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North Carolina offers endless opportunities for adventure, making it the ideal destination for outdoor explorers. If you want to explore a variety of what NC has to offer, while sticking to one home base for your stay, North Carolina day trips from Robbinville are the way to go. Located in the heart of western North Carolina, Robbinsville offers easy access to awesome day trips from National Parks to scenic drives. But why let the excitement end when you return to your resort? Continue reading to discover the best North Carolina day trips and two unique resorts in Robbinsville that will add another element of adventure to your North Carolina vacation.
North Carolina is packed with incredible parks full of natural scenery and opportunities for exploration. With all the recreational offerings in the state, day trips are a great way to make the most of your time in North Carolina. With a home base in Robbinsville, here are some great parks to visit on a day trip.



If your travel group loves outdoor fun, the best hiking trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park may be among your favorite day trips. This park is so well-loved that it is the most visited national park in the US. The adventure starts at the park entrance, just a quick drive from Robbinsville. A day here can be spent exploring various swimming holes, hiking trails, and spotting wildlife in the park. Some of the most common animals to look out for include black bears, turkeys, elk, salamanders, and birds. In fact, there are over 200 bird species to spot in the Great Smoky Mountains.
Check out our guide to the best hiking vacations for National Park Lovers!



There are even more opportunities for outdoor adventure in the Nantahala National Forest, about 15 miles southeast of Robbinsville. With over 600 miles of hiking trails, you’ll never run out of forest to explore. Trails here range from short walks perfect for families to all-day adventures. In addition to hiking, white water rafting is a popular activity on the Nantahala River. Whether you are dreaming of a thrilling, adventurous ride down rapids or a leisurely float down the river, there are options for everyone. And if you prefer to see the park from above, there are also opportunities for ziplining over the gorgeous forest.



Chimney Rock State Park is a day-trip destination, about a three-hour drive from Robbinsville, and is known for its variety of trails, most notably Chimney Rock Summit. From the top of this summit, you can see over 75 miles out on a clear day! To get to the top, there are two options: a challenging adventure up over 500 steps, or an elevator ride for views without too much difficulty. For another unique experience in the park, check out Hickory Nut Falls. This waterfall soars 404 feet tall and is one of the highest falls in the eastern USA.
In addition to the parks that you can visit in North Carolina, there are other great attractions nestled within charming towns across the state. From gazing into the forest from a nature outlook to taking a drive along a scenic parkway, here are some other great natural attractions to check out on North Carolina day trips.



Blowing Rock is a small town on the north end of NC, and is home to some pretty cool attractions. The most famous attraction is The Blowing Rock itself. The Blowing Rock is a lookout spot that soars 4,000 feet above sea level, offering incredible views. Its name comes from the wind currents that come from the Johns River Gorge. Wind blows through the rock formation, and can even cause light objects thrown over the edge to blow back up! In the wintertime, it is especially cool to see it snow upside down.



Just a quick drive from The Blowing Rock, you’ll find Grandfather Mountain in Linville, NC. This mountain is over 300-million-years-old and is a famous spot among geology lovers. Adrenaline junkies will love the mountain’s mile-high swinging bridge, which is one of the highest suspension bridges in the US. Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, you can access Grandfather Mountain via the Blue Ridge Parkway. Trips along the 469-mile Blue Ridge Parkway are an adventure in themself with the scenic views they provide.
While on your day trip to the northern side of the state, you can also check out Winston-Salem and the other surrounding towns to learn about local history and explore downtown shops. The most popular historic sites in Winston-Salem include Old Salem Museums & Gardens and Reynolda House Museum.



Just a two-hour drive from Robbinsville, Asheville has a small-town community atmosphere with charming shops, fantastic restaurants, and a rich history. On a single-day trip here, you definitely want to prioritize heading downtown to explore the city’s main street. The heart of downtown is located at Biltmore Avenue and Broadway Street. In downtown Asheville, you’ll find the Asheville Art Museum, Historic Biltmore Village, and Pack Square. This area is great for walking and offers plenty of fun things to do on your North Carolina day trip.
Another great area to add to your day trip to Asheville is the Black Mountain, just a short drive away. Many people refer to this town as the “front porch of Western North Carolina.” It also ranks among the prettiest small towns in America for its adorable southern charm.



Tapoco Lodge is the perfect place to spend a full weekend, with day trips around the state. This one-of-a-kind resort is not your typical hotel. Nestled on the banks of the Cheoah River, this boutique hotel is an incredible option for nature lovers on trips to NC. This historic resort has been around since 1930, with its gorgeous 120 acres full of nature to explore. The property features 11 groomed trails, riverbank fire pits, and convenient access to NC’s best attractions. Accommodations here include rooms and suites in the cozy lodge or private cabins with river views. No matter which room you stay in, you will feel right at home in the resort’s welcoming atmosphere.



If you are looking for a quick getaway that is packed with time spent exploring the outdoors, Huffman Creek Retreat is the perfect home base for you. Why let the outdoor adventures end when it’s time to go to bed? The unique accommodations at Huffman Creek Retreat immerse you in nature from the moment you arrive. The charming resort cabins range from cozy options for small families or couples to large treehouse-style cabins, perfect for large groups. On the property, you’ll also find amenities that contribute to the nature-focused atmosphere. These include private hiking trails, creekside hammocks, private firepits and grills, and three on-site waterfalls. Huffman Creek is the ideal home away from home for nature lovers who want to take day trips around North Carolina.

North Carolina is packed with opportunities for adventurous day trips. But why stop at just NC? The US is home to so many destinations, each with its own unique character, incredible parks, and other attractions. If you love staying in resorts that keep the adventure vibes going all vacation long, you’ll love Nook Outdoors’ collection of resorts. With a wide range of destinations, all with unique accommodations, explore our resorts and let Nook inspire your next getaway.
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