We talked to three biologists about how and when to plan a trip to see peak fall color in North Carolina, their favorite hikes and overlooks, and why our mountains are one of the best places in the country to see stunning autumn leaves.
hiking
NC Icons: Mountain Primer
Find out what makes our ancient Appalachian Mountains so magnificent in this primer on our peaks.
A Local’s Guide to Cary
Take a trip to this Piedmont city with a small-town soul, where you can savor award-winning ice cream, explore a peaceful, shady nature preserve, go restaurant- and brewery-hopping downtown, and more.
Swing Time: North Carolina’s Suspension Bridges
In Gorges State Park and other remote areas of our state, swinging suspension bridges — practically woven into the woods around them — transport hikers over rivers, across creeks, and into the past.
6 Stops Along the Neuse River
North Carolina’s longest river connects the Piedmont to the Pamlico. Along the way, this peaceful, winding tributary offers shady swimming holes, sandy beaches, paddling trails, historic riverside towns, and delicious seafood.
16 Worlds to Explore at Grandfather Mountain
Discover hiking trails where you’ll wonder at magical forests, one-of-a-kind critters, panoramic views, and beautiful blooms.
Beyond Bluegrass in Wilkesboro
Sing a different tune in the foothills of the Brushy Mountains, where you’ll find hiking and mountain biking, apple orchards, famous festivals, and artisan craft trails.
Two State Park Adventures in Columbus County
Want to make a dent in your state park bucket list? Visit two in one trip: kayak beneath Spanish moss and pitch your tent at a paddle-in campsite along a blackwater river, then watch sailboats glide across the water from the peaceful, sandy shoreline of a Carolina bay.
An Introduction to Camping in Brevard
On an unusually cold weekend in Pisgah National Forest, a writer introduces her fiancé to the wonders — and blunders — of camping.
