Blue Ridge Dam was constructed on the Toccoa River in 1930 by the Toccoa Electric Power Company, a subsidiary of the Tennessee Electric Power Company. TVA purchased the facility in 1939 for hydroelectric power production.
Designed as a drive awhile - stop awhile recreational drive, the Blue Ridge Parkway provides both stunning scenery and close-up looks at the natural and cultural history of the southern Appalachian mountains.
Stretched over 70 miles of barrier islands, Cape Hatteras National Seashore is a fascinating combination of natural and cultural resources, and provides a wide variety of recreational opportunities.
The seashore is a 56 mile long section of the Outer Banks of North Carolina running from Ocracoke Inlet on the northeast to Beaufort Inlet on the southeast.
Carl Sandburg, nationally renowned poet, biographer, lecturer, newspaper columnist, folksinger, author of American fairytales, and winner of two Pulitzer Prizes, provided broad and enduring 20th century insight into the circumstances, worth and spirit of
The first English attempts at colonization in the New World (1585-1587) are commemorated here. These efforts, sponsored by Sir Walter Raleigh, ended with the disappearance of 116 men, women and children (including two that were born in the New World).
Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1937 "as a refuge and breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife", including the greater snow goose and other migratory waterfowl.
Mackay Island National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1960 to provide habitat for migratory waterfowl, primarily the greater snow goose.
Located in eastern North Carolina in Hyde County, the Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge consists of more than 50, 000 acres of water, marsh, timber and crop lands.
Pee Dee National Wildlife Refuge Situated along the Pee Dee River, Pee Dee NWR contains 8, 443 acres in Anson and Richmond Counties, NC. The refuge was established to provide wintering habitat for migratory waterfowl.
Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge Pocosin Lakes NWR was established in 1990 when the Conservation Fund in conjunction with the Richard King Mellon Foundation donated over 93, 000 acres to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.
Roanoke River NWR was established in 1989 to protect and enhance wooded wetlands consisting of bottomland hardwoods and swamps with high waterfowl value along the Roanoke River.
Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge was established on March 14, 1984. It contains 152, 195 acres which lie on the mainland portions of Dare and Hyde Counties, North Carolina.
This 12, 500-acre lake is located within a 30-minute drive from Raleigh and Durham. Boat launching, public marina, swim beach and picnic facilities are available. Recreation facilities are operated by the North Carolina State Parks.
This 13, 900-acre lake is located within a 45-minute drive from Raleigh and Durham. Boat launching, picnicking, swimming beaches, campgrounds, fishing, and public marina facilities are available for public use.
W. Kerr Scott Reservoir is located in the heart of the beautiful Yadkin River Valley, in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Moravian and Cascade Falls are in the immediate vicinity and the Blue Ridge Parkway is 28 mi away.
The National Forests of North Carolina (NFsNC) include four national forests (Nantahala, Uwharrie, Pisgah, and Croatan) covering 1.2 million acres, from the mountains to the sea.