North Carolina is filled with hidden treasures – from delicious restaurants and great hiking trails to Parkway views and beachside attractions. While many of these gems are now publicly known, it seems a few still manage to stay under the radar and as a secret. You’ll want to visit these 10 places before word gets out.
Flickr / caobhin
Full of amazing hiking trails, waterfalls, and ever-changing scenery, Gorges State Park is the only temperate rainforest in the eastern US and nestled right here in the mountains. Read all about this amazing gem here.
Flickr / Edwin Sutanto
Happening soon, you’ll be able to witness the mysterious shadow of the bear at Whiteside Mountain. In the early spring and late fall - the perfect place to see the bear come to life is off US 64 at Rhodes Big View Overlook.
Flickr / Jeremy Taylor
You’ll find this beautiful paradise not far from North Carolina’s Capital City of Raleigh. Located in Apex, Jordan Lake encompasses 14,000 acres with many hiking trails winding around the scenic lake. There’s also tons of camping spots and docks for fishing. Read more about the lake here.
Yelp Pearl S.
The small town of Hot Springs sees a lot of tourists in the summer, but remains fairly quiet in the winter. Even then, unless you’re backpacking the Appalachian trail you might’ve never encountered this quaint town. Named for the mineral hot springs that are found in the area, it’s a nature lover’s paradise.
Flickr / Gary Boyd
Flickr / Robert Abergregg
From the easy and mild Cloudland Trail, to reaching Roan High Bluff, all of Roan Mountain is a paradise perfect for exploration. It’s so enchanting, we even wrote an article on how you’ll swear you’re in Lord of the Rings while hiking here.
Flickr / Allen Forrest
Located in Claremont, Bunker Hill is one of two remaining covered bridges in North Carolina, and this one is the lesser-known and less visited. You’ll love a trip to this slice of history that also makes for some beautiful pictures.
Joe Sledge / Did You See That?
Most people don’t know North Carolina has its own Stonehenge. The enchanting Hartleyhenge is named after the man who made it, John Hartley, and is a fascinating roadside attraction. Read all about the mystery and history of Hartleyhenge here.
Flickr / Donald Lee Pardue
Equal parts tranquil and eerie, the abandoned Carbonton Dam still stands alongside the Deep River in Sanford. The area has actually been turned into a park. While some people find it creepy, many others find it a unique slice of history. Read about the history of this dam, and where to find it, here.
Michelle Bowers / Abandoned Homes of North Carolina
The story behind Castle Mont Rouge is just as fascinating as the fact there’s an abandoned castle in the middle of the woods. In Hillsborough, this sculptor’s dream never saw the light of creation and today eerily sits as a reminder of a failed vision.
Yelp / Mark E.
This last one has me dreaming of summer, but it’s never too early to start planning a vacation! Rumbling Bald is tucked beside Lake Lure and has 3,000+ acres for swimming, boating, hiking, golfing, or taking it all in. Recreate your own Dirty Dancing memories with a trip to this resort.
For another state secret that has no shortage of an odd factor, visit North Carolina’s own UFO.
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