North Carolina’s Outdoors Attractions

Experience the great outdoors with Choice Hotels. Our North Carolina hotels are conveniently located near a number of picturesque gardens, stunning parks, and astounding wildlife. Take a look at the scenery and greenery that North Carolina offers.

In the Mountains

Pigsah National Forest
The Pigsah Ranger District is a gorgeous setting whose dominant feature is Mount Pigsah, located on the gorgeous flowing Blue Ridge Parkway. The area is easily accessible to many fantastic flowing waterfalls, bountiful hiking and recreational opportunities, the Cradle of Forestry, and more, including Shining Rock and Middle Prong Wilderness areas.

Appalachian National Scenic Trail
AT Conservancy Regional Office
c/o US Forest Service
Asheville, NC   28802
828-254-3708

Some of the most gorgeous sights to be found in the state of North Carolina can be found directly on the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, which extends its beautiful span from Georgia in the south to Maine in the north - one of the longest stretches of hiking trail in the world. As such, it's been consistently voted as one of the top natural destinations in the world. Find the beauty of North Carolina along part of its vast stretch.

Lake James State Park
2785 Highway 126 at Lake James Road
Nebo, NC   28761

You'll find Lake James State Park straddling McDowell and Burke counties on 605 pristinely preserved acres which showcase some of North Carolina's best natural geography. Nature abounds here, and you'll find a gorgeous wooded setting in which to frolic and reconnect with the outdoors, as well as ample recreational opportunities such as hiking, picnicking, and swimming and fishing on Lake James.

Along the North Carolina Coast

Croatan National Forest
141 E. Fisher Avenue
New Bern, NC   28560
252-638-5628

A coastal paradise can be found at Croatan National forest, which is situated upon 159,000 sprawling acres of flowing estuaries which wind their way through hardwood forests full of longleaf pines and pocosin trees. The park is well-known for its ample recreational opportunities, which include picnicking, swimming, fishing and hunting. Enjoy the expanse for all of its worth - only in North Carolina.

Fort Macon State Park
E. Fort Macon Road
Atlantic Beach, NC   28512
252-726-3775

Fort Macon State Park actually has a glistening history which rivals its natural beauty in pertinence and fascination. Built between 1826 and 1834 as a guarding point for Beaufort Harbor, the fort you'll find situated in the park is preserved to its best. In 1862 the fort surrendered to Union forces during the Civil War. Experience the history of North Carolina in a setting which is as beautiful as it is culturally poignant.

Pettigrew State Park
2252 Lake Shore Road
Creswell, NC   27928
252-797-4475

Experience nature at the hands of one of North Carolina's richest recreational parks - Pettigrew State Park is renowned throughout the state for its activities, which range from hiking through gorgeous wooded trails to picnicking areas and play fields. However, the park is most well-known for its fishing opportunities, which present visitors to North Carolina a chance to get up close and personal with the swimming, scaled life which makes its way through the state's waters.

The North Carolina Piedmont

Bog Garden
1105 Hobbs Road
Greensboro, NC   27410
336-373-2199

When people think of North Carolina, one of the first things that pops into their minds is the state's renowned natural beauty. The Bog Garden in Greensboro will allow visitors to get up close and personal with that glorious state of nature, pitting them in the middle of a swampy area renowned for its beauty. Explore the swamp on the safety of a half-mile-long elevated wooden walkway which provides the easiest of access throughout the garden.

Boone's Cave Park
Boone's Cave Road
Lexington, NC   27292
336-242-2035

This park is the home to one of the world's most fascinating geological wonders. Boone's cave is an exquisite granite formation located along the banks of the Yadkin River, just miles southwest of Lexington. Named after Daniel Boone, that famed legend and subject of many tall tales, the cave played host to the legend and his family while they built a cabin in the surrounding parkland.

Jordan Lake Educational State Forest
2832 Big Woods Road
Chapel Hill, NC   27514
919-542-1154

Jordan Lake's pertinent proximity to some of the most gorgeous wilderness in the state of North Carolina leave little to be desired on a visit to this natural wonderland. However, everything else one desires can likely be found at the education center, which serves to inform visitors who are curious about the vestiges of the earthly paradise they find themselves surrounded by.

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