Retry later Retry later
Outbound Collective logo

North Carolina

Looking for the best photography in North Carolina? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around North Carolina. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Photography Spots in and near North Carolina

  • Asheboro, North Carolina

    Drive the Uwharrie Scenic Road

    This peaceful drive begins at the intersection of US 64 & NC 49 in Asheboro, North Carolina. Follow NC 49 along the the Carolina slate belt southwest toward Concord. Along this 50 mile drive, you'll take in amazing views of the Uwharrie National Forest, so have your camera ready!  
    Read more
  • Canton, North Carolina

    Photograph Sunburst Falls

    This waterfall is right off the side of the road on NC 215. NC 215 is straight off of the blue ridge parkway and is just north of Brevard. The waterfall has to main parts one that is above the road and one that is below. The part below the road is the most scenic and the easiest to walk too. The ...
    Read more
  • Glenville, North Carolina

    Hike to Wilderness Falls

    1.4 mi / 300 ft gain
    Wilderness Falls offers a beautiful hike with a simple yet captivating falls. All of the maintained trails in Pantertown Valley are marked by a number system (there is an information hut in the parking lot with information about other local trails, distance of different trails, and emergency cont...
    Read more
  • Cary, North Carolina

    Hike the Reedy Creek Lake Trail

    5.0
    1.4 mi / 129 ft gain
    Start the hike from the Reedy Creek parking lot. Hike down a section of the Loblolly Trail and then join the Reedy Creek Lake Trail. The trail is loose gravel and is fairly wide. The walk is not too difficult at all. In spring, you'll see many beautiful wildflowers along the way and at any point ...
    Read more
  • Asheville, North Carolina

    Explore Lake Powhatan

    Lake Powhatan is located just minutes away from Asheville, NC and offers a number of fun activities for you, your friends, and your family. In the warm summer months, the Lake is a popular spot for swimming. The small stretch of beach along the lake is a nice place to lay out and soak in the sun....
    Read more
  • Asheville, North Carolina

    Photograph Haw Creek Valley Overlook

    The Haw Creek Valley Overlook is only 8 miles from downtown Asheville. If you're in the downtown area, it's a rather easy place to zip on over to if you're in need of some time away from urban life. This overlook is a hot spot for sunset watching and picture taking. If you plan on seeing what th...
    Read more
  • Glenville, North Carolina

    Hike to Blackrock Overlook

    3 mi / 700 ft gain
    This is probably one of my favorite hikes I've done in Panthertown Valley. Its also one of the easier views to access. You start from the Salt Rock Gap Parking lot, taking the Blackrock Trail (447) up Blackrock Mountain. This trail is located about 100 yards to the left if you are standing lookin...
    Read more
  • Beaufort, North Carolina

    Explore Historic Beaufort

    Spend a day exploring the old center of town and photographing the old, historic homes and churches. Explored the old cemeteries dating back to the American Revolution. This town has very good views of the inlet where you can watch the boats go by.
    Read more
  • Tellico Plains, North Carolina

    Hike to Whiggs Meadow

    3 mi / 700 ft gain
    You will start your hike off of the Cherohala Skyway. The trail-head is a small asphalt pull-off on the right if you are coming from Tellico Plains. From the trail-head the trail starts up and almost all of the trial is an uphill incline on the way there with about 700 feet of elevation change ov...
    Read more
  • Nags Head, North Carolina

    Hike Tracks in the Sand Trail at Jockey’s Ridge State Park

    4.0
    1.2 mi
    This scenic trail is a 1.2 mile out and back hike that offers views of the dunes, the ocean, and Roanoke Sound.  It’s a beautiful hike with 360 degree views.  This is a must-do if you are in the Outer Banks area! Plus it’s one of the rare free state parks!    Informative and cool visitor center F...
    Read more
  • UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens, North Carolina

    Walk through The Botanical Gardens in Asheville

    0.5 mi
    Just a little under 2 miles away from downtown Asheville, NC, you'll find the beautiful Botanical Gardens. If you're looking for the perfect place to walk around, explore, and go at your own pace...look no further.  The entire wooded property is roughly 10 acres, but you can wander along the sho...
    Read more
  • Arden, North Carolina

    Photograph the French Broad Overlook

    5.0
    The French Broad Overlook is one of several overlook spots along the Blue Ridge Parkway. It's not known to be the most breathtakingly scenic spot of the batch, but it's still a nice viewpoint that will offer you sights of the French Broad River, one of the few north flowing rivers in the US. Yo...
    Read more
  • Snow Camp, North Carolina

    Cane Creek Mountains Northern Approach Loop

    2.32 mi / 351 ft gain
    The Cane Creek Mountains Natural Area is a nature park in the Piedmont Region of North Carolina. Pine Hill Trailhead is the first phase of the park and includes 3.5 miles of trails. All the trails are color-coded and marked with matching blazes every tenth of a mile. The 2.5-mile Northern Approac...
    Read more
  • Cary, North Carolina

    Loblolly and Reedy Creek Trail Loop

    5.0
    4.03 mi / 456 ft gain
    The Loblolly and Reedy Creek Trail Loop is a great loop trail for hiking, running and biking in Umstead State Park near Raleigh, North Carolina.  TRAILI started my run on the Loblolly Trail from the parking area and then continued on the Reedy Creek Trail. Combining these two trails forms a loop...
    Read more
  • Burlington, North Carolina

    Rock Creek Trail

    1.75 mi / 167 ft gain
    Cedarock Park is a 500-acre park named for the abundance of cedar trees and rock outcroppings. The park features a network of hiking and equestrian trails, disc golf and footgolf courses, primitive camping, a fishing pond, canoe and kayak rentals, basketball and volleyball courts, picnic shelters...
    Read more
  • Corolla, North Carolina

    Wild Horses in Currituck National Wildlife Refuge

    Currituck National Wildlife Refuge is located near Corolla Beach, NC. At this refuge, you can can visit wild horses on the beach! Please remember to be respectful of wild animals in their habitat and keep a respectful distance.  There are two main ways to get a glimpse of these horses: You can p...
    Read more