6 Unique Places In North Carolina That Seem Like Another Planet

Sometimes we require more than just a pinch when traveling to new and bizarre places. Certain natural wonders and unique underdeveloped places North Carolina can make you feel like you’re on another planet! Here are six of these unique places in North Carolina.

1. Jockey’s Ridge

Jockey’s Ridge is a state park spanning 426-acres in Dare County. This park also features the tallest sand dunes on the East Coast. You might think you’re on a desert planet, or at the very least, the Imperial Sand Dunes in California. This state park definitely doesn’t look like it’s in North Carolina.

2. Craggy Bottoms

You may feel like you’re walking through a fairy tale forest on this lush trail to see the Blue Ridge Mountains. The humidity throughout the year also allows for a plethora of beautiful flora throughout the state.

3. The Reed Gold Mine

Experience the surreal surroundings miners once worked in to collect gold. When gold mines are mentioned, we often first think of the wild west frontier. But there were gold mines that predate the famous Gold Rush. Built in 1799, the Reed was actually the first documented commercial gold mine in the nation.

4. Hatteras Island

Although much of the Outer Banks is well developed and a beloved tourist destination, parts of OBX can make you feel like you’ve stepped foot on a new planet! Especially areas inhibited by wild native ponies.

5. Bioluminescent Plankton Off the North Carolina Coast

These glowing specks in the sea may appear alien-like but are actually millions of zooplankton as well as marine algae undergoing a chemical reaction in the saltwater. You can find this phenomenon along the entire North Carolina coastline.

6. Masonboro Island

Masonboro Island is a barrier island found just off the coast of Wrightsville Beach. It is an undeveloped nature reserve that is only accessible by boat. You might feel isolated from civilization here. You’d also feel like you’re living in another time.