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Some places are best explored by leaving the satnav behind and seeing where the road takes you, and North Carolina is one of them. From the peaks of the Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains to the rugged beaches of the Outer Banks, the state is packed with adventures that make it very easy to spend a few days outdoors.

Head west and you’ll find waterfalls, forest trails, mountain towns, and some seriously good craft beer, while further east the scenery changes to barrier islands, historic lighthouses, wild horses and endless stretches of beach. Oh, and with all the excellent Southern food you’ll enjoy along the way, this makes for a very tasty road trip indeed.

Wild mountains, Cherokee culture and the Great Smokies

Perhaps the most famous of them all, tucked into North Carolina’s westernmost corner, the Great Smoky Mountains dominate the border, with the town of Cherokee an ideal starting point for exploring the area.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the obvious starting point, with around 850 miles of hiking trails, waterfalls, mountain streams, and forests stretching across more than 500,000 acres. Just outside Cherokee, the Oconaluftee Visitor Center is a handy place to start, while nearby trails offer everything from gentle woodland walks to more challenging hikes.

For a different way to see the scenery, follow the winding roads through the park and stop at lookouts and historic buildings along the way. Bryson City and Waynesville also make great bases for exploring the mountains, with trout fishing, hiking, and scenic train rides all within easy reach.

Waterfalls, craft beer and mountain roads around Asheville

East of Cherokee, Asheville has built a solid reputation for its food, craft beer and cider, and independent spirits. Head to Asheville’s South Slope Brewing District, where nearly a dozen local craft breweries are all within easy walking distance of each other, or make your way to Highland Brewing, where beer and the great outdoors go hand in hand. Then, when you’ve sunk enough pints and want to explore beyond the city, towns such as Brevard, Saluda, and Marshall make it easy to turn a city break into a proper mountain escape.

Then there’s the Blue Ridge Parkway, where North Carolina’s section stretches for more than 250 miles, twisting through the mountains with sweeping views, hiking trails, and plenty of places to stop for a picnic.

If you fancy chasing waterfalls, head into Pisgah National Forest, where Looking Glass Falls is a must-stop just off the road. If you’re visiting in summer and want to cool off, Sliding Rock is home to a natural 60-foot waterslide carved into the granite. If you’re not sick of mountain views just yet, carry on to Black Balsam Knob, where you can see for miles across the surrounding mountains.

Mile-high views and outdoor adventures in the High Country

Head even further north and the scenery just keeps on coming, with the High Country home to mountain towns including Boone and Blowing Rock. Here, the scenery changes with the seasons, with rhododendrons popping up in spring and hillsides bursting with colour in autumn.

Grandfather Mountain is the boss of the bunch, with hiking trails and panoramic views across the Blue Ridge. The nearby Linn Cove Viaduct, pictured below, is well worth a stop on the Blue Ridge Parkway, while Linville Falls drops through a dramatic, forested gorge below.

For anyone who loves a bit of stargazing, head to the Bare Dark Sky Observatory near Burnsville once the sun sets. It’s perched high above the surrounding countryside and far enough from the city lights for the stars to really show off.

From mountain roads to wild coastal shores

If you weren’t already suitably impressed by North Carolina’s spectacular scenery, the state also has 320 miles of barrier-island beaches, from the wild and windswept Outer Banks to the more secluded shores of the southern coast.

On the Outer Banks, spend the morning on the beach before making your way to the famous black-and-white-striped Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, the tallest brick lighthouse in the US. Make sure you keep an eye out for the wild Spanish mustangs that roam parts of the Outer Banks, and can also be spotted along the Crystal Coast.

Further south, the Brunswick Islands are a good place to slow down and soak up life along the coastline. Stop in Calabash for its famous lightly fried seafood, with Beck’s as one of the local spots that has served it for generations.

From mountain trails and craft beer to wild beaches, lighthouses, and fresh seafood, North Carolina is ready to be explored. Start planning your trip to North Carolina and see where the road takes you

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