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There’s no denying that North Carolina is one of the most beautiful and diverse states in the nation. The Tar Heel state really does have something to offer for everyone. From the Appalachian Mountains in the western portion of the state to the Atlantic Ocean bordering the eastern portion there are big cities, small towns, lakes, rivers, professional sports teams, great restaurants and breweries, plenty of popular music scenes, and anything else you can think of that makes it such a great state to live in. Because of my love for the state and traveling to all the places it has to offer, I decided to put together a list of the “100 Things You Must See in North Carolina.”

First off, this list won’t be in any particular order. The #1 thing won’t be any better, or worse, than the #100 thing, because how could it be? Everybody has their different opinions on what they like better. Some people are “mountain people” while others are “beach people” or “city folks.” So, as I make this list, I’m just thinking about things that are MUST SEE attractions for all these different types of people. I will be breaking down the list into segments of five at a time. Let’s get started:

Click Below to View Other Segments of This List

100 Things You Must See (1-5)

6. Jockey’s Ridge State Park

If you’re looking for a unique adventure on the coast of North Carolina, then Jockey’s Ridge State Park is certainly just that. Jockey’s Ridge is the highest sand dune on the entire Atlantic Coast, offering plenty of unique activities for visitors such as hang gliding, kite flying, and hiking along the mesmerizing landscape. Upon entry into the state park, you will be greeted with a visitor center/museum where you can learn all about the history of North Carolina’s beloved sand dunes, as well as a boardwalk that leads right into the sandy terrain. You will see plenty of visitors wandering around the sand dunes taking in the scenery. If you hike all the way to the top, the views are as unique as the place itself, with a beautiful glimpse of the Roanoke Sound on one side, and an equally beautiful view of the cottage-lined Atlantic Ocean on the other. If you’re feeling really adventurous, sign up for hang gliding lessons. An instructor will walk you through the basics of hang gliding before you can glide through the air yourself (close to the ground, of course, and with an instructor there). With the ever-present ocean breeze on the hills, you’ll quickly realize why the Wright Brothers chose the Outer Banks of North Carolina to fly!

https://www.ncparks.gov/jockeys-ridge-state-park/home

7. Clingmans Dome Observation Tower

Standing at 6,643 feet and located just inside the border from Tennessee is Clingmans Dome Observation Tower. It’s so close to the border that Clingmans Dome is actually considered the highest point in the state of Tennessee, along with being the third highest mountain east of the Mississippi River. Located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the observation tower at the summit offers stunning views of the surrounding Smokies to anyone that hikes the steep ½ mile walk to the top. Soak in the 360-degree views and you’ll understand why Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in America. If you’re lucky and the weather is clear, you’ll be able to gaze out on the horizon for over 100 miles. While on Clingmans Dome, you can also hike several trails that are along the seven-mile road leading up to the summit. These trails include the Appalachian Trail, where it is at its highest point on the entire trail from Georgia to Maine.

https://www.greatsmokies.com/clingmans-dome/

8. North Carolina Zoo

Just south of Asheboro is the North Carolina Zoo, one of the largest zoos in the world. It has 500 developed acres in which the zoo is situated, making it the world’s largest natural habitat zoo. Because of its grand size, most people agree that to properly see and experience the NC Zoo, it takes more than one visit. Home to over 1800 different species of animals, you can catch a glimpse of African elephants and lions, giraffes, alligators, polar bears, grizzly bears, chimpanzees, and just about any other animal you could imagine. Right now the zoo is broken down into four regions that separates the animals by type or native home: North America, Africa, Aviary, and Desert. In 2023 the zoo plans to open a fifth region which will feature animals native to the continent of Asia. Among the different animals, visitors can also enjoy a ropes course, African safari, a prairie geyser, hiking trails, and a playground.

https://www.nczoo.org/

9. North Carolina State Capitol

Every state has a certain pride for their state capitol building and North Carolina is no different. After the original one burned down in 1831, a new one was completed in 1840 and is the same one we still cherish today. Registered as a National Historic Landmark, it is one of the best-preserved examples of a major civic building built in the Greek Revival architectural style. In addition to being home to some of the most important offices in the state, including the governor’s, it is also open for public visitation. Anyone who is interested in going inside can take a self-guided tour Monday through Friday, or take a guided tour on Saturdays.

https://historicsites.nc.gov/all-sites/n-c-state-capitol

10. Stone Mountain

Located in Stone Mountain State Park in Roaring Gap lies Stone Mountain, another unique feature of North Carolina’s very diverse landscape. Unlike most mountains that are covered by trees, Stone Mountain is exactly what its name suggests. It is a mountain of stone that rises over 600 feet above the ground beneath it. In geological terms, it is an igneous rock that was formed beneath the earth’s surface and over many years became exposed after the outer layers of the surface were eroded by the weather. These days it presents quite the spectacle for photographers and explorers. There are also several waterfalls that run off Stone Mountain with the tallest at over 200 feet. While in the park you can also enjoy several other activities such as hiking, fishing, camping, and rock climbing (by permit only).

https://www.stateparks.com/stone_mountain_state_park_in_north_carolina.html

Check back soon for the next segment of “100 Things You Must See in North Carolina: 11-15”

Garett

100 Things You Must See in North Carolina: 6-10