular view of the Linville River. You can follow the directions in paragraph two of this guide. The Linville Falls Visitor Center is located about 11 miles from the main crossroads in Linville.
Best Sightseeing in North Carolina
In search of the best places to go sightseeing in North Carolina? Check out the following places. From Biltmore Estate to the Nature Research Center, you can find the perfect places to see in the state. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is also a popular destination, as is Linville Gorge. There are plenty of other great places to see in the state, too. Just be sure to check out the websites of the attractions you’re interested in before you plan your trip.
Nature Research Center
If you’re looking for a unique way to spend a day in the mountains, the Nature Research Center is the place to go. Its research laboratories feature real laboratory equipment and techniques. Visitors can learn about such topics as DNA, weather patterns, and fossils. The Naturalist Center showcases numerous specimens of plants and animals worldwide. The center also has a computer field guide that can identify, detect, and hear a specimen’s sound.
The museum’s new 80,000-square-foot Nature Research Center building features a world-scale globe, which is second in size only to the Unisphere in New York. The three-story globe features more than a million objects, including a skeleton of a blue whale. Visitors can even view a performance space for interactive science experiments and exhibitions. And while they’re at it, take a stroll through the museum’s exterior globe, which displays a history of the world.
The museum offers a wealth of educational exhibits about the state’s natural history. Exhibits include information on the history of gemstones in North Carolina, tropical habitats, and the world’s first humans. A 1.5 million-year-old sloth and the “Terror of the South” are among the exhibits that will enlighten visitors. Other exhibits include information on the region’s geology, including the four major gemstones found here.
The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences is the most popular museum in the state. The museum is located in downtown Raleigh and is housed in the iconic SECU Daily Planet building. It is dedicated to educating visitors about the natural world and the interrelationship between man and nature. And if you’re traveling with children, the museum also offers educational programs for adults. This museum is for you if you’re looking for the best sightseeing in North Carolina.
Linville Gorge
If you have ever wondered what it is like to be surrounded by unspoiled wilderness, the Linville Gorge is definitely the place to go. The gorge is located in Pisgah National Forest, and is often referred to as the “Grand Canyon of the East.” The Linville River cuts its way through the gorge, and is surrounded on all sides by mountains. Hawksbill Mountain rises to nearly 4,000 feet above the gorge. The gorge is a great place to hike or camp, and you can see many wildlife while you are there.
If you like to hike, you should definitely check out the Linville Gorge Trail. This footpath parallels the Linville River on its west side for 11.5 miles. You can choose a moderate or a difficult trail depending on the amount of physical fitness you have. The 1.4-mile-long trail offers panoramic views of the gorge and a distant view of the upper falls.
The gorge is also rich in plants and animals. It has five rare species of plant life and a number of varieties of rhododendron. There are also many varieties of orchids and brown trout. This area is free of development and permits hunting, fishing, and camping. While there are few dangers, the gorge is definitely worth a visit if you have the time.
The gorge is located in the beautiful Pisgah National Forest. At its entrance, Linville Falls is a must-see attraction. The Linville River winds through the wilderness area. Hiking, camping, and fishing are all popular activities in the region. You can even try your hand at rock climbing. The Linville Gorge is one of the best sightseeing spots in North Carolina.
For a more peaceful picnic, you can hike to the base of the falls and have a picnic at the flat rocks. There are restrooms and gift shops at the visitor center. The rangers at the visitors center are also a good source of insider information about the gorge. There is also a campground and Asheville cabins located nearby. You can also enjoy the scenic views of the gorge from the vantage point of Chestoa View.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
When visiting the Smoky Mountains, be sure to spend some time in the historic Cades Cove, which was once a remote mountain community. It is now a popular destination due to its old homes, wildlife, and breathtaking mountain peaks. Hikers will enjoy descending the scenic river gorge and stopping to take in the scenery from one of the many pull-offs along the way. You can also catch a glimpse of the historic Beech Grove Schoolhouse.
If you visit the Smoky Mountains in the fall, you will experience an entirely different experience than in the winter. Fall foliage and winter wildlife are more active, making winter a great time to visit the park. If you’d like to experience the park’s most picturesque scenes in winter, try hiking to one of its frozen waterfalls. In addition to seeing wildlife, you’ll find a serene atmosphere during the winter months, which make it a favorite among travelers.
The Great Smoky Mountains are in the westernmost corner of the state. They are the ancestral homes of the Cherokee tribe. You’ll find towns such as Bryson City and Waynesville in the region. The mountain range is home to many protected forests and trout streams. You can explore the national park’s many free attractions and other places along the way. If you don’t like crowds, you can travel to a quieter town and experience the Smoky Mountains the old-fashioned way.
