Grand national

North Carolina is home to 34 state parks, four recreation areas and a number of beautiful landscapes, from mountainous to coastal. With a wide range of recreational activities available, as well as a variety of educational opportunities, it’s no wonder North Carolina has been dubbed one of the most adventurous states.

It is also home to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a protected Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Reserve site. The great outdoor life is truly on North Carolina’s doorstep – and the best thing is that it’s all free!

The almighty Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the biggest, the most popular and the most spectacular of all the wonderful parks in North Carolina. Bringing in 9 million visitors a year, the park has been declared a Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Reserve site. The Great Smoky Mountains is also home to a variety of flowering plants and a wealth of birds and mammals. The mountains earned the name “Smoky” from the bluish mist that envelops them and fills their valleys.

The awe-inspiring Blue Ridge Parkway

A great way to take in the sheer beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains is to travel the 469-mile long Blue Ridge Parkway (right), 250 miles of which runs through the North Carolina Mountains. It reaches heights of over 6,000 feet, providing a spectacular scenic drive. Stop in a lay-by, draw a deep breath and enjoy the breathtaking views. You can also re-create the pioneering spirit that made America by getting close to nature in one of the many campsites.

Mammoth Mount Mitchell and the Black Mountains

Named for the dark evergreen forests of spruce and fir that cover its peaks, the Black Mountain Range features the highest point along the North Carolina mountain range. The Black Mountain Range runs for 15 miles from the north to the south and has approximately 18 peaks higher than 6,300 feet.

Within these peaks lies Mount Mitchell, the highest peak in North Carolina and east of the Mississippi River.

Mount Mitchell State Park was established in 1915 to preserve the fir trees around the peaks from the logger’s axe. The park was originally only 525 acres but over the years it has expanded through a series of acquisitions, and has stood at 1,469 acres since 1969.

For great outdoor hikes, take on Colbert’s Ridge Trail which takes visitors up to an astounding 5,700 feet. Or perhaps tackle the 6,684ft summit of Mount Mitchell and experience the Mount Mitchell Trail. This 5.6 mile trek begins at the Black Mountain Campground, then leads through Higgins Bald, taking in the Buncombe Horse Range Trail, and on to the summit of Mount Mitchell.

Enjoy the State Parks

As well as the National Parks, there are 34 state parks and countless areas of natural beauty in North Carolina. Not all outdoor activities are based in the Piedmont and the mountains, however. Cape Hatteras National Seashore (left) stretches for 70 miles across three islands in the Outer Banks.

Camp among the most spectacular dunes on the eastern coast, and take a look at the oldest and the tallest operating brick lighthouse in North Carolina: the Ocracoke Lighthouse, built in 1823. Visitors can climb Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and take in the great view from the top. Alternatively, stay on land and watch migrating waterfowl, or enjoy some of the best fishing, surfing and diving in the US.

Other ways to enjoy North Carolina’s great outdoors

Take off in a hot air balloon

Why not treat the family to the trip of a lifetime in a hot air balloon? Ride across the national parks and take in their natural beauty from the sky. Prices start at $175 per person for a balloon ride in Asheville.

Alternatively, why not hire a whole capsule for a birthday, an engagement, an anniversary or just a perfect moment with someone special?

Happy kayaking

If you’re after something different and exciting, try a guided nature and adventure tour by kayak. Paddle through salt marsh creeks and along black water rivers, or explore the coastal waterways while your guide handles all the hard work.

All you need to do is control your kayak and take in the beauty of the wilderness. The guide will point out natural wonders and places of historical importance. On the way you might encounter great blue herons, brown pelicans, egrets, osprey, playful otters or even a dolphin. Tours normally last between 2 and 4 hours, and some offer overnight camping. Prices start from approximately $100 (about £60) for a two hour tour.

Plentiful fishing

There is a wealth of fishing opportunities in North Carolina. Whether you are fishing for native brook trout in a cold mountain stream, lunker largemouth bass in a piedmont reservoir, brawny striped bass in a river or are just taking the family fishing at a community fishing lake, the state’s waters offer angling opportunities for everyone.

North Carolina has some of the best fishing in the world. There are plenty of species in the coastal waters, including sea-run trout, flounder, bluefish, drum, spot and albacore. In some of the river systems there are hard-charging river spawners such as shad and striper available once in season. In the mountains and hills there are mountain trout and smallmouth to be caught. You can also hook tons of freshwater fish, including largemouth, smallmouth and landlocked hybrid bass, sunfish and bluegill, crappie and others all over the state.

Visit www.wildlife.state.nc.us and www.ncfishandgame.com for further information on fishing permits and regulations, and advice on how to prepare for a fishing trip.

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All images are courtesy of North Carolina Division of Tourism, Film and Sports Development. Bill Russ, Photographer