7 Incredible Natural Wonders In North Carolina That You Can Witness For Free
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Robin Jarvis
Author
Why spend money on recreational activities when you don’t have to? There are a number of ways to have fun in North Carolina without spending a single dime. So load up the car and let’s get going, shall we?
This monolith near Brevard is named as such reportedly because when rain freezes on the rock, the frozen layer projects a reflection; most notably of the sun. Although you can certainly see Looking Glass Rock from afar, there's also an uphill trail that leads to this natural wonder. Learn all about it right here.
Eastern America's tallest living sand dune rises to 80-100 feet above sea level, depending upon how the dune currently sits as it's always changing due to maritime conditions. It also covers more then 350 acres. You can explore it for free at Jockey's Ridge State Park at 300 W Carolista Dr, Nags Head, NC 27959.
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One of North Carolina's most famous peaks is seen for miles along US-52, the Pilot Mountain Parkway. The monadnock rises to 2,421 feet above sea level and is comprised of metamorphic quartzite. Get a closer look by visiting North Carolina's Pilot Mountain State Park at 1792 Pilot Knob Park Rd, Pinnacle, NC 27043.
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Rising 60 feet from the plunge pool at its base, Looking Glass Falls is, by far, not the tallest waterfall in North Carolina but it's a favorite among locals and visitors alike. During the summer the shallow waters at the base of this waterfall are brimming with visitors who want to cool off in the chilling waters of this mountain beauty. Find it nine miles northwest of Brevard on US 276.
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North Carolina's Stone Mountain State Park features a massive, smooth granite stone mountain with a hiking trail that leads to the top of this 600-foot-tall rock.
Arrive on a day when climbers are ascending to the top of the stone and you won't be able to take your eyes off of their progress! Find it at 3042 Frank Pkwy, Roaring Gap, NC 28668.
The largest natural lake in North Carolina is 18 miles long and seven miles wide. On average, it's only two or three feet deep. Each year millions of birds migrate into and out of the area and the lake hosts a festival called Wings over Water to celebrate. Learn all about it right here. Access the lake from the Lake Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge at 85 Mattamuskeet Rd, Swanquarter, NC 27885.
Walk behind a spectacular waterfall found not too far from the highway outside of Highlands. Dry Falls drops 65 feet over a ledge and into a ravine below the walking path that runs right behind the waterfall. See it for free four miles west of Highlands on US 64.
How many of these are going on your bucket list this year? What’s your favorite natural wonder in North Carolina?
For more things to do in North Carolina on the cheap, keep reading: You Won’t Break The Bank Doing These 10 Super FUN Things In North Carolina!
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Featured Addresses
Looking Glass Rock, North Carolina 28712, USA
Jockey's Ridge State Park, 300 W Carolista Dr, Nags Head, NC 27959, USA
Pilot Mountain State Park, 1721 Pilot Knob Park Rd, Pinnacle, NC 27043, USA
Looking Glass Falls, North Carolina 28768, USA
Stone Mountain State Park, 3042 Frank Pkwy, Roaring Gap, NC 28668, USA
85 Mattamuskeet Rd, Swanquarter, NC 27885, USA
Dry Falls, North Carolina 28741, USA