In North Carolina, nature’s building blocks — earth, wind, fire, and water — are on powerful display.
joyce kilmer memorial forest
Your Guide to Graham County
On the North Carolina-Tennessee border, you’ll discover outdoor activities, arts, and delicious culinary experiences to inspire all levels of adventure.
A 7-County Guide to the Smokies
Take a trip to this far-west corner of North Carolina and use our county-by-county guide to fill your itinerary with mile-high overlooks and cozy lodges, rushing rivers and waterfalls, favorite shops and restaurants, and thrilling mountain adventures.
8 Scenic Drives in the North Carolina Mountains
Need inspiration for your fall leaf-peeping trip? During a drive on these winding scenic byways — with plenty of stops for waterfalls, hikes, museums, delicious food, and gorgeous views along the way — the journey is the destination.
Photo Essay: Giants of the Forest
A survey of the state’s old-growth forests from the mountains to the sea provides a glimpse into our presettlement — and primeval — past.
Into the Forest: Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest
Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest is 3,800 acres of unchecked wilderness. Here, centuries-old trees scrape the sky and shelter a natural world that reminds us of our place on this planet.
