Discover stunning vistas, state parks, and waterfalls at the edge of the Southern Appalachian Mountains.
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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.
The Safest Place: The Stewards of Jones Lake State Park
In Bladen County, before integration, a former military man and his family were stewards of the first North Carolina state park open to Black families. There, amid acres of longleaf pines and a sprawling lake, families and friends gathered to eat, play, and pray.
A Love Letter to Gorges State Park
This rugged area of rivers, canyons, and waterfalls still holds mysteries.
Photo Essay: Lake Junaluska
This one-time summer retreat in Haywood County now welcomes visitors year-round. Yet it remains an enchanting place apart — especially on the Fourth of July.
7 Breweries Near the Water
From our East Coast beaches to the lakes and rivers of the Piedmont and mountains, North Carolinians love the water. These breweries are perfectly located on or near the water’s edge.
Cherokee Stories Tell of Water’s Wisdom
The river knows best: It nourishes and guides, warns and welcomes. In Cherokee culture, river rituals and lore protect the mind, body, and spirit.
Hop, Skip, and Splash
When trail meets river, don’t be afraid to take a walk on the wet side.
