North Carolina is blessed with Nationwide Park Service lands in practically each nook of the state. Every park focuses on a distinct facet of state historical past, and nearly all provide the prospect to get outdoor into nature.
Some are perfect for a day journey, whereas others warrant a number of days of exploration. Better of all, the overwhelming majority of the state’s nationwide parks and seashores are free to go to.
Right here’s our information to one of the best nationwide parks in North Carolina from the Nice Smoky Mountains to the Outer Banks.
Nice Smoky Mountains Nationwide Park
Finest park for mountain climbing within the wilds
Whereas most guests entry Nice Smoky Mountains Nationwide Park from Tennessee, North Carolina is dwelling to almost half of the park’s 522,419 acres. It’s additionally America’s most visited nationwide park, with some 14 million guests yearly.
The Oconaluftee Customer Heart is one of the best place to start out your journey, a couple of miles from the city of Cherokee. The North Carolina aspect of the park is dwelling to the Mountain Farm Museum – a group of buildings and historic buildings that present a glimpse into adolescence within the area. The Mingus Mill, which has been grinding wheat and corn since 1886.
There are over 150 official mountain climbing trails within the Smokies. In style trails run to the rocky lookout referred to as Charlies Bunion, the forest-covered Alum Cave Bluffs, the gushing Ramsey Cascades and the grassy hilltop of Andrews Bald.
There’s no charge to go to, however on account of rising customer numbers over the previous few years, this will likely change in 2023. The park additionally affords year-round tenting at Smokemont Campground, the place tent and RV websites can be found from $25 per night time.
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Blue Ridge Parkway
Finest park for highway trippers
Not solely is the Blue Ridge Parkway considered one of North Carolina’s finest highway journeys, this NPS-affiliated scenic byway additionally affords guests loads of possibilities to attach with the good outdoor. Referred to as “America’s Favourite Drive,” the 469-mile highway winds into Virginia by protected land.
The highway was first constructed in 1936, and widespread stops alongside the way in which embrace the scenic Linville Falls, the lavish Moses Cone Manor, the Linn Cove Viaduct and 5721ft Mount Pisgah.
There’s no charge to go to the North Carolina portion of the Parkway, and there are a number of customer facilities the place you possibly can choose up details about close by sights and lodging.
5 campgrounds – at Doughton Park, Crabtree Falls, Julian Worth Memorial Park, Linville Falls and Mount Pisgah – will be discovered alongside the route. Verify for highway closures and altering situations earlier than you go, and be careful for black bears.
North Carolina’s prime 12 seashores for swimming, browsing and sea turtles
Cape Hatteras Nationwide Seashore
Finest park for seashores and treasure looking
Cape Hatteras is considered one of two stretches of protected shoreline within the Outer Banks, the sandy barrier islands that flank the North Carolina coast. This 70-mile stretch of seashore runs from Whalebone to Ocracoke Island, together with a number of sections related by ferry.
Alongside the way in which, guests can drop in on such historic landmarks as the site of Blackbeard’s final battle and the Bodie Island and Ocracoke lighthouses. Ocracoke is the oldest working lighthouse in North Carolina and the second-oldest within the nation.
Cape Hatteras’ 4 seashores – Coquina, Ocracoke, Friso and Previous Lighthouse – present ample area for walks, kite flying or constructing sand castles. Lifeguards are available through the summer time, however be aware of rip currents. Fishing is feasible with a allow. You may also spot wildlife, together with turtles, piping plovers and seals.
There’s no charge to enter the nationwide seashore, however actions resembling lighthouse visits, campground reservations and marina entry require admission charges. You may also get a allow to drive off-road automobiles on the seashore. Cape Hatteras has 4 campgrounds, two of that are seasonal, and all can accommodate tents and RVs.
9 finest locations to go to in North Carolina from the Smoky Mountains to the Outer Banks
Cape Lookout Nationwide Seashore
Finest park for stargazing and wild horses
Virtually adjoining Cape Hatteras Nationwide Seashore, Cape Lookout runs from Portsmouth to Shackleford Banks. The location is dwelling to an Worldwide Darkish Sky Park, the primary such park within the Nationwide Park System on the Atlantic coast.
The barrier islands listed below are solely accessible by ferry and require guests to pack out and in any trash that they carry. Due to the remoteness of the seashore, guests can expertise wildlife utterly uninterrupted. Look out for the long-lasting Shackleford Banks wild horses and 250 species of birds, together with geese and herons.
Cape Lookout is without doubt one of the finest North Carolina nationwide parks for primitive seashore tenting. There are additionally picket cabins on the beachside for lease. There’s no charge to go to Cape Lookout, however anticipate to pay for fishing licenses and seashore driving permits.
Guilford Courthouse Nationwide Army Park
Finest park for historical past buffs
The location of a well-known battle through the Revolutionary Conflict, Guilford Courthouse National Military Park is unfold throughout over 250 acres. It was right here, in 1781, that British troopers drove out Basic Nathanael Greene and his American troops.
The battlefield, situated about six miles from Greensboro, contains 29 monuments and gravesites, together with a statue of Nathanael Greene in army regalia on horseback.
One other providing at Guilford is the scenic Battlefield Tour Highway, a well-liked vacation spot for cyclists, walkers and their four-legged companions. There are 26 interpretive panels for an ideal self-guided tour.
You’ll be able to step again in time with a go to to the 18th-century Hoskins Farm. Protecting 150 acres, this well-preserved farmstead tells the story of Joseph and Hannah Hoskins, who bought it in 1778. The couple finally fled when the Revolutionary Conflict discovered its strategy to their land.