Another popular attraction in the park is the Clingmans Dome, which is 6,643 feet tall. The observation tower is a short walk from the parking area and offers spectacular views of the park and surrounding mountains and lakes. Despite its high altitude, Clingmans Dome is a popular stop for all types of visitors. If you don’t feel like hiking, you can simply take a drive to the top of Clingmans Dome.
Aside from the mountains, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park has an interesting history. The park was created by the Appalachian Club, and the town’s residents played an important role in its creation. Some of their homes were sold to the government on lifetime leases. Those leases expired in the early 2000s, and now the town is a ghost town. Most of the structures in the town are scheduled to be removed.
Biltmore Estate
If you’re looking for the best sightseeing in North Carolina, you might consider a day trip to Biltmore Estate. It’s a stunning estate and draws more than one million visitors per year. The estate is a popular tourist destination; the best time to visit is between 9 a.m. and noon on a weekday. If you have young children, plan on taking them on an Easter scavenger hunt. The estate distributes limited Easter treat bags to kids nine and younger each day. The hunt features a series of clues and questions about the estate’s history. In addition to finding the clues, kids can also meet the famous artist Leonardo da Vinci, who was an inventor, architect, philosopher, and anatomist.
The estate is open seven days a week, although hours of operation vary yearly. The winery remains open until 7PM, while the Library Lounge is open until 10PM. The estate is easy to reach, and parking is plentiful. Shuttle services are also available if needed. You can also plan ahead for your trip by reading this article. The Biltmore Estate is one of the best places to see in North Carolina.
You can visit the estate’s gardens and mansion to enjoy a wealth of indoor and outdoor activities. The estate also offers a vast network of nature trails, wine tasting, and special events. Whether you’re looking for a quiet getaway or a family outing, Biltmore offers something for everyone. The best way to see the estate is by taking a guided tour. It’s well worth the trip!
Another must-see attraction in Asheville is the Biltmore Estate. Designed by George Vanderbilt, the estate is one of the largest historic houses in the world. It has 250 rooms, 65 fireplaces, and an impressive history dating back to the 1600s. The Biltmore Estate attracts many tourists, history buffs, and outdoor enthusiasts. If you’re looking for the best sightseeing in North Carolina, plan your visit during the week or at least the early afternoon.
Places to Visit in North Carolina
When you’re looking for places to visit in North Carolina, you’ll find a great variety of choices. From the Biltmore Estate to Lake Lure, you can find it all right here! You can even get some inspiration for your next vacation by exploring some of these incredible destinations. Read on to learn more about some of the best places to visit in North Carolina! Here are a few of our favorites:
Biltmore Estate
One of the must-see destinations in North Carolina is the Biltmore Estate. This renowned estate is a national treasure and the most popular attraction among tourists worldwide. The Biltmore Estate is home to some of the world’s finest collections of art and architecture. While on a trip to North Carolina, be sure to visit the Biltmore Winery and Antler Hill Village. Both are conveniently located near the Biltmore Estate and provide a comfortable base for your day out. The Village Hotel is moderately priced and located near Antler Hill Village and Biltmore Winery. Another inexpensive hotel is the Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites, conveniently located just outside the estate’s gates. It offers an affordable and comfortable stay at the Biltmore Village.
Tickets to Biltmore Estate cost $60-85 and should be purchased in advance if you’re planning on visiting the estate during peak tourist seasons. Advance purchase of tickets is recommended to avoid any wait time. During the off-season, you can purchase a discounted ticket from the Asheville Visitor Center for $10. Be sure to reserve your ticket in advance if you are planning to visit the Biltmore Estate during the holiday season. To avoid long lines and high prices, you can purchase an annual pass or discount tickets online.
A bike rental at the Biltmore Estate is included in admission. Visitors can choose from paved trails, single-track woodland dirt trails, and multi-level pathways. A guided bike tour of the estate’s acreage can be arranged to give you a more complete experience of Biltmore’s history. During the summer, you can explore the grounds by bike. The estate is also open for horseback riding.
Asheville
In the western Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville, North Carolina is a beautiful mountain town known for its historic architecture and vibrant arts scene. The city is home to the dome-topped Basilica of Saint Lawrence and the 19th century Biltmore estate, which features works by masters such as Renoir. The Downtown Art District is a lively hub of creative energy, and the River Arts District is home to many galleries and artist studios.
The city has experienced steady growth since the early 1800s. A period of decline in the mid-1970s brought a drop in population, but it rebounded to a strong growth in the 1990s. From 2000 to 2010, the population of Asheville increased by 21.1%, and it has continued to grow and modernize. The population is up 9% since the 2010 census. If you are visiting Asheville, make sure to plan your trip in advance.
