The watery passages that moved people and supplies through North Carolina have made an indelible mark on our ecology and history.
pilot mountain
Piedmont Peaks
The mountains in the central region of our state may be small in stature, but they continue to captivate us in their own way.
From Elizabeth Hudson: Going Up
Our editor in chief reflects on how views from above — whether from the heights of a college football stadium or a scenic mountain overlook — inspire a deep sense of wonder and connection to the landscape below.
The Sandwich of Surry County
In the foothills of North Carolina, the Great Depression gave rise to a simple yet delicious sandwich that can’t be found anywhere else in the state.
High in the Hills: 3 Places to Peep this Fall
Explore three western destinations where you can sip at picturesque vineyards, hike to waterfalls, see stunning mountain scenery during iconic drives, and attend a pumpkin festival.
6 Can’t-Miss Hikes for Birding & Blooms in the Blue Ridge
Find yourself surrounded by birdcalls and wildflowers as you welcome the season with a walk in the woods — through old-growth forests, along mountain summits, and past clear, cold creeks.
Written in Stone: North Carolina’s Rock Formations
According to Cherokee legend, when the Earth was created, the Great Buzzard flew low over the flat land, his beating wings sculpting mountains and valleys below. Today, science offers its own explanations for our state’s geological marvels.
From Elizabeth Hudson: Outstanding in the Field
For a Randolph County native, nothing compares to the sight of the sun setting over a plowed field.
7 Scenic Drives to Take in the Piedmont
Spend a day driving on a beautiful North Carolina byway through rolling farmland and foothills, past vineyards and rock formations, and into a remote forest — and find out the best places to stop for food, fun, and stunning views along the way.