Most Visited National Park in the U.S.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park • Kuwohi Observation Tower
On clear mornings, this is a prized seat as the sunrise illuminates a 100-mile expanse dotted with Fraser fir and red spruce. While many people have enjoyed the view from the tower — this national park is located within a day’s drive of more than half of the U.S. population — the scene that unfolds each day paints a new masterpiece across the sky.
In addition to the playground, the overlook park features educational exhibits on North Carolina’s aviation history and a memorial for USAir Flight 1016. photograph by Patrick Schneider
Busiest Spot in North Carolina
Charlotte Douglas International Airport
At the Airport Overlook park, tiny air traffic controllers clear themselves for takeoff — down the slide, that is! Aspiring aviators also get a prime view of the planes at the seventh-busiest airport in the world, measured by aircraft operations. Last year, nearly 54 million passengers flew through our Queen City.
Biltmore features one functioning gargoyle that spits water from its mouth. The rest — known as grotesques — are for decoration. Together, they keep watch over the hills that blanket the surrounding estate in a sea of blue and green. photograph by The Biltmore Company, Krista Rossow
Largest Home in the U.S.
Biltmore House • Asheville
It feels like a bit of a stretch to refer to George Vanderbilt’s Gilded Age residence as a “home” — a 175,000-square-foot stretch, to be exact. Following a four-month European honeymoon, arriving at the 250-room château was quite the welcome-home present for George’s wife, Edith. For visitors taking in the panoramic sights from the South Terrace, falling in love comes just as easily.
Standing on the massive deck of the USS North Carolina, visitors can understand why former Gov. Clyde Hoey said, “It commands our respect.” photograph by Chris Council
Most World War II Battle Stars
USS North Carolina • Wilmington
Fittingly nicknamed “Showboat,” USS North Carolina was historic from its inception. The vessel was the first American battleship constructed after a 16-year building hiatus. It went on to participate in every major naval offensive in the Pacific during World War II, earning 15 battle stars.
Highest Point in North Carolina
Mount Mitchell Observation Deck
In Yancey County, the summit of Mount Mitchell is the very picture of what the North Carolina State Toast poetically calls “the Land of the Sky.” When the clouds and fog give way to the morning sun, the view of the Black Mountains from 6,684 feet is nothing short of sublime.
This area — shaped by sand and changing tides — has maintained its resilience and stayed true to its fishing village roots. photograph by Baxter Miller
Lowest Point in North Carolina
Sea Level
Located way, way Down East, this Carteret County community has an elevation of just four feet. About 450 people call Sea Level home. To travelers, it marks the official southern terminus of NC Highway 12 — the end of one of our state’s most scenic coastal drives.
Westernmost Point in North Carolina
Tri-State Marker • Cherokee County
Shaded by towering oak and pine trees, a rock on private farmland marks the westernmost point of our state — as well as its intersection with Tennessee and Georgia. The signage is simple, but, touched by the sun’s golden glow, it’s a reminder that even an unassuming spot can denote something extraordinary.
As enduring as its island, Rodanthe Pier has weathered decades of erosion and storms. Rebuilt and extended after Hurricanes Irene and Sandy, it now stretches 700 feet into the Atlantic. photograph by DenisTangneyJr/E+/Getty Images
Easternmost Point in North Carolina
Rodanthe
Gazing out at the horizon from the end of the Rodanthe Pier feels like standing on the edge of the world — or at least our state. Built in 1960 as the Hatteras Island Pier, the structure has served as a beloved backdrop for generations of family fishing trips and beach vacations.
Stone tunnels, like Grassy Knob (left), are as much a part of the parkway’s scenery as the mountains and plant life. Each of the 26 tunnels is built of stone gathered from within 50 miles of where it stands. photograph by Tony Martinez/Blue Ridge Almanac, Connor Fernandes
Most Iconic Drive in North Carolina
Blue Ridge Parkway
Our state’s most popular drive winds through a landscape with 6,000 feet of elevation change. The result is more than 1,600 species of flora that bring color and life to the Blue Ridge Parkway’s spectacular overlooks. The blooms, including goldenrod, purple asters, and black-eyed Susans (pictured at Waterrock Knob), are a beautiful testament to our diverse ecology.
The 480-foot dam was built out of necessity to generate hydroelectric power during World War II. It’s now a prime place to see bears, deer, and bald eagles. photograph by Robert Stephens
Highest Dam in the Eastern U.S.
Fontana Dam
The waters of Fontana Lake curve along 238 miles of shoreline, creating a recreational wonderland. Set between Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Nantahala National Forest, the area can be explored by boat or on foot — the Appalachian Trail even crosses the dam.
Photography courtesy of Charlotte Motor Speedway
Fastest Racing in North Carolina
zMAX Dragway, Charlotte Motor Speedway • Concord
Don’t blink! In less than four seconds, dragsters can reach more than 340 miles per hour, barreling down 1,000 feet of track before two parachutes eject from the back to slow them down.
After a fun-filled day on the water, boaters pull into a marina beneath a sherbet-colored sky. photograph by Jon Beyerle Photography, Serge Skiba
Largest Man-Made Lake in North Carolina
Lake Norman
More than 500 miles of shoreline give paddleboarders and other adventure seekers plenty of space to explore. Duke Energy created Lake Norman between 1959 and 1964 as part of Cowans Ford Dam, and it still monitors the water quality so warm days can include a refreshing dip.
In West Jefferson, the New River Valley Byway passes over the ancient waterway. Companies like Dusty Trails Outfitters (right) lead guided trips for river kayaking, canoeing, tubing, and fishing. photograph by Shawn Mitchell, Stacey Van Berkel
Oldest River in North America
New River
A haven for rare and endangered fish, the waters of the New River flow north over ledges, cliffs, and rocks that are about a billion years old. It’s a scenic escape for kayakers, who can spot rolling pastures, homesteads, and wildlife on their adventures.
Linville Gorge’s difficult terrain helps preserve its natural beauty: Stands of uncut forest remain throughout the area. photograph by SHAWN MITCHELL/SHAWNMITCHELLPHOTO.COM
Deepest Gorge in the Eastern U.S.
Linville Gorge • Burke County
The rugged walls of Linville Gorge hug the Linville River for 12 miles and stretch out to encompass nearly 12,000 acres of protected wilderness. Rocky outcroppings, steep trails, and sweeping views showcase the southern Appalachians.
This story was published on Aug 27, 2026
