North Carolina is famous for its beautiful mountain ranges and coastlines. It also has some really interesting and odd rock formations. Here are 12 amazing rock formations you must see in North Carolina, ranging from strange things along the coast to huge mountain wonders:
1. Rock with Looking Glass
Place: Pisgah National Forest is the place.
Features: This famous granite rock formation shines like a mirror when it’s wet, which is how it got its name. In any season, but especially in the fall, it’s a beautiful sight.
walk: The Looking Glass Rock Trail is a moderate 6.2-mile walk that goes around and around. At the top, you can see for miles.
2. Pilot Mountain’s High Point
Place: Pilot Mountain State Park is where
Features: The Big Pinnacle is an impressive quartzite knob that rises sharply from the surrounding scenery. It is an easy landmark to miss.
Hike: The Jomeokee Trail goes around the base of the peak in a 0.8-mile loop that is easy to follow.
3. The Blowing Rock
Place: The place is Blowing Rock, NC.
Features: There is a story about this rock creation on the edge of a cliff that says wind currents push things thrown off of it back toward the cliff. It also has stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Hike: There’s no need for a hard hike to get to this spot; it’s just a short paved road away.
4. Chimney Rock
Place: Chimney Rock State Park is where it is.
Features: A 315-foot granite boulder with a lookout point that gives you stunning views of Lake Lure and Hickory Nut Gorge.
Take a hike. The Outcroppings Trail has 500 steps that you can climb, or you can take an elevator for a simpler choice.
5. Table Rock in Linville Gorge
Place: Linville Gorge Wilderness is the place.
Features: People call this flat-topped rock the “Crown Jewel of the Blue Ridge,” and it has amazing views of Linville Gorge.
Hike: To get to the top, the Table Rock Trail goes 2.2 miles round-trip.
6. Shining Rock
Place: Shining Rock Wilderness is in Pisgah National Forest.
Features: There is a ridge with big quartz rocks that sparkle in the sun and give the area an otherworldly look.
walk: This interesting rock formation is on the Art Loeb Trail. It’s a tough walk, so be ready.
7. The Courthouse of the Devil
Place: Blue Ridge Parkway is where
Features: One of the best views along the Parkway can be seen from a steep rock ledge that is full of Cherokee legends.
Hike: The trail to the top is only 0.5 miles long but very steep.
8. Slippery Rock
Place: Pisgah National Forest is the place.
Features: There is a 60-foot natural rock slide that ends in a cool pool, which is great for summer fun.
walk: No need to walk! This site is only a few steps from where you park.
9. Stone Mountain
Place: Stone Mountain State Park is where
Features: It’s a huge granite dome with interesting grooves and slopes, and rock climbers and tourists love it.
Hike: The 4.5-mile Stone Mountain Loop Trail is a modest hike with beautiful views.
10. Rock of Judaculla
Place: Cullowhee, NC
Features: This huge piece of soapstone is covered in strange petroglyphs that are thought to be thousands of years old.
walk: There’s no need to walk because the rock is close to a small parking lot.
11. Rock That Hangs
Place: Hanging Rock State Park is the place.
Features: A dramatic creation of quartzite rocks that sticks out into the landscape and gives stunning views.
Hike: The Hanging Rock Trail leads to the top of the mountain in 2.6 miles of easy hiking.
12. The Rocks at Rumbling Bald
Place: The place is Lake Lure, NC.
Features: These big hills are a paradise for rock climbers because they have beautiful views and difficult routes.
Hike: The Rumbling Bald Trail goes around the rock field twice and is 1.5 miles long.
These rock formations in North Carolina are as different as the state itself. They combine natural beauty with history, legend, and adventure. There is something here for everyone, from families with kids to people who just want to take pictures.
