As the temperatures rise, days grow longer and schools let out for the summer, we are ready to be outside for as long as possible! North Carolina is a nature lover's paradise, offering a diverse range of outdoor destinations within a 100-mile radius of the Research Triangle Park area. From trails to lakes, to beaches and mountains, adventure is just a short drive away. My NC Homes offers a list of some of the top Get Outside destinations that residents and visitors of Raleigh-Durham can explore this summer.
Hiking and Biking Trails
The RTP region boasts numerous trails that cater to all skill levels for hiking and biking. William B. Umstead State Park, minutes from downtown Raleigh, offers over 20 miles of multi-use trails through woodlands, perfect for hiking, trail running, or biking. For a longer and more varied trek, head to Eno River State Park, which offers river views and a trail network that spans over 30 miles. The American Tobacco Trail is a converted rail trail that stretches over 22 miles and is more accessible for beginners without much elevation change, but great scenery.
Lakeside Escapes
We have beautiful lakes throughout the Research Triangle and stunning real estate on their shores. If you are
looking to enjoy water-based activities, we recommend Jordan Lake, which is a 14,000-acre reservoir and has boating, fishing, and picnic opportunities. Since it is a reservoir, the clear waters are perfect for kayaking and paddle boarding. Another popular lake is, Falls Lake, which is another popular spot for boating, fishing, and swimming. Falls Lake also has a sandy beach with multiple coves for exploring. These are very close to the Triangle.
Hit the Beach
The beaches from the RTP are a bit further away, about two hours, but they are really beautiful examples of
historic beach towns and stunning coastlines. Wilmington has a quaint historic district and vibrant riverfront district with easy access to beaches like Wrightsville Beach and Carolina Beach. A bit further north is Crystal Coast, which has a number of seaside towns including Atlantic Beach, Emerald Isle, and Beaufort. These beaches offer unspoiled boardwalks, great restaurants and all the laid back atmosphere that you need in a beach day, or vacation.
Mountains, Waterfalls, and Forest
The Blue Ridge Mountains are within easy reach from Raleigh-Durham and offer more than fresh mount
ain air. Asheville is also known for its vibrant arts scene in addition to its’ mountain vistas. Just a short drive away, you'll also find the Blue Ridge Parkway which is an ideal drive with various trails and views along the way. scenic drives, Off the Blue Ridge Parkway, you won’t want to miss some of the quaint mountain towns of Boone and Blowing Rock. Lastly, we also have the Pisgah National Forest with water falls, deep forests, and varied elevation.
What are you waiting for! Lace up your hiking boots, pack your swimsuit, and hit the road to discover the great outdoors, in the RTP backyard. If you are thinking about moving to the Research Triangle Park or would like to know more about real estate values and the lifestyle in this area, please contact My NC Homes today!
Posted by Larry Tollen on
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