This road in the Great Smoky Mountains was supposed to assuage a displaced community, but ended up a $52 million dead end.

For two weeks every June, fireflies in the Smoky Mountains perform an astonishing light show.

This vast kitty-themed collection illustrates the history of human-cat interaction.

A curious whirlpool formation supposedly capable of entangling or engulfing branches, tree trunks, or whole rafts full of hapless tourists.

This granite rock face is named for the magnificent reflection that occurs when the sun hits it just right.

This Transylvania County city is home to a rare white squirrel population that is descended from an escaped carnival animal.

These eerie outliers of the lightning bug family glow a mysterious blue color.

According to local lore, this narrow passageway through two large rocks was accidentally created by the devil himself.

A mountaintop space observatory that is certified dark.

A historic covered bridge, only one of two remaining in North Carolina.

This scented city oasis was a labor of love.

These strange large stones served as a campsite and lookout post for generations of Native Americans.

Granite outcropping that the state's tourism bureau doesn't promote because of its delicate ecosystem.

This natural wonderland is a unique chance to explore a Carolina bay, a mysterious geological formation of unknown origin.

Jule Körner's house full of bizarre architectural details.

Ruins of an American Civil War iron forge still survive today.

Rotting dome home spotted near Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

In a pedestrian tunnel on North Carolina State’s campus resides an expressive and artistic free-for-all.

This woodland architectural installation acts as a camera obscura for the heavens.

One of the best places to see feral Colonial Spanish Mustangs in the United States.

A curious collection of oddities including a lock of Alexander Hamilton's hair and Harry Houdini's ouija board.

Perhaps the oldest vine in North America, this sprawling plant helps make a sweet wine.

A vast collection of everyday items amassed by one man.

This historic sunny-yellow building has an unfortunate connection to the sinking of the Titanic.