TOP 30 Best Protected natural areas in North Carolina

Weymouth Woods - Sandhills Nature Preserve is a beautiful natural oasis located in Southern Pines, North Carolina. This institution is a park and nature preserve that offers visitors the opportunity to explore the unique ecosystem of the Sandhills region. With over 900 acres of protected land, visitors can hike through the serene pine forests, observe a variety of plant and animal species, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. The park also features a museum that showcases the history and importance of the Sandhills region, as well as exhibits on the local flora and fauna. Visitors can learn about the conservation efforts that are being made to protect this special area and how they can help preserve it for future generations.

Evergreen Nature Preserve is a stunning park and tourist attraction located at 1336 Norland Road in Charlotte, North Carolina, United States. This beautiful preserve offers visitors the chance to explore and connect with nature in a serene and peaceful setting. With miles of scenic hiking trails, lush greenery, and diverse wildlife, Evergreen Nature Preserve is the perfect destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking to take a leisurely stroll, birdwatch, or simply relax in the natural surroundings, this institution provides a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Don't miss the opportunity to experience the beauty and tranquility of Evergreen Nature Preserve during your visit to Charlotte.

Johnston Mill Nature Preserve is a beautiful park located at 2713 Mount Sinai Road in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States. This peaceful sanctuary offers visitors the chance to explore and enjoy the natural beauty of the area. With trails winding through forests, meadows, and along creeks, visitors can immerse themselves in the sights and sounds of the outdoors. The preserve is home to a variety of plant and animal species, making it a great spot for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers. Whether you're looking for a peaceful stroll or a more challenging hike, Johnston Mill Nature Preserve has something for everyone to enjoy.

Ledge Creek Forest Conservation Area - Trailhead #1 is a beautiful park and tourist attraction located at 3189 Brogden Road in Stem, North Carolina, United States. The conservation area offers visitors the opportunity to explore lush forests, tranquil creeks, and diverse wildlife. The well-maintained trails provide a perfect setting for hiking, birdwatching, and nature photography. Whether you're a nature enthusiast or simply looking for a peaceful retreat, Ledge Creek Forest Conservation Area is the ideal destination for outdoor recreation and relaxation.

Durant Nature Preserve, located at 8305 Camp Durant Road in Raleigh, North Carolina, is a park and tourist attraction that offers a unique experience for nature lovers of all ages. Originally the Occoneechee Council of Boy Scouts’ Camp Durant, the park was purchased by the City in 1979 and designated as a Nature Preserve in 2010 to protect its significant natural resources. Visitors can enjoy year-round programs, self-guided interpretive gardens, and five miles of hiking trails that showcase the park's diverse habitats and abundant plant and animal life. Amenities include lakes for fishing, discovery backpacks, bird and butterfly gardens, sensory and nature play garden, and picnic areas.

Calloway Forest Preserve is a park and tourist attraction located at 4407 Aberdeen Road in Raeford, North Carolina, United States. This preserve was once heavily harvested for pine needles but is now undergoing a remarkable recovery. It is a longleaf pine forest in the Sandhills region, showcasing the ancient woodlands that once covered a vast area from Virginia to Texas. The preserve is home to a variety of plant communities including longleaf pine, wiregrass, Michaux's sumac, and rough-leaf loosestrife. Wildlife such as red-cockaded woodpeckers, migratory songbirds, fox squirrels, and bobcats can also be found here. Management efforts at Calloway Forest Preserve include prescribed burns to reduce hardwoods and encourage the growth of fire-dependent species. The forest serves as a crucial corridor for wildlife and helps restore degraded tracts affected by fire suppression. The preserve is protected through collaboration with state and federal agencies, with the goal of eventually including it in the state's Game Lands program.

Nature First LLC is a leading institution located at 202 West Mill Street in Rowland, North Carolina, United States. We are dedicated to promoting sustainable and eco-friendly practices in all aspects of our business. Our team of experts is committed to putting nature first in everything we do, from our products to our processes. Join us in our mission to protect and preserve the environment for future generations.

Coastal Shield Insurance is a reputable insurance agency located at 1601 College Road in Wilmington, North Carolina. We specialize in providing comprehensive insurance coverage for individuals and businesses in the coastal region. Our experienced team of agents is dedicated to helping our clients find the best insurance solutions to protect their assets and ensure peace of mind. Whether you need coverage for your home, auto, business, or life, Coastal Shield Insurance is here to provide personalized service and tailored insurance plans to meet your specific needs. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you safeguard your future.

