When the season turns, head west to hike, splash, and celebrate in the mountains.
outdoors
Just Add Water
How often can you stay in one area and watch the sun both rise and set over water? For visitors to the Currituck Outer Banks, the answer is “daily.” Water is an integral part of life here — from exploring on it to playing in it to simply enjoying being near it.
Eat, Play, Explore: The Travel Trifecta
How to spend a perfect day in each region of our state? Have an outdoor adventure, eat a delicious meal, and catch an incredible show.
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.
Protecting Wonder at Grandfather Mountain
North Carolina’s iconic mountain has been a place of wild beauty for hundreds of millions of years. The Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation is determined to keep it that way.
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.
A Q&A with Our Ramblin’ Man
Each month, T. Edward Nickens roams and writes on the Carolina countryside. We sat down with the longtime Our State contributor to discuss his favorite outdoor spot in the state, the inspiration behind his columns, and his most treasured story.
A Local’s Guide to Lake Norman
Spend the day on the water, then dock and dine, explore lively downtowns, and see amazing birds soar in the quaint small towns surrounding the state’s largest man-made lake.
