United States

North Carolina destinations

National parks, outdoor regions and road trip bases in North Carolina, each with airports, rentals and a day-by-day plan.

Destinations

Asheville & Blue Ridge Parkway

Asheville & Blue Ridge Parkway

Mountain-town food and music at the doorstep of the most scenic road in America.

April – June, OctoberSee the plan
Blue Ridge Parkway

Blue Ridge Parkway

America's Favorite Drive through the Appalachian highlands and misty mountain peaks.

May – June, September – OctoberSee the plan
Boone

Boone

A high-altitude mountain town serving as a gateway to the Blue Ridge Parkway and Appalachian adventure.

June – August, September – OctoberSee the plan
Brevard

Brevard

The waterfall capital of the South, nestled within the lush canopy of Pisgah National Forest.

April – June, September – OctoberSee the plan
Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Atlantic surf, windswept dunes, and a landmark lighthouse define this wild stretch of the Outer Banks.

May – June, September – OctoberSee the plan
Charlotte

Charlotte

The Queen City blends high-energy urban life with easy access to the rolling Blue Ridge foothills.

March – May, September – NovemberSee the plan
Great Smoky Mountains

Great Smoky Mountains

Blue-hazed ridgelines, wildflower coves and the most-visited park in America.

April – June, OctoberSee the plan
Linville Gorge

Linville Gorge

The Grand Canyon of the East offers rugged cliffs and a primitive wilderness experience.

April – June, September – NovemberSee the plan
Nantahala National Forest

Nantahala National Forest

Paddle cold mountain rivers and camp beneath hardwood forests in the southern Appalachians.

May – OctoberSee the plan
Outer Banks

Outer Banks

Two hundred miles of barrier island dunes, lighthouses and wild horses.

May – June, September – OctoberSee the plan
Pisgah National Forest

Pisgah National Forest

Explore vast Appalachian forests, thunderous waterfalls, and high-altitude ridges in the Blue Ridge.

May – OctoberSee the plan
Wilmington

Wilmington

A historic port city where riverfront charm meets three distinct Atlantic island beaches.

April – June, September – OctoberSee the plan