Dr. Tammy R. Severt, DDS is a renowned orthodontic practice located at 101 Conner Drive in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Since 1999, Dr. Severt and her team have been providing top-notch dental care to thousands of patients in Chapel Hill and Pittsboro areas. Voted as the top dentist in Chapel Hill and Chatham County, the practice offers personalized care in a comfortable environment. Dr. Severt and her staff see their patients as individuals, not just a set of teeth, and strive to provide the same level of care they would give to their own family. Specializing in braces and Invisalign treatments, Dr. Severt is dedicated to transforming smiles and improving oral health. The practice offers a complimentary Severt Smile Assessment, which includes a comprehensive exam, digital images, x-rays, and a customized treatment plan. Patients have praised the professionalism and caring nature of Dr. Severt and her team, making them their top-rated and favorite orthodontist in Chapel Hill and Pittsboro.

Crystal Clean Soft Power Wash is a professional pressure washing institution located at 1016 Spanish Moss Road in Indian Trail, North Carolina. Specializing in providing top-notch pressure washing solutions for both residential and commercial clients in Charlotte, NC and surrounding areas, we pride ourselves on using innovative technology and methods to deliver exceptional results in a timely and cost-efficient manner. Our customers have raved about the quality of our work, with many praising our attention to detail and superior customer service. From house soft washing to roof soft washing, concrete and brick cleaning, gutter cleaning, window cleaning, fence and deck cleaning, and soft power wash maintenance services, we offer a wide range of outdoor cleaning solutions to meet your needs.

STAT Floor Cleaning is a premier floor cleaning institution located at 721 Governor Morrison Street in Charlotte, North Carolina. Our dedicated team is committed to providing top-quality cleaning services to ensure your complete satisfaction. As a family owned and operated business, we take great pride in serving the greater Charlotte area, including homeowners, business owners, realtors, builders, and property managers. At STAT Floor Cleaning, we offer a wide range of services to meet all your cleaning needs. From deep cleaning and restoring surfaces to steam cleaning carpets and upholstery, we are here to promote wellness and cleanliness for all our clients. Our specialized machines are designed to protect your floors during the cleaning process, ensuring a like-new condition for your hardwood, tile, and natural stone surfaces.

Pediatric Hair Solutions - Lake Norman is a healthcare institution located at 19460 Old Jetton Road in Cornelius, North Carolina. Specializing in lice removal, this clinic offers non-toxic and kid-friendly treatments by healthcare professionals. With a focus on natural remedies that are effective every time, Pediatric Hair Solutions ensures that patients leave lice-free in as little as one hour. Family discounts are available, as lice infestations can quickly spread among household members. The clinic's medically trained experts use advanced equipment to completely eradicate lice and eggs, providing results that surpass over-the-counter treatments. With 24/7 support and prevention advice, Pediatric Hair Solutions is dedicated to helping families manage and prevent lice infestations. Testimonials praise the team's professionalism, thoroughness, and care in treating patients. If you're looking for safe and effective lice removal in the Lake Norman area, contact Pediatric Hair Solutions today.

On Tops Roofing: Your Trusted Cary Roofing Experts Welcome to On Tops Roofing, located at 590 New Waverly Pl Suite 210, Cary, NC 27518. As Cary’s premier roofing contractor, we have been proudly serving the community for over 30 years, specializing in roof replacements and repairs. Cary, NC is not just our service area; it’s our hometown. Many of our staff have grown up here or lived in Cary for many years, making us deeply committed to providing the best roofing services to our fellow Cary homeowners.

Located in Wilmington, North Carolina, the Huneycutt Group is an insurance agency that offers a wide range of insurance benefits to protect your investments and manage risks without breaking the bank. Whether you need home, auto, boat, RV, or business insurance, our independent agents will help you find the best coverage for your unique needs. With over 40 years of experience, our full-service agency is committed to providing clients with adequate insurance coverage for all budgets. We also offer additional coverage options for those living along the coast to protect against hurricanes and other natural disasters. Trust the Huneycutt Group to secure your assets and save you money with our customized coverage plans. Contact us today to make the right choice for your precious assets.

The Eno River Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and protection of the Eno River and its surrounding areas. Located at 4404 Guess Road in Durham, North Carolina, this institution serves as a park and tourist attraction for visitors to explore the natural beauty of the Eno River. With miles of hiking trails, scenic overlooks, and opportunities for wildlife viewing, the Eno River Association offers a peaceful retreat for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers alike. Join us in our mission to conserve this precious ecosystem for future generations to enjoy.

