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What are the best outdoor activities in North Carolina?

My parents just moved to North Carolina and I want to take my kids there for vacation. We plan on exploring the state and they love adventure—what are some of the best outdoor activities around the state?

avatar
Jacqulyn Graber · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
North Carolina
has gorgeous summers and temperate winters, so outdoor activities can be enjoyed all year round. Some of the best outdoor activities in North Carolina include hiking the Blue Ridges and dipping your toes in the Atlantic Ocean.
Here are five exciting outdoor activities in the Tar Heel State:
1) Go deep-sea fishing on the Atlantic Ocean: A 20-minute ferry ride from Southport brings you to Bald Head Island, a car-free sanctuary where loggerhead turtles lay eggs on the beach. Schedule a cruise with Impulsive Charters and Captain Paul will take you out to sea to fish for mackerel, bluefish, tuna, mahi-mahi, and even marlin.
2) Ride the waves at Wrightsville Beach: This sleepy town is known as one of the best little surfing spots in the country, and you’ll love riding the gentle waves. Rent a longboard and even take a lesson from one of the dozens of surf shops in the area.
3) Explore the U.S. National Whitewater Center: Located in
Charlotte
, this adventure destination has something for everyone—whitewater rafting and kayaking, ziplines, flatwater kayaking and SUP, rock climbing, mountain biking, ropes courses, yoga, and more.
4) Hike to the peak of Grandfather Mountain: Take a steep 4-mile hike up one of the Blue Ridge Mountains’ loftiest peaks (with the help of ladders and cables, of course). If climbing isn’t your thing, drive to the Mile High Swinging Bridge—America’s highest suspension footbridge—and walk across the 80-foot gap between two of Grandfather’s pinnacles.
5) Go off-road in Uwharrie National Forest: Uwharrie boasts 16 miles of muddy and rugged trails, perfect for 4x4s, four-wheelers, dirt bikes, and other rough-and-tumble vehicles.
Before you start driving around NC in search of adventure, make sure your vehicle is covered with great
car insurance
. Shopping with
Jerry
is the best way to make sure you have a great policy that’s road trip ready.
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