One of the top Asheville attractions is the Western North Carolina Nature Center. With 42 acres of land, the nature center educates visitors about the region’s animals and plants. The center also has indoor exhibits for reptiles, amphibians, and small mammals. The World Underground exhibit explores what lies beneath the earth. Visiting this attraction will make you appreciate the beauty of the surrounding area. There are a number of museums and attractions in Asheville, North Carolina, which are well worth a visit.
Charlotte
After the Civil War, Charlotte was a hub for rail links between the east and west. The state of North Carolina started building its own railroad in 1854, connecting eastern cities with the one that passed through Raleigh and Charlotte. The new railroad made Charlotte an important railroad junction and truly a part of the state. With the arrival of the railroad, it was easier to travel to the east to Raleigh and to the west to Charleston. In fact, the city was named after the railroad.
The city’s Uptown district is pedestrian-friendly and car parks are hidden behind architectural flourishes. Bike and scooter rentals are readily available. The Levine Museum of the New South provides a crash course in southern history and is a great place to see local pride. Once you’ve experienced the city’s vibrant arts scene, there’s no reason not to check out Charlotte’s whitewater rapids. The Whitewater Center has a variety of equipment for rent and instruction for those looking to test their skills on the man-made rapids.
The area surrounding Charlotte was first settled by European colonists around 1755. Thomas Spratt and Thomas Polk (great-uncle of U.S. President James K. Polk) built homes near the intersection of two Native American trading paths. One path led north-south along Great Wagon Road, while the other travelled east-west along Trade Street. The city later became a hub of gold production until the California Gold Rush, and it was here that the city got its official symbol – the gold rush.
Lake Lure
If you are a history buff, you’ll love to learn more about the town of Lake Lure, North Carolina. This town, which is home to approximately 1,192 people, was incorporated in 1927 and acquired the lake in 1965. The town is located about 20 miles southwest of Charlotte, NC and offers visitors plenty of things to do and see. Regardless of your interests, you’re sure to find something to enjoy in Lake Lure.
There are 70 free things to do in Lake Lure, including 78 different types of inexpensive activities. The city has many free attractions, including the famed Flowering Bridge. Lake Lure is not far from nearby cities, such as Asheville and Hendersonville, but it’s worth the extra trip for the picturesque vistas. Whether you want to take a walk, take a scenic drive, or take a cruise on the lake, you’ll find plenty of options.
Lake Lure has something for you whether you enjoy fishing, canoeing, or water skiing. Its many lakes are perfect for water sports enthusiasts. From fishing to canoeing, this town offers everything from canoeing to wakeboarding. The lake is also big enough for motorized boats, though you must buy a lake permit to use them. You’ll find lots of things to do in Lake Lure and find something new every time.
Catawba Falls
For a truly memorable trip, visit Catawba Falls, a series of waterfalls located in McDowell County, near Old Fort, North Carolina. The waterfalls are a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and are a great way to get some fresh air and exercise. Here are some reasons to visit this waterfall park:
This waterfall park is located in the mountains of North Carolina. The area has many natural attractions and is surprisingly isolated. A hike up to Catawba Falls provides a close-up view of the waterfall and several observation points along the way. Be sure to wear appropriate footwear and bring along a camera or binoculars if you plan on getting wet! The waterfalls are beautiful, but the hike is quite strenuous, so be sure to bring along a change of clothes and proper hiking shoes.
The trails at Catawba Falls have no blazes, but the main trail approaches the river on the right. At mile 0.2, you ford the river with a footbridge. Then, rock hop over Clover Patch Branch before reaching the waterfall’s base. Catawba Falls is the place for you if you’re looking for a thrilling waterfall experience.
Mount Mitchell
Mount Mitchell is definitely worth visiting if you love hiking and nature. The park is home to the acclaimed Mount Mitchell Golf Club, ranked the best golf course in North Carolina by Golfweek magazine. While Mount Mitchell may not be the most accessible location for backcountry skiing, it is definitely a scenic spot that will delight any outdoor enthusiast. Whether you are looking for a day of hiking or an afternoon of hiking, there is a trail to suit every skill level.
The road to Mount Mitchell State Park is only about five miles long, but it can be crowded. It takes approximately 30 minutes to drive to the top of the mountain, so plan your trip accordingly. Once you arrive, you can stop at the Mount Mitchell State Park Restaurant at the first pullout. There, you can enjoy southern and traditional American cuisine. The menu features country-fried steak, BBQ pork, chicken chili, and chicken noodle soup.
The Mount Mitchell State Park features hiking trails for all levels of experience. Trails range in difficulty, from easy to challenging. There are also trail connections with U.S. Forest Service lands. Visiting the summit of Mount Mitchell can be a long day or a weekend-long backpacking trip. It is 10 to 30 degrees cooler than the surrounding Asheville area, so pack warm clothes and plenty of water.