Sunburst Falls is a stunning tourist attraction located in Canton, North Carolina, United States. This beautiful roadside waterfall flows under a charming 1930's era stone bridge, creating a scenic and picturesque setting. Situated just off Highway 215 in the Northern Pisgah National Forest, Sunburst Falls offers a series of cascades that lead to a large pool before continuing downstream. The sound of the cascading water adds to the peaceful ambiance of the area. Visitors can easily access Sunburst Falls from Highway 215, just over 4 miles north of the Blue Ridge Parkway. The waterfall is a short distance from a small parking area, making it a convenient stop for travelers. While there are no restroom facilities onsite, the natural beauty of Sunburst Falls more than makes up for it.

Pisgah Mountain Lodge at The Coves Mountain River Club is a stunning institution located at 1880 Flint Ridge Way in Lenoir, North Carolina, United States. This gym and health facility is situated on 3,200 acres of beautiful land, with a rustic lodge offering panoramic views of Grandfather Mountain. The lodge features an infinity-view saline swimming pool, hot tub, and outdoor living room for residents to enjoy the breathtaking scenery. At an elevation of 1,700 feet, the mountaintop lodge provides unparalleled views of the Blue Ridge Mountain peaks, including Grandfather Mountain, Table Rock, Adams Knob, and Brown Mountain. Residents can witness stunning sunsets and starry nights that showcase the majesty of Mother Nature. The lodge is a hub of social club activities, with events such as Guest Lecture Series, Game Night, and wellness classes led by a yoga instructor.

Pinnacle Park in Sylva, North Carolina is a must-visit tourist attraction for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. This 1,529-acre town park offers a 3.4-mile trail that leads to breathtaking views of Sylva and Scotts Creek Valley. The trail follows an old logging road and passes through streams, waterfalls, and a grassy ridge before reaching the Pinnacle. Visitors are encouraged to pack a lunch and camera to capture the stunning scenery along the way. Pinnacle Park is also home to the state's first and only Certified Forest Therapy Trail, providing a unique opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in the healing powers of nature. To access the park, visitors can follow directions from downtown Sylva and park at the designated gravel parking area.

Located at 15 The Glen Road in Asheville, North Carolina, the Biltmore Rose Garden is a stunning park and tourist attraction that is a must-see for visitors to the area. Explore Biltmore's vast 8,000 acres, which include six formal and informal gardens, a Conservatory, and nature trails that connect to the French Broad River, Deer Park, Lagoon, Farmyard, and woodlands. Designed by renowned landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted over a century ago, the estate offers four seasons of beauty that are meticulously maintained by Biltmore's team of horticulturists. Take a leisurely walk along the river, through forests, or across open meadows, or hike and bike the grounds at your own pace on the extensive network of trails.

Salt Rock Gap is a park located on Breedlove Road in Glenville, North Carolina, United States. Operated by Friends of Panthertown, the institution aims to protect and maintain the beautiful Panthertown Valley. Visitors of all kinds, from hikers to birders, are welcome to explore the 30 miles of non-motorized trails in the Panthertown Valley Trail System. The organization works to conserve and monitor the natural resources in the area, promoting sustainable recreation and stewardship of the forest. Volunteers are the backbone of the organization, and all are invited to join in their efforts. Donations to the Panthertown Stewardship Fund support their conservation work. Help keep Panthertown wild and natural for all to enjoy by leaving no trace during your visit.

Eno River State Park is a beautiful natural oasis located at 6101 Cole Mill Road in Durham, North Carolina. This park offers visitors a chance to explore the stunning Eno River, lush forests, and scenic trails. With over 4,000 acres of protected land, Eno River State Park is a popular destination for hiking, picnicking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Whether you're looking for a peaceful escape into nature or an active outdoor adventure, this park has something for everyone to enjoy. Come and experience the beauty of Eno River State Park for yourself.

Embark on an unforgettable journey with Wild Horse Adventure Tours, where history, ecology, and adventure converge for an experience the whole family will cherish. Located in the picturesque Outer Banks of North Carolina, our tours offer a unique opportunity to explore the natural beauty of Corolla while searching for the legendary Colonial Spanish Mustangs.

Beaver Lake Bird Sanctuary, located at 1056 Merrimon Avenue in Asheville, North Carolina, is an 8-acre wetland managed by the Blue Ridge Audubon. This sanctuary was established in 1988 to protect the land from commercial development, and is now a popular tourist attraction and park in north Asheville. Visitors can explore the sanctuary via a boardwalk that allows for birdwatching and observing various wildlife in different habitat types. In addition to being a habitat for numerous bird species, the sanctuary is also home to butterflies and dragonflies/damselflies. The sanctuary is open year-round from dawn to dusk, with occasional closures for maintenance.

