Best Time to Travel to North Carolina for Nature Exploration

Have you been dreaming of a trip to North Carolina but aren’t sure what the ideal time of the year to go is? The best time to travel to North Carolina all depends on what your favorite activities are! If you love hiking in the mountains and spending time doing adventurous activities outdoors, the fall is an excellent time for you. However, if you are looking to swim and engage in water-focused activities, then summer is the perfect time for a North Carolina trip. With all things considered, the perfect time to visit North Carolina is entirely up to you and what you hope to experience during your vacation. In this blog, learn about the best times to visit North Carolina, and discover when you should go to get the most out of your vacation!

Hiking the Mountains in the Mild Temperatures of Autumn

Lovers of all things outdoor exploration and hiking will find that the autumn months are a fantastic time to visit North Carolina. With average temperatures in the 70s and 60s, it will feel like natural air conditioning on sunny days, without being too cold. And with North Carolina’s winter months approaching, you can enjoy the colorful autumn foliage that commemorates the change in seasons. If you travel to North Carolina in September, you can expect warm weather throughout your trip, while avoiding extremely hot temperatures. Or, if you are looking for temperatures on the cooler side without having to bundle up too much, early November would be a great time for you.

Taking these outdoor conditions into account, the fall is a fantastic time to hike trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. In this park, you will find over 150 hiking trails. These trails span over 800 miles in total, so you will never run out of places to discover. You may also encounter some wildlife during your National Park explorations, as the park is home to over 22,744 different species of animals.

Avoid the Crowds of the Busiest Times of the Year During the Best Time to Travel to North Carolina

Since Great Smoky Mountains National Park is consistently the most visited National Park in the country, avoiding crowds may be important to you. During the shoulder season of fall, the trails might be less crowded than in the Spring or Summer months. Another way to avoid crowds is to take hikes in the late afternoon. However, always make sure you have enough daylight left to complete your adventure.

Swimming in the Outer Banks & White Water Rafting in the Summer

Many travelers visit North Carolina for all it has to offer in terms of swimming, watersports, and other water adventures. If these are the most important things to your travel party, then summer would probably make the best time to travel to North Carolina. During the summer months, you can enjoy temperatures that are perfect for swimming, where the water is not too cold. Swimming is an activity that is best suited to warm temperatures, and is the perfect way to cool off! This is definitely a contrast to autumn being the best time for hiking because it is cool.

In North Carolina, you can visit the Outer Banks, which are famous for over 100 miles of open shoreline. The area is also renowned for shipwreck diving sites and charming seaside villages. The average water temperature in the Outer Banks in July and August is between 70-80 degrees. This makes it the perfect environment for swimming and other water activities. Water activities, such as jet skiing, paddleboarding, kayaking, and tubing, are popular among visitors.

Another water activity that can be found further inland near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is white-water rafting. In the Natahala River and Cheoah River, you will find this scenic and adventurous activity. Depending on what you enjoy, it can mean a laid-back family cruise down the river or a challenging journey over intense rapids. No matter which you prefer, summer is a great time for it, as you will certainly get wet! Since these rivers are cold, around 50 degrees all year, you will appreciate the warm air of the summer months.

Best Time to Travel to North Carolina for Cozy Cabin Stays

Some adventure seekers are looking for the best time to kick back, relax, and enjoy a cozy cabin atmosphere. If you want to bundle up, roast marshmallows around the campfire, and enjoy a hot cocoa, then the holiday season is probably the best time to travel to North Carolina for you. In a lodge or cabin environment, you can appreciate the beauty of the season in the great outdoors. Visiting in December can also mean experiencing the unique sight of gorgeous white snow on top of the Smoky Mountains. With average high temperatures of 50°F and lows in the 30s, it is definitely necessary to bundle up! But the cozy feeling of being in the mountains when it’s cold out will immerse you in the holiday spirit.

Best Places to Stay in North Carolina, No Matter the Season

Tapoco Lodge

This gorgeous and unique lodge-style resort is a retreat situated alongside the Cheoah River. This is the perfect location for adventures that involve rafting and kayaking. You will never be too far from your home base on all of your river journeys. It is also a great spot to stay during hiking adventures in the Great Smoky Mountains, as the resort is its neighbor. While staying here, you can hike iconic trails like Laurel Falls Trail and Chimney Top Trail. And if you can’t get enough hiking, there are even 11 hiking trails on the resort property itself. Lastly, if you are looking for a cozy mountain lodge feel during the holiday season, this resort surely delivers. During the winter, you will find fun holiday decorations, community fire pits, and an environment that feels straight out of a postcard.

Huffman Creek Retreat

Huffman Creek Retreat is a quaint, one-of-a-kind resort experience where you can connect with nature like nowhere else. This resort is home to seven cabins, each with its own unique charm and character. Part of the fun of staying in cabin-style accommodations is the seclusion from others. This allows you to disconnect and engage with the outdoors. These special cabins will have you excited to return to your home away from home after a day spent on whatever kind of adventures you enjoy most. And if you are traveling with a big group, this resort offers a space that can house up to 14.

Book with Nook During the Best Time to Travel to North Carolina

After learning about all of the activities that the state has to offer and the seasons that suit them best, the perfect time to visit North Carolina is ultimately up to you! With Nook Outdoors, you can discover the perfect resort for your travel style that will have you feeling connected to the great outdoors in North Carolina and beyond. Our boutique hotels, glamping resorts, and cabin rentals are situated in the best adventure destinations across the United States. No matter where you want to travel or what season best suits your desires, Nook has something for everyone. Browse our entire inspiring list of resorts in epic locations below, and start planning your next adventure today!