The Tar Heel State is filled with abundant beauty, from well-known mountain peaks such as Mount Mitchell to obscure and downright quirky roadside attractions. The following is a list of positively breathtaking places that relatively few have visited. These enchanting places will renew your appreciation for all that makes North Carolina such an incredible place. Making your way through this list, you’ll discover beautiful overlooks, trails, architectural wonders, and hidden parks in North Carolina. Ready to get started?

1. Craggy Gardens and Pinnacle
Craggy Gardens Visitor Center, Blue Ridge Parkway, Black Mountain, NC, USA
Flickr / Sarath Kuchi
Flickr / Selena N.B.H
Craggy Gardens seems straight from a fairytale. The trail and the overlook are both equally majestic and beautiful. Learn more about why Craggy Gardens belongs at the very top of your North Carolina bucket list.
2. Lower Cascade Fall, Hanging Rock
Lower Cascade Falls, North Carolina 27052, USA
Flickr / Zach Frailey
Lower Cascade is a hidden gem of the Piedmont region. The curved rock-wall seems to tuck you away in your own, beautiful world. Hanging Rock is an exciting place to explore, but Lower Cascade can be your own little secret. Learn more about accessing this beautiful North Carolina waterfall.
3. Körner’s Folly, Kernersville
Körner's Folly, 413 S Main St, Kernersville, NC 27284, USA
Korners Folly
Built in 1880 by Jule Gilmer Körner, this architectural wonder will leave you in awe. Körner’s Folly is a true work of art that everyone should experience at least once.
4. UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens
UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens, 9090 Craver Rd, Charlotte, NC 28262, USA
UNCC Botanical Gardens
Isn't there something magical about exploring hidden parks in North Carolina? The beautiful gardens and greenhouse at UNC Charlotte will feel like your own private haven. And the best part of all is that admission is completely free!

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5. Bunker Hill Covered Bridge, Claremont
Bunker Hill Covered Bridge, 4160 US-70, Claremont, NC 28610, USA
Flickr / Allen Forrest
Above Lyles Creek you'll find the beautiful Bunker Hill Covered Bridge. It is one of the last remaining covered bridges in North Carolina.
6. Church of the Frescoes, Glendale Springs
400 Beaver Creek School Rd, West Jefferson, NC 28694, USA
Barefoot Hideaway
Local artist Ben Long used his artistic talent (and skills gained from an Italian internship) to paint these beautiful, amazing frescoes in his hometown. They're painted in the traditional Italian style on wet plaster. Ben Long now has work in the Smithsonian but these beautiful paintings give visitors a sense of peace and serenity. Learn more about what makes Church of the Frescoes such an incredible hidden gem in North Carolina.
7. Skinny Dip Falls, Canton
Skinny Dip Falls Trailhead, Blue Rdg Pkwy, Canton, NC 28716, USA
Flickr / Josh Tremper
Skinny Dip Falls is nestled deep in the mountains, and reached by a large, skinny wooden bridge. It's the perfect place to take a secluded summer dip. This secret swimming spot in North Carolina is tailor-made for an unforgettable adventure.
8. Hammocks Beach State Park
Hammocks Beach State Park, 1572 State Rd 1511, Swansboro, NC 28584, USA
Flickr / Geekly Things
Take a 15-minute ferry ride to your own private beach. This beautiful stretch of shoreline is prime for finding seashells, too. In fact, many would argue that Hammocks Beach State Park is one of the most beautiful hidden parks in North Carolina!
9. Pink Beds Loops, Pisgah National Forest
Pink Beds Picnic Area, Pisgah Forest, NC 28801, USA
Meetup
This unique, high-elevation but moderately flat trail loops for 5.1 miles through crystal clear brooks, breathtaking meadows, and woods overrun with the natural beauty of ferns. Curious to learn more about this magical area? Check out our two-day itinerary for exploring the land of waterfalls.

Have you visited any of these little-known destinations or hidden parks in North Carolina? If so, be sure to share your experiences with us in the comments below — we’d love to hear from you!

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hidden parks in North Carolina

Beth C. | August 17, 2021

Are there any secret gardens in North Carolina?

If you've ever read The Secret Garden, the iconic novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett, you've likely daydreamed about the existence of a fairy-tale garden. You'll be delighted to learn that North Carolina has its very own version of a secret garden, and it's hiding in plain sight! Wing Haven Garden and Bird Sanctuary is located on Ridgewood Avenue in Charlotte. For just $10, visitors can enjoy all that this breathtaking property has to offer. Despite being right in the middle of a city, the garden provides a temporary escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Plus, there's even an area just for children known as SEED Wildlife & Children's Center -- a learning garden for all ages. Learn more about this incredible secret garden in North Carolina.

Where can I find some hidden waterfalls in North Carolina?

There are hidden waterfalls located all over North Carolina! Fortunately, we've scouted out some of the most beautiful hidden waterfalls so that you know exactly where to look. One of our top recommendations would be Turtleback Falls. This beautiful, mesmerizing waterfall is tucked away in Pisgah National Forest; however, you can access it via Gorges State Park. Some other hidden waterfalls in North Carolina include Cathedral Falls, Wildcat Falls, Silver Run Falls, Hickory Nut Falls, Mingo Falls, Tom Branch Falls, and Crabtree Falls. Learn more by reading our previous article outlining the best hidden waterfalls in North Carolina.

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