The Ultimate Weekend Itinerary If You Love Spending Time Outdoors In North Carolina
By Carolyn Harmon|Published May 10, 2023
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Carolyn Harmon
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Under Brown Mountain Lights the Beast of Blandenboro wanders this magical land where lighthouses shine on kingdoms only accessible by ferries. A Lost Colony of legends and pirates revealed in historical sites and majestic mountains with views that make us weep. The home of handmade sculptures and scrumptious cuisine. North Carolina leaves this long-time writer and artist breathless with endless surprises, including the unlikely warmth a winter walk on the beach can bring.
Beginning with a bike ride in Hendersonville that will raise your adventure level a notch and mellowing out with a serene, retro camping experience in Mill Spring, this ultimate weekend itinerary showcases some of the best outdoor adventures and activities in North Carolina. If some of these sights are familiar to you, a chance to enjoy them on this unique trip may alter your perception of what is ordinary. And the best part, the drive is just a little over an hour but the boundless places on this journey will leave you feeling like a tourist having witnessed heights and depths beyond your wildest imagination. Here we go.
From national parks and campgrounds to waterfalls, canyons, and more, there is so much to love about America’s natural splendor — and June, designated as Great Outdoors Month, is the perfect time to get outside.
With eight downhill-specific trails, this dynamic experience offers a variety of skill levels.
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An on-site adventure center provides rentals of mountain bikes, ebike, and safety gear complete with a qualified mechanic, and even a place to relax and enjoy your favorite soft drink or a craft brew.
These challenging trails are available by reservation for individuals and teams for practice and competition. Stretch your biking skills today on this very cool adventure.
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Paddle the French Broad River
Four to seven-mile kayak paddles are yours to take on this scenic river in North Carolina.
Lazy Otter Outfitters, 10 Banner Farm Rd, Mills River, NC 28759, USA
If you've already been here, come again, as Chimney Rock is the greatest outdoor classroom in the world with endless opportunities to learn and explore.
Chimney Rock State Park, 431 Main St, Chimney Rock, NC 28720, USA
Hike around the winding trails and climb to the top of this 315-foot freestanding, majestic rock while exploring the wildlife along the way.
Dine at Burntshirt Vineyards Tasting Room & Bistro
And in case you haven't had enough of the breathtaking Chimney Rock, can you imagine taking in these views while enjoying some of the best food and wine in the state?
Burntshirt Vineyards Tasting Room and Bistro, 438 Main St, Chimney Rock, NC 28720, USA
Located among the most gorgeous places, on the Western edge of Lake Lure and just up the street from Chimney Rock State Park’s entrance, this charming bistro is within the Chimney Rock Village.
We love to start with the charcuterie board and its small luscious piles of savory meats, sauces, and other surprises to try. Follow it up with a grand lobster North Atlantic Lobster Roll with refreshing celery salad on a toasted ciabatta bun.
And don't forget this is a winery, so make plans to tour the winery and the tasting room. With a whirl, sniff and sip, experts will teach you how to get the very best out of tasting your favorite wines.
Stay At The Hitching Post Campground
Forget the four walls and the TV and take a few steps back at The Hitching Post Campground in beautiful Mill Spring.
Hitching Post Campground, 620 Girl Scout Cp Rd, Mill Spring, NC 28756, USA
Located in the peaceful Hickory Nut Gorge valley and close to such attractions as Chimney Rock State Park, Lake Lure, and Bat Cave, a promised respite awaits complete with a fishing pond, playground, camp store, bath house, and nature trails.
Have we convinced you to pack your bags? Will you share some other outdoor adventures and activities in North Carolina in the comments below? And while you’re in the area, visit Hickory Nut Falls Trail, which leads to the second-tallest waterfall in North Carolina.
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