So many parts of North Carolina feel like home to us — the rugged mountains of the west, the rolling hills of the Piedmont, the ever-enchanting ocean — that it's easy to forget just how big our state is. In fact, it would take roughly nine hours of driving to make it from one side of the state to the next. Of course, we'd argue that every minute would be worthwhile given the state's vibrant, endless beauty. For proof of this, today, we'd like to take you all the way to the Outer Banks, to an off-the-beaten-path destination known as Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge. For those up for a bit of a drive, you'll quickly discover the time spent in the car is absolutely worth the final view.

Nestled between the Bonner Bridge and Rodanthe along the Outer Banks Scenic Byway, you'll find Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge. For those with a love of unobstructed, undeveloped landscapes, it's nothing short of breathtaking. To get there, simply take Highway 12, which will lead you right into the refuge. If it's your first visit, be sure to stop inside the visitors center, approximately four miles south of the Basnight Bridge over Oregon Inlet.

Parking spaces are available at the visitor's center, open between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily, or designated parking areas along Highway 12. It's also possible to park off the shoulders; however, several visitors have gotten their cars stuck in the loose sand, so this isn't advised unless you have experience driving on this particular terrain.

Now that you've arrived, it's time to explore. The 13-mile refuge offers three trails that are open year-round: the North Pond Wildlife Trail, the Salt Flats Wildlife Trail, and the North Pond Levee Trail. Both wildlife trails offer elevated platforms for panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. All of the trails are relatively flat and easy to navigate.

Speaking of wildlife, you'll be impressed to hear that this area of North Carolina is home to no fewer than 400 migratory species of birds! It's no wonder why nature photographers cherish this refuge. Stay here long enough, and you will too.

The pièce de résistance is the double-decker observation tower, which will show you unobstructed views of the barrier island and its beautiful saltwater marshes.

What are some of your favorite remote, off-the-beaten-path destinations in North Carolina? Feel free to share them with us! If you're planning on making the long drive to the Outer Banks of North Carolina, be sure to take a look at our ultimate road trip essentials packing list. Oh, and we've got a list of road trip snacks, too!