North Carolina is well known as an outdoor adventurer’s dream destination and there’s never been a better time to experience this outdoor oasis. Whether you’re planning a quick getaway or a longer trip, there’s no shortage of things to do in North Carolina. While these outdoor adventures are best in the summer, there are plenty of other opportunities to explore the outdoors in North Carolina any time of the year. Here are some of the best outdoor adventures in North Carolina.

ZipQuest Waterfall and Treetop Adventure

This 2.5-hour treetop excursion with eight ziplines and three canopy skybridges designed for families with children and thrill seekers will get everyone’s adrenaline pumping and heart racing! The course covers remarkably steep and varied topography, including Carver’s Falls, a 20-foot-high waterfall that spans 150 feet wide and is the largest waterfall in the central and eastern regions of the Carolinas.

Chase Waterfalls at Gorge State Park

Chase not one, not two, but THREE waterfalls (Rainbow, Turtleback, and Hidden falls) in a single hike through Gorges State Park, one of the newest additions to the state park system. On this 6.3 km journey, you’ll encounter rivers, wildflowers, rare plants and lush forest to soak up along the way.

Ride and Climb Whiteside Mountain

Soaring 4,930 feet above the sprawling Nantahala National Forest, Whiteside Mountain is one of North Carolina’s most iconic peaks – and one of the toughest climbs on the East Coast. Dotted with glistening shards of quartz and feldspar, the magnificent slab of rock is also interspersed with formidable climbs, from the long routes of the southeast face to the less traveled approaches of the northwest face.

Kitesurfing on the Outer Banks

Cape Hatteras has been rated “one of the best beginner’s spots on the planet” by Kiteworld magazine thanks to access to calmer waters on the healthy side and gnarly waves on the Atlantic side. Another claim to fame for this kitesurfing mecca is that it is home to one of the most consistent wind destinations in the United States, with the most favorable winds occurring from March through November.

Camp on the coast

At Cape Lookout National Seashore, you can have miles of beach all to yourself. Set up your tent on the National Seashore within shouting distance of the Cape Lookout Lighthouse and camp among the dunes and island grasses. Don’t want to sleep in a tent? The rustic cabins of Great Island and Long Point provide the perfect base for fishing, shelling and exploring. They also include hot water, private bathrooms, bunk beds, stove and grill. You can also find a few cabins at Long Point with electricity and air conditioning.

Discover scuba diving

Whether you’re a veteran or a new diver, Discovery Diving’s scuba diving charters are more popular than ever. With regular scuba diving charters on seasonal weekends, half-day dive trips, weekday dive packages and specialty trips, you can choose a dive experience that suits your level of expertise. You can even visit many wrecks in the “Graveyard of the Atlantic”, recognized by Rodale’s Suba Diving magazine as the best diving destination in North America.