The picturesque state of North Carolina is the perfect place to snap some beautiful shots for your Instagram account. From the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains in the western part of the state, to the pristine beaches of the east, there are numerous backdrops that you’ll want to capture forever. Although the list of photo-op spots is too long to name them all, here are some of the best places to take your North Carolina selfie.
Chimney Rock, Chimney Rock
The view from the top of Chimney Rock, a massive 315-foot granite monolith that sits 2,280 feet above sea level, is breathtaking to say the least. It is considered one of the most iconic spots in the state and for good reason – when you hike to the top, you’ll be able to take impressive, panoramic photos of the Hickory Nut Gorge and Lake Lure, as the views stretch on for a whopping 75 miles!
Jockey's Ridge - Nags Head
Jockey’s Ridge is the tallest natural sand dune on the East Coast, reaching heights of over 60 feet, depending on the winds. The natural wonder is so amazing in and of itself, you’ll want to snap a few photos of it from the ground before you make the hike up to the top. Then, snap a few more of the views that stretch from the Atlantic Ocean to the Roanoke Sound. If you come close to dusk, make sure you stick around to capture some of the beautiful sunsets at this spot too.
Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, Buxton
The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is one of the most recognized lighthouses in the world, thanks to its iconic black and white spiral stripes. It is also the tallest brick lighthouse in the world, measuring in at 208’ feet tall, so if you’re brave enough to take on the 257 steps to get to the top, you will not be disappointed by the views and amazing photo opportunities once you get there. But, even if you don’t go all the way to the top, you’ll still want to snap a few shots of the coastal background that surrounds this iconic landmark.
Crabtree Falls - Blue Ridge Parkway
Although the Blue Ridge Parkway is one giant photo opportunity in and of itself (especially in the fall) and the area is home to numerous waterfalls, one that you’ll definitely want to check out is Crabtree Falls, located about 45 minutes outside of Asheville. This gorgeous spot can be accessed by two different hiking trails and viewed in all its wonder from a bridge that is positioned just in front of it, at the base. Nearby, less than a mile away, there’s also a picnic area that offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.
Craggy Gardens, Blue Ridge Parkway
Also located off the Blue Ridge Parkway, just outside of Asheville, is Craggy Gardens – an area of exposed rocks and mountain peaks that offers amazing views of the Southern Appalachians and large fields of rhododendron and other native wildflowers. There are several hikes in this area that provide numerous photo opportunities including the Craggy Pinnacle Trail, which offers breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views from the top.
Biltmore Estate, Asheville
If you’re looking a place to take some amazing photos that aren’t all about nature, make sure you visit the Biltmore Estate in Asheville. As America’s largest residential home with 8,000 acres of land surrounding it, it’s an impressive site to be seen. Especially, when you stand at the opposite end of the immense front lawn and take an epic selfie in front of the entire house in all its grandeur.
Bogue Inlet Pier, Emerald Isle
This beautiful small-town beach community is full of photo opportunities as well. With twelve miles of pristine beaches, views of both the Atlantic Ocean and the Bogue Inlet, and the Bogue Inlet Pier which stretches for a whopping 1,000 feet out into the ocean. The best time to catch a great shot is at dawn, when you can capture the sun rising behind the massive pier, along with some beautifully painted skies.
Metalmorphosis, Charlotte
For something a little out of the ordinary, check out “Metalmorphosis” in Charlotte, NC. This massive sculpture of a man’s head is made out of almost 40 large pieces of steel that are covered with mirrors and rotate 360 degrees. Depending on when you catch this unique piece of art, you will see various shapes, as the pieces continue to rotate. The mouth of the giant head also spits water into the pool that it sits in. You may find its location within an average office park to be a little odd, but it will definitely make for a memorable photo!
