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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)

100 Things You Must See (6-10)

100 Things You Must See (11-15)

100 Things You Must See (16-20)

21. Grandfather Mountain Mile High Swinging Bridge

This one is for the adventurous folks. At more than a mile high, hence the name, you can walk across the highest suspension foot-bridge in the country. Walking across the 228-foot bridge is often the highlight of visitors to Grandfather Mountain, where you can also hike a variety of trails and observe different wildlife habitats. But the view from the bridge out over the surrounding mountains is magnificent. On clear days, you can even see the skyline of Charlotte 90 miles away! If you are not looking for the thrill of walking across a bridge that is suspended a mile in the air, catching glimpses of it from down below is a very cool sight as well. There are many vantage points to capture awesome photos of the bridge and Grandfather Mountain. And about that “swinging” part? If it’s windy enough, you can feel the bridge move slightly, but don’t worry…it’s part of the design and there are thick cables that keep the bridge anchored to the ground, keeping everyone on it safe.

https://grandfather.com/visit/things-to-do/mile-high-swinging-bridge/

22. Guilford Courthouse National Military Park

When you visit Guilford Courthouse National Military Park, you’ll be stepping onto the grounds where the American forces fought for independence against the British during the Revolutionary War. Though the Patriots ended up losing this 1781 battle to the Redcoats, led by General Cornwallis, it ultimately helped lead to the British surrender at Yorktown just months later because of so many British casualties at Guilford Courthouse. This, of course, led to American freedom. Throughout the park there are well-marked trails for hiking that meander through the very sites where the Patriots and Redcoats fired upon each other. There are historical signs along the way that explain how and where the exact events unfolded. Gaze out on the quiet, open fields and you can almost imagine muskets being fired and men falling to the ground. Upon entering/leaving the park, make sure to take a photo or two of the giant statue of Nathanael Greene (the commander of the American forces in this, and several other southern battles) riding on his horse.

https://www.nps.gov/guco/planyourvisit/things2do.htm

23. Cape Hatteras Lighthouse

Located in Buxton on Cape Hatteras National Seashore is North Carolina’s most famous lighthouse and one of the most recognizable lighthouses in the world. First lit in 1870, Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is the tallest brick lighthouse in the world at 208 feet tall. And its unique, black and white candy-cane spiraled stripe design certainly makes it a favorite among many folks. The lighthouse attracts thousands of visitors every year, most of whom are eager to climb the 257 stairs to the top. While that may sound like a lot of steps, the rewarding views are easily worth the climb. You’ll be able to take in views of the Atlantic Ocean, the sound, marshland, and the nearby villages. The view from every angle of the 360-degree deck offers something different and it’s impossible not to be captivated by the beautiful and unique landscape below. The sight of the lighthouse from the ground is quite special as well. That is really where you get a feel for just how massive and towering it really is. With its size, opportunities to take pictures of it from different vantage points are seemingly endless, even from miles away.

https://www.outerbanks.com/cape-hatteras-lighthouse.html

24. Pilot Mountain

Another geographic oddity in the state of North Carolina is Pilot Mountain, a monadnock that rises over 1,400 feet above the rolling terrain below. It catches everyone’s eye at first glimpse because it is a mountain that seemingly rises out of nowhere, leading you to wonder where the rest of the mountain chain is. That ancient Sauratown Mountain chain is long gone except for surviving Pilot Mountain, which had been depended on as a navigational guide for centuries by the earliest Native Americans in the area. Today a state park encompasses Pilot Mountain, inviting outdoor enthusiasts to hike its trails, paddle the connecting rivers, camp on its premises, and rock climb portions of the mountain’s cliffs. At the summit, you will be greeted with views of the Big Pinnacle, the exposed rock layer protruding from the top of the rest of the mountain, as well as panoramic views of the Piedmont landscape below. Even the Blue Ridge Mountains can be seen out on the horizon, making the visitor experience all the more unique.

https://www.ncparks.gov/pilot-mountain-state-park/home

25. Bank of America Stadium

It was a huge deal when North Carolina got its first professional sports franchise when the Charlotte Hornets began play in 1988. But it was perhaps an even bigger deal when Charlotte was awarded an NFL franchise and the Carolina Panthers were born in the mid-1990s. The city had essentially “made it” and Bank of America Stadium (then known as Ericcson Stadium) was completed in 1996 just in time for the upcoming season. The 75,525-seat open-aired stadium was designed purely for pro football, but is also home to many other events, including soccer, college football, and concerts. It is a great setting to watch a Panthers game, or any event, for that matter. And perhaps the best part is the location. Conveniently situated in uptown Charlotte, there are plenty of things to do/eat before and after the game, as well as cool views of the surrounding skyscrapers. Whether you’re a Panthers fan or not, I highly recommend catching a game in Bank of America Stadium.

https://www.panthers.com/stadium/

Check back soon for the next segment of “100 Things You Must See in North Carolina: 26-30”

Garett

100 Things You Must See in North Carolina: 21-25