North Carolina is full of gorgeous scenery, museums, and interesting day trips. There’s no shortage of fun to be had here in the Old North State, and you can read about some of those well-known places here. However, if you’re looking to have a secret adventure in North Carolina, you’ll find all sorts of hidden treasures across the state where you can do just that. Add these 15 hidden gems in North Carolina to your bucket list.

1. Saluda
Saluda, NC 28773, USA
Flickr / Barry Peters
40 miles south of Asheville, Saluda is a quaint (population 500) hidden gem that takes you back in time. Browse shops, grab a bite to eat, and enjoy the view while you take a walking tour of historic Saluda. Stop by the Train Depot as well to check out a genuine 19th century caboose.
2. Marshall High Studios
Marshall High Studios, LLC, 115 Blannahassett Island Rd, Marshall, NC 28753, USA
Marshall High Studios/Facebook
Located 25 miles outside of Asheville, this high-school-turned-art-studio houses over 28 studios. It's sure beautiful as it sits on Blanahassett Island in the middle of the French Broad River.
3. Secret Falls, Nantahala National Forest
NC Waterfalls
Secret Falls got its name from the fact very few know how to get there, or its location. With the directions easily accessible online, this hidden gem is right by the Georgia border and is perfect for a relaxing, peaceful day.
4. Jones Lake State Park, Elizabethtown
Jones Lake State Park, 4117 NC-242 N, Elizabethtown, NC 28337, USA
Born Geek
In Bladen County, dozens of oval shaped, crater lakes, dominate the area, but aside from the more popular White Lake is Jones Lake State Park. While the beach is somewhat popular, you'll find solace and serenity hiking along the various trails.
5. Kindred Spirit Mailbox, Bird Island
Kindred Spirit Mailbox, Sunset Beach, NC 28468, USA
Flickr / -ted
Kindred Spirit is waiting to hear your penned out hopes and dreams, that is, if you can find it.
6. Battery Park Book Exchange and Champagne Bar, Asheville
Battery Park Book Exchange, 1 Page Ave #101, Asheville, NC 28801, USA
Tara Allen 51/Google Local
For passionate bibliophiles, Battery Park Book Exchange is a must visit. It feels like you're stepping into someone's private library, with plush couches, two-level mazes of shelves with books stacked high (with that book smell included, mmm), and not to mention... champagne! What a perfect combination.
7. Newbold-White House, Hertford
Newbold-White House, 151 Newbold White Rd, Hertford, NC 27944, USA
T Szym/Google Local
Built in 1730 by a Quaker Family, the Newbold-White House is the third oldest home in North Carolina, and open to the public! You'll love the colonial kitchen and muscadine grape vineyard. On your next trip to the beach, stop in for some history.

Related Stories

Get Away From It All At This Remote And Beautiful Campground In North Carolina

Get Away From It All At This Remote And Beautiful Campground In North Carolina

 The Magnificent Lakefront Airbnb In North Carolina That Is Perfect For A Spring Retreat

The Magnificent Lakefront Airbnb In North Carolina That Is Perfect For A Spring Retreat

 The Breathtaking Scenic Drive Through North Carolina That Celebrates The New River