Panthertown Valley Trailhead - Public Access is a park located on Breedlove Road in Glenville, North Carolina, United States. The institution, run by Friends of Panthertown, aims to protect and maintain the beautiful Panthertown Valley. Visitors of all kinds, including hikers, mountain bikers, equestrians, and more, are welcome to enjoy the 30 miles of non-motorized trails in the area. The organization works to conserve and monitor the natural resources of Panthertown, while also promoting sustainable recreation and stewardship of the forest through community partnerships and education. Visitors are encouraged to leave no trace and help keep the area wild and natural for everyone to enjoy. Donations to the Panthertown Stewardship Fund are greatly appreciated and support the conservation work in the area. Become a Friend of Panthertown today by volunteering or donating to support their mission of conserving this backcountry natural resource.

Pee Dee National Wildlife Refuge, located in Wadesboro, North Carolina, offers a peaceful retreat for visitors looking to reconnect with nature. With diverse wildlife, including waterfowl and migratory birds, the refuge provides a range of recreational activities such as boating, driving, and hiking. Managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the refuge focuses on wildlife conservation and habitat protection. Visitors can explore the various natural habitats and contribute to conservation efforts through volunteering or learning opportunities. Come and experience the beauty of Pee Dee National Wildlife Refuge and support the preservation of our natural environment.

Deep Creek Picnic Shelter is a charming outdoor facility located at 2431 West Deep Creek Road in Bryson City, North Carolina. Surrounded by the natural beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains, this shelter provides the perfect setting for a relaxing picnic with family and friends. The covered pavilion offers protection from the elements, making it an ideal spot for gatherings rain or shine. With convenient amenities such as picnic tables, grills, and restroom facilities nearby, visitors can enjoy a hassle-free outdoor experience. Whether you're looking to enjoy a leisurely meal surrounded by nature or host a special event, Deep Creek Picnic Shelter is the perfect destination for a memorable outing.

Located in Lake Toxaway, North Carolina, the Panthertown Trailhead is a park maintained by Friends of Panthertown. This organization works to protect and maintain Panthertown Valley, a beloved natural resource for hikers, mountain bikers, equestrians, rock climbers, anglers, kayakers, birders, backpackers, scouts, and more. With 30 miles of public non-motorized trails, visitors can enjoy the beauty of the Panthertown Valley Trail System while practicing Leave No Trace principles to preserve the natural environment. The Friends of Panthertown encourage stewardship of the forest through community partnerships, outreach, and education, and welcome volunteers to join their efforts. Donations to the Panthertown Stewardship Fund support conservation work in the area, ensuring that this wild and natural place can be enjoyed by all for years to come.

Cold Mountain Gap Trailhead is located at Hogback Spur A in Lake Toxaway, North Carolina, United States. This park is managed by Friends of Panthertown, an organization dedicated to protecting and maintaining the Panthertown Valley. Visitors of all kinds are welcome to enjoy the 30 miles of public non-motorized trails in the Panthertown Valley Trail System. Whether you enjoy hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, rock climbing, fishing, kayaking, bird watching, backpacking, or scouting, there is something for everyone at Cold Mountain Gap Trailhead. Friends of Panthertown works to conserve and protect the natural resources of this special place, and they encourage sustainable recreation practices. Visitors are encouraged to leave no trace and help keep Panthertown wild and natural for all to enjoy. The organization also promotes stewardship of the forest through community partnerships, outreach, and education. Volunteers are an integral part of Friends of Panthertown, and all are welcome to join in their efforts to protect and maintain this beautiful area.

Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and protecting the natural beauty and wildlife of Grandfather Mountain, located at 2050 Blowing Rock Highway in Linville, North Carolina. The foundation works tirelessly to promote conservation efforts, educate the public about the importance of environmental stewardship, and maintain the sustainability of this iconic landmark. Visitors can explore the mountain's breathtaking scenery, diverse ecosystems, and learn about the rich history of the area through various educational programs and events. Join us in our mission to ensure that Grandfather Mountain remains a pristine and thriving natural treasure for generations to come.

Rockwood Park, located at 2310 Whitley Drive in Durham, North Carolina, is a popular tourist attraction and park known for its natural beauty and serene atmosphere. However, the park has recently been facing challenges due to the presence of the Emerald Ash Borer, an invasive insect that feeds on Ash trees and ultimately kills them. The City of Durham has been monitoring the situation closely and has decided to remove the infested Ash trees from Rockwood Park to ensure the safety of visitors and prevent further spread of the pest. This process will involve marked trees being evaluated and removed by City crews over the next year or two.