North Carolina Vacation Ideas

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If you are looking to spend your vacation amid nature's eye-catching wonders, spend it in North Carolina. The state is a wealth of scenic views from the mountains to the valleys, lakes and streams. Outdoor enthusiasts will find something to fill their fancy in all the opportunities the state has to offer. Fishing, camping, hiking, backpacking, horseback riding, whitewater rafting, bird watching and boating are a few of the activities you can enjoy.

Nantahala Outdoor Center

Whitewater rafting on Nantahala River

Nantahala Outdoor Center or NOC is the oldest outfitter running the whitewater of the Nantahala River. Raft rentals are available there to ride the eight miles of family-friendly rapids. The run offers Class I, II and III rapids to the outdoor enthusiast wanting to ride a little on the "wild side". NOC offers tours that are fully guided, guide-assisted and raft rentals for those who want to do it on their own. The center has a restaurant and an outpost. Lodging is available in the form of platform tents, bunk lodgings for trail hikers and mountain cabins.

Nantahala Outdoor Center
13077 Highway 19W
Bryson City, NC 28791
(888) 905-7238
http://www.noc.com/

Fontana Village Resort

Fontana Lake

In western North Carolina in the Nantahala Forest lies Fontana Village Resort. Situated on the 29-mile long Fontana Lake, the resort offers something for everyone. The accommodations are varied with everything from campsites, houseboats, lodge rooms, cabins and suites. Visitors will find restaurants, a spa and swimming pools. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking, horseback riding, fishing, boating and mountain biking being offered at the resort. Situated on the edge of the Great Smoky Mountain National Forest, Fontana Village Resort is the place to go to sit back and enjoy the peacefulness of nature at its best.

Fontana Village Resort
50 Fontana Road
Highway 28 North
Fontana Dam, NC 28733
(800) 849-2258
http://www.fontanavillage.com/

Deep Creek Boarding Stable and Camping

Horseback riding through the mountains.

If you are looking for a vacation for you and your horse to enjoy mountain scenery at its best, camp at Deep Creek Boarding Stables and Camping area. They are located one mile from the Great Smoky Mountain National Forest. The Deep Creek trail head is located there. Camping is available for you and your horse. Sights have electricity and water hookups, with bathrooms, hot showers, a dumping station for RVs, laundry facilities and free maps of the trails. They also offer cabins for rent. Barn accommodations are offered to all horses visiting the area. Enjoy hiking through the woods and mountains either by yourself or on horseback. Nearby attractions include fly fishing, the Cherokee Indian Reservations and whitewater rafting.

Deep Creek Boarding Stables and Camping
750 W. Deep Creek Road #11
Bryson City, NC 28713
(828) 497-8054
http://www.greatsmokies.com/horsecamp/

Article Written By Joyce Starr

Joyce Starr is a professional writer from Florida and owns a landscaping company and garden center. She has published articles about camping in Florida, lawn care and gardening and writes for a local gardening newsletter. She shares her love and knowledge of the outdoors and nature through her writing.

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