The Breathtaking Scenic Drive Through North Carolina That Celebrates The New River
8. Blue Ridge Distilling Company, Bostic
Blue Ridge Distilling Co Inc, 228 Redbud Ln, Bostic, NC 28018, USA
James Lott/Google Local
For a fun, adults-only activity in North Carolina, check out a tour of the Blue Ridge Distilling Company. Take a look at the interior and take a sip of Defiant malt whisky!
9. Linville Gorge Wilderness, Pisgah National Forest
Linville Gorge Wilderness, Marion, NC 28752, USA
Jason Mears/Google Local
For a hidden hiking trail, and some secret camping, try the Linville Gorge Wildnerness Trail. The hike totals three days but this untouched wilderness provides you with breathtaking views, wonderful plant life, and secluded moments.
10. Navitat Canopy Adventures, Barnardsville
Navitat Canopy Adventures, Poverty Branch Road, Barnardsville, NC, USA
Navitat Canopy Adventures/Google Local
If you're looking for some high up adventure, without the crowds, false scenery, or high prices, try Navitat. With canopy tours and zip lines through wild terrain, this secret adventure is waiting for you during the warmer months.
11. Mirlo Beach, Rodanthe
Mirlo Drive Southeast, Mirlo Dr SE, North Carolina 28422, USA
Ken Lund/Flickr
This subdivision of Rodanthe has been battered and bruised by hurricanes, but still remains rustic and beautiful. Take a day trip to explore a beach town frozen in time and excluded from the world.
12. The backside of Jockey's Ridge
Jockeys Ridge, Nags Head, NC 27959, USA
Outer Banks
While the front of Jockey's Ridge gets all the hype, the largest sand dune on the East Coast is hiding a fabulous, erm, rear end. Explore peaceful nature trails and take in all that this wild terrain has to offer.
13. Paint Rock, Hot Springs
Paint Rock Road, Paint Rock Rd, North Carolina 28743, USA
Atlas Obscura
Considered North Carolina's best pictograph, Paint Rock is over 5,000 years old and contains Native American 'paintings' made from natural ingredients. The Native Americans considered Hot Springs a sacred area, and just six miles away you can find Paint Rock. With hiking trails, hidden waterfalls, and breathtaking views...this is a great day trip idea!
14. Stanley Rehder Carnivorous Plant Garden, Wilmington
Stanley Rehder Carnivorous Plant Garden at Piney Ridge Nature Preserve - Wilmington, 3800 Canterbury Rd, Wilmington, NC 28403, USA
Flickr / Zach Frailey
For an up close view of plants that can eat you (jokes guys) Stanley Rehder Plant Garden is home to native Venus Fly Traps, pitcher plants, and sundews. Stanley Rehder dedicated his life to the cultivation of flesh-eating plants, so after his death, the three-acre area was marked off in memory and now open to the public. It's the only carnivorous plant garden in the world -- and it's right here in North Carolina!
15. Bob's Sinkhole, Cateret County
Newport, NC 28570, USA
Atlas Obscura
What looks like a pond, is actually a deceiving sinkhole. Named after the man who discovered it, Robert ('Bob) Kaylor, this little section of deep water is a neat place to explore.

What are some of your favorite hidden gems in North Carolina? We’d love to hear about them — tell us in the comments below!

Looking for more off-the-beaten path places to explore? This hidden park in North Carolina is a secret little oasis that’s positively perfect.

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

Sarah | September 09, 2021

What are some other hidden gems in North Carolina?

Ironically, hidden gems aren't that hard to find here in North Carolina, as our state is truly a wondrous natural beauty. However, these 12 places in North Carolina are *so* under the radar, that only lifelong North Carolina residents know of their existence. Check them out, and be in-the-know about some of the state's coolest hidden treasures!

What are the best day trips to take in North Carolina?

Exploring North Carolina often means packing up the car and hitting the road for an epic journey. Truly, it never ceases to amaze us that some of the best destinations in the U.S. are located right in our backyard. Whether you’re looking for beautiful scenery, mountain adventures, cool swimming holes, quality time with animals, beautiful gardens, or something else entirely, these nine day trips in North Carolina belong on your radar. And if you're ready to schedule a year's worth of fun in the Old North State, check out these 12 adventures in North Carolina!

What fun things are there to do in North Carolina?

North Carolina has it all: beaches, mountains, forests, and waterfalls -- plus some of the most charming little towns and amazing big cities in the country! If you're on the hunt for fun things to do in North Carolina, we have a few lists you'll want to bookmark: our definitive guide to the best attractions in North Carolina and our nature lover's guide to North Carolina's natural beauty. Between these two guides, you're guaranteed to find all sorts of fun in the Tar Heel State!

Related Articles