From the majestic, rugged mountains to the shimmering sea, North Carolina is jam-packed with extraordinary choices of attractions for residents and bushels of visitors from far and wide. Take a horseback ride, eat in a fancy restaurant, go whitewater rafting, or enjoy a hike — if you want it; it’s here. Read on for a list of 12 magnificent hidden gems in NC to discover in the state this year. Truly, there’s something for everyone on this list!

1. Unforgettable Campground

Carolina Hemlocks Recreation Area/Facebook
Carolina Hemlocks Recreation Area, 6000 NC-80, Burnsville, NC 28714, USA
Carolina Hemlocks Recreation Area/Facebook
Carolina Hemlocks Recreation Area is located in the unforgettable Appalachian District of the Pisgah National Forest in Burnsville. Bring your tent or RV as the campground has 31 sites for both. Modern bathhouses with hot showers are available, along with swimming, hiking, and picnicking. You can reserve your site at this beautiful NC campground today!

2. Exquisite Coffee Shop

Daphnes Coffee Shop / Facebook
Daphnes Coffee Shop / Facebook
Daphne’s is named after a kind and lovely resident of Littleton, a small town with a big heart. Get a serious cup of coffee here from the specially trained baristas. From Bigfoot gingerbread cookies laced in blue icing to muffins, and pastries, freshly baked deliciousness lives in this display case. Learn more about planning your trip to this local North Carolina coffee shop.

3. Forested Waterfall Hike

Jen Schroeder Jones / AllTrails
Cat Gap, North Carolina 28712, USA
Mark H. / AllTrails
The Cat Gap Trail to John Rock Loop is a 4.5-mile moderately rated trail in the Davidson River Recreational Area in Brevard. The beautiful Cedar Rock Falls and Grogan Creek Falls are accessed by this hike. Check out some of the magic that awaits you on this trail when you watch the beautiful YouTube video footage below:

4. Incredible Hometown Shopping

Birghtleaf Durham / Website
Indio, 905 W Main St Suite 20G, Durham, NC 27701, USA
Indio Durham/Facebook
Brightleaf Square is comprised of sturdy brick buildings constructed in 1904 by the American Tobacco Company and the Duke family. The interesting space holds offices, charming restaurants, and an eclectic choice of boutiques to peruse. Learn more about all the treasures and unique shopping opportunities that await you at Indio Durham.

5. Epic Mountain Climbing and Whitewater Rafting

Edge of the World Whitewater Rafting and Climbing/Facebook
EDGE of the WORLD NC Whitewater Rafting, Rock Climbing and Rappelling, 394 Shawneehaw Ave S, Banner Elk, NC 28604, USA
Edge of the World Whitewater Rafting and Climbing/Facebook
Edge of the World in Banner Elk is the perfect name as the experiences you will have here exercise your physical limitations climbing Little Lost Cove Cliffs, including lunch, guides, and all equipment. Make a reservation for your epic North Carolina rock climbing adventure.

Or how about a whitewater adventure down the scenic Watauga River? Yes, you can. This three-to-four-hour excursion will leave you wanting more. Learn more on the official Edge of the World website.

6. Beyond Delicious Restaurant

Heirloom Restaurant/Facebook
Heirloom, 33 Glenway St, Belmont, NC 28012, USA
Heirloom Restaurant/Facebook
The award-winning, farm-to-table Heirloom Restaurant in Belmont offers a revolving seasonal menu. The winter vegetable salad brings roasted and pickled vegetables, quinoa, and chili-miso vinaigrette with fresh greens. Or try the classic east coast shrimp and grits with house-made creole sauce, and locally milled polenta. Curious to learn more? Head on over to the official Heirloom website.

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7. A Creative Pottery Center

pparrothead/Facebook
North Carolina Pottery Center, 233 East Ave, Seagrove, NC 27341, USA
North Carolina Pottery Center | Seagrove, NC/Facebook
The National Carolina Pottery Center in Seagrove is an engaging place to discover the stories behind and enjoy the beauty of North Carolina’s world-class clay culture. Explore the first-rate exhibitions and educational opportunities offered here. Learn more about how you can sign-up for a NC pottery class.

8. Out-Of-This-World Rock Collection

Rock Museum, 382 Main St, Scotland Neck, NC 27874, USA
ROCK Museum of Scotland Neck/Facebook
ROCK Museum of Scotland Neck/Facebook
The ROCK Museum of Scotland Neck features a diverse collection of rocks, gems, minerals, and fossils, including dinosaur bones, collected from all over the world. Live demonstrations are offered throughout the week, inside and out, from rock cutting, polishing, and tumbling.

9. Absolutely Delicious Ice Cream

Artesana Ice Cream, 76 S Main St, Marion, NC 28752, USA
Artesana Ice Cream/Facebook
Artesana Ice Cream, 76 S Main St, Marion, NC 28752, USA
Artesana Ice Cream/Facebook
Artesana Ice Cream's made-from-scratch recipe is sweetened with honey or kabocha extract, and natural fruit. The staff at this parlor whip up some scrumptious treats, such as this mega hot fudge cake.

10. Another Transformative Waterfall Hike

Old Nc 106, North Carolina, USA
Justin Potter/AllTrails
Nebo, NC 28761, USA
Megan Bruss/AllTrails
Secret Wall Falls is a moderately challenging 2.3-mile out-and-back trail in Marion takes about an hour to finish, but it's worth your time as you can see by the reaction of this traveler. And the mountain views are equally as stunning! Take a look at this beautiful waterfall when you watch the brief footage below:

11. Essential Horseback Riding

C & C Farm/Facebook
C & C Farm/Facebook
C&C Farm in Louisburg provides trail rides as another way to appreciate the outdoors. To schedule, call 919-630-7000. If you have a group — no problem — up to 10 riders can go at once. Private lessons, boarding, and birthday parties are also offered on 65 pastoral acres.

12. A Place To Call Home

Brookside Mountain Mist Bed & Breakfast, 142 Country Club Dr, Waynesville, NC 28786, USA
Brookside Mountain Mist Inn/Facebook
Brookside Mountain Mist Bed & Breakfast, 142 Country Club Dr, Waynesville, NC 28786, USA
Brookside Mountain Mist Inn / Facebook
Reserve your room at the Brookside Mountain Mist Inn, a luxury bed and breakfast in Waynesville. The oversized guestrooms offer three-course gourmet breakfasts and breathtaking views of the Great Smoky Mountains.

Did at least one of these magnificent hidden gems get you packing your bags? If you visit one, please tell us about your experience in the comments below — we would love to hear from you! As you can see, there are so many fun adventures in North Carolina to enjoy. We hope this list inspires your next great NC day trip!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Hidden Gems In North Carolina

Beth C. | November 29, 2023

What are some of the top natural wonders in North Carolina?

North Carolina is truly a treasure trove of natural beauty. Take a look at the following list of the top natural wonders in North Carolina:

  • Jockey's Ridge
  • Linville Gorge and Linville Falls
  • Whitewater Falls
  • The Outer Banks
  • Pilot Mountain
  • Stone Mountain
  • Looking Glass Rock
  • Linville Caverns
  • New River
  • Mount Mitchell
  • Chimney Rock
  • French Broad River
  • Lake Mattamuskeet
  • Hanging Rock
  • Sliding Rock

 

Of course, these are just a small selection of all the natural beauty you'll find in the Tar Heel State. To learn more about the landmarks we featured above, check out our full list of the top natural wonders to explore in North Carolina.

What are some of the best hikes in North Carolina?

North Carolina is a hiker's paradise! For proof of this, look no further than the following list of the best hikes in NC:

  • Triple Falls Trail
  • Max Patch Trail
  • Deep Creek Loop Trail
  • Piedmont Trail
  • Old Field Bluff Trail
  • Cascades Trail
  • Pink Beds Trail
  • Cape Fear River Trail

 

Ready to start your hiking adventures? You can learn more about each trail when you read our full article outlining some of the very best hiking trails in North Carolina.

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