Sustainably Minded Spaces for Indoor and Outdoor Exploration in NC

Spotting Venus flytraps in Carolina Beach, encountering creatures at North Carolina Zoo and crossing the Mile High Swinging Bridge at Grandfather Mountain are seminal adventures in the Old North State, but they only scratch the surface. You can also visit rescue raptors, navigate inner coastal waterways and discover dozens of eco-conscious experiences. Tread lightly as you wander into wonder.

1 Carolina Beach State Park

1 Carolina Beach State Park

Carolina BeachSee on map

While hiking through the coastal park, you might spot a Venus flytrap or pitcher plant along the trail. If you want a closer look at these carnivorous plants, stop by the new Bog Garden. Behind the visitors center, this area replicates the sensitive, shrinking environment these insect-eating marvels need to thrive.

Website(910) 458-8206Directions

2 Ledge Creek Forest Conservation Area

2 Ledge Creek Forest Conservation Area

StemSee on map

Across North Carolina, groups like the Tar River Land Conservancy work to preserve wild spaces such as this one, featuring easy, well-maintained pathways. Six lightly trafficked trails encircle pretty ponds, follow creekside game trails and ensure everyone can experience a patch of Piedmont forest.

Website(919) 496-5902Directions

3 Croatan National Forest

3 Croatan National Forest

HavelockSee on map

Experience the breadth of coastal ecosystems within these 160,000-acre woods. The 22-mile Neusiok Trail links beaches, salt marshes, wetland bogs, savannas and pine forests. The Saltwater Adventure Trail offers a 100-mile paddling route that circumnavigates the national forest.

Website(877) 444-6777Directions

4 Palmetto-Peartree Preserve

4 Palmetto-Peartree Preserve

ColumbiaSee on map

Birders flock to this 9,700-acre patch of piney woods bordered by the Albemarle Sound and Alligator River to catch a glimpse of the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker. Other species vary by season and include bald eagles and songbirds like the yellow-billed cuckoo.

WebsiteDirections

5 Carolina Raptor Center

5 Carolina Raptor Center

HuntersvilleSee on map

Located on the Latta Nature Preserve, the 3⁄4-mile Raptor Trail is home to birds of prey from around the world. See more than 30 avian ambassadors along the trail, or meet them during special programs offered throughout the week. The center also houses a Raptor Hospital that treats up to 1,000 sick, injured or orphaned birds of prey each year.

Website(704) 875-6521Directions

6 North Carolina Zoo

6 North Carolina Zoo

AsheboroSee on map

The world’s largest natural habitat zoo has raked in awards for its green initiatives, including the composting of nearly 2,000 tons of organic waste and manure each year. From April to October, hop into an open-air safari vehicle for a Zoofari tour of the Watani Grasslands and an up-close look at rhinos, gazelles and antelopes.

Website(336) 879-7000Directions

7 Tuttle Educational State Forest

7 Tuttle Educational State Forest

LenoirSee on map

Scenic pathways crisscross this 362-acre section of the Blue Ridge Foothills, traversing crystalline streams in a forest of pines and hardwoods. Views of Grandfather Mountain, interpretive signage, and remains of the old farm and one-room school await.

Website(828) 757-5608Directions

8 Cradle of Forestry

8 Cradle of Forestry

Pisgah ForestSee on map

The science of forestry was born in North Carolina, and Cradle of Forestry celebrates the work it takes to maintain and preserve stands of trees, empowering visitors to connect deeply with the woods around them.

Website(828) 877-3130Directions

9 North Carolina Estuarium

9 North Carolina Estuarium

WashingtonSee on map

Along the Pamlico River in Washington, North Carolina Estuarium sheds light on the marshes, estuaries and sounds that make up our inner coast. Interactive displays, boat rides and hands-on activities impart the importance of these ecosystems.

Website(252) 948-0000Directions

10 Grandfather Mountain

10 Grandfather Mountain

LinvilleSee on map

On Grandfather Mountain, hiking trails, wildlife habitats and the Mile High Swinging Bridge lean into the spectacle and fragility of nature. Innovative and interactive displays for all ages foster a deeper appreciation for the natural world at Grandfather’s on-site Wilson Center for Nature Discovery.

Website(828) 733-4337Directions