NC Outdoor Recreation | More in the Core

Live a Life of Abundance

Prepare for a life of scenic views, more than 200 trailheads and lake experiences – all within reach of the beach and mountains. The Carolina Core’s year-round outdoor activities range from a brief hike to a short day trip and more extensive camping excursions. Whether you’re boating on the rivers of Uwharrie National Forest or spending time hiking and birdwatching at Haw River State Park, you’ll barely catch your breath before arriving at the next thing to do in central North Carolina.

Mother and Daughter go down waterslide on tube together.

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Parks Take a Hike
Outdoor Adventures Go to the Extreme
Family Fun Spend Time Together

Person paddleboarding on serene lake in the Carolina Core

Parks

Get Lost in Nature

State parks, national forests and lakes, oh my! While you won’t see any ferocious animals roaming throughout the Carolina Core, you will find bold adventures — from rock climbing Pilot Mountain State Park’s steep mountain terrain to teetering to the top of Hanging Rock State Park in Danbury.

Do you want to see wild animals? Do so from the safety of the North Carolina Zoo, which is located just south of Asheboro. As the world’s largest natural habitat zoo, it is home to African elephants, lions, the American Bison and more. Or, the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Great Smoky Mountain National Park in Western North Carolina are just a few hours away.

Looking up at person on outdoor ropes course.

Outdoor Adventures

More Excitement

Shh. Quiet. Can you hear that? Is that a warbler, a babbling brook or the rush of a waterfall at Hanging Rock State Park? Known as the Great Trails State, North Carolina and the Carolina Core offer many recreational opportunities in nature – from rock climbing and horseback riding in Uwharrie National Forest to hiking or camping through the secluded rolling forests of Boone’s Cave Park.

Load up the kayak (or rent one from one of the many outfitters in the Carolina Core) and make your way to the beautiful lakes at Tanglewood Park. Or head to one of several lakes throughout the region for phenomenal fishing experiences. One thing is for sure: excitement is just around the corner.

Father and daughter walking on sunlit path.

Family Fun

Bonding in the Great Outdoors

Whether you’re a child or an adult, the excitement never runs out in the Carolina Core – and we’re not talking about on an electronic device, either. Find adventure with the endless opportunities. Take the kids on a wild adventure of ziplining at the North Carolina Zoo or the Kersey Valley Zipline Aerial Tours. Check out Triad Trolleys for fun, eco-friendly activities that the whole family will enjoy, from electric biking to segway tours and paddleboarding. Take some time and move a little slower as you stroll around the Salem Lake Trail, one of the many hikes near Winston-Salem.

Visit the All A Flutter Butterfly Farm and the North Carolina Zoo for an up-close and personal experience with wildlife. Or, imitate your favorite animal’s behaviors at the Greensboro Science Center’s SKYWILD — a high ropes course designed to teach participants animal actions like waddling, leaping and crawling.

Outdoor Recreation

Live a Life of Abundance

Fast Facts

200+ Trailheads

NC Triad Outdoors

500 Miles

NC Carolina Core

50,000+ Acres

NC Triad Outdoors