Outdoor Adventures - Outdoor Activities in North Carolina

North Carolina’s Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains are well known for attractions like the Blue Ridge Parkway and Appalachian Trail.
This central region is home to our largest cities, plus wine country, craft breweries, golf, NASCAR, natural attractions and more.
The coast comprises 300 miles of barrier island beaches, quaint waterfront towns and endless activities on and off the sand.
No matter how you define adventure, you’ll find it by land, air and sea in North Carolina. Let the quiet calm of bird watching make your heart thunder. Experience the rush of rock climbing. Dive hidden shipwrecks in the “Graveyard of the Atlantic.” Hike mountain summits with expansive views.
If you’re looking for fresh air and a little adrenaline, North Carolina delivers. Ride rapids that keep your heart racing, bike trails that carve through the trees or hike to a peak that makes every step worth it. Whether you’re here for the challenge or just the view, there’s a path ready to lead you to North Carolina.
North Carolina’s diverse landscapes set the stage for adventure, from hiking rugged mountain trails and paddling winding rivers to exploring wild coastal shores and hidden waterways.
Fill a long weekend with waterfall hikes and cycling routes, then wind down exploring charming downtown Hendersonville.
Stay downtown, then follow Hickory toward the water on a weekend built around local food, creative stops and easy outdoor time.
For exciting activities in, on or above the water, our shores offer pristine beaches, expansive marshes, depths to dive and skies to fly.
Plan a day trip or a weeklong getaway with tubing and paddling on the Dan River, hiking and camping in state parks, rock climbing, biking and more.
What’s more fun than hiking, picnicking and splashing in North Carolina mountain streams? Grab this 3-day trip, pack up the car and head for the hills.
Discover adaptive outdoor activities, the first Certified Autism Destination in the East and easily accessible parks, gardens, beaches and cities that welcome all.
Get insider tips on where and when to find the best fishing spots in from North Carolinian Jason Frye.
Bring your camera and hiking poles — this 4-mile loop hike in the heart of Pisgah National Forest immerses you in the natural beauty of cascading waterfall drops, unique fauna and flora, and elevated mountain views.
River tubing in North Carolina is as simple as it gets — just hop in, lean back and let the gentle current do the work. Perfect for families and first-timers, these scenic floats take you through shady forests, past smooth riverbanks and under open skies. Most outfitters offer tube rentals and shuttles, so all you have to do is show up and enjoy the ride.
It’s up to each of us to do our part and join the movement to protect these spaces for generations. The 7 Outdoor NC Leave No Trace Principles provide a pathway for everyone to have amazing, responsible and safe outdoor adventures in North Carolina.
Share your vacation pics and videos on your socials using #VisitNC for your chance to be featured.
Get access to free travel guides, highway maps or guides to handicap-accessible attractions, wineries and Civil War trails.
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