The marsh, brimming with wildlife, provides plenty of watching opportunities for birders and photographers year-round. North Carolina’s state parks have been seeing an upward trajectory in visitors for many years. The park's winding road to the summit hosts an annual downhill skateboarding event. Located in Stanly County 50 miles northeast of Charlotte, Morrow Mountain State Park provides a myriad of adventures from the summit of the namesake mountain, along the banks of the Yadkin River State Trail, and to the shores of Lake Tillery. Explore some of North Carolina's most iconic landscapes at eight state parks in the mountains. 1615 Mail Service Center (Those are listed in our parks directory.). Fees for services such as camping and picnic shelters are kept as reasonable as possible. Located in Burke County 55 miles east of Asheville, South Mountains State Park is situated at the crossroads of the Appalachian Mountains and the Foothills to provide the ultimate backcountry experience. This riparian environment is popular with anglers, birdwatchers and photographers alike. For more than 100 years, North Carolina’s protected parks, forests, waterways and seashores have been a haven for wildlife and visitors. Conservation, recreation and education are what North Carolina state parks are all about. Water recreation is offered via the Jacob Fork River, which hosts designated trout waters, or to the far west at the separate Clear Creek access that features the namesake lake. Backcountry campsites, located 1 to 2 miles into a cove forest with beautiful streams, offer the ultimate primitive overnight experience. Located in Wayne County 15 miles southeast of Goldsboro, Cliffs of the Neuse State Park sits on 90-foot bluffs overlooking the Neuse River. A visit to any of them can show you why they're Naturally Wonderful. The beach is perfect for swimming, beachcombing, or even spotting a dolphin or two. The park features 26 waterfalls, the northern boundary of Lake Jocassee and a portion of the 70-mile Foothills Trail. Each park offers free interpretive programs by rangers on a regular basis that explore the marvels of that park's resources. The free Rumbling Bald and Eagle Rock accesses provide a more rugged backcountry experience. Trails and a boardwalk offer a journey into wetlands and a floodplain swamp, where visitors may see great blue herons and a bounty of other animals. For nearly two months starting in mid-March, most of the state’s 41 parks and recreation areas were completely closed to the public, with about a dozen still open to hikers. At 6,684 feet, the mountain is the highest point east of the Mississippi River, and an observation deck provides breathtaking mountain views on a clear day. A second access area takes visitors through wetland habitats and allows for swimming, paddling, kiteboarding, and windsurfing on the Roanoke Sound. Most have campgrounds and many have modern visitor centers. Most trails, restrooms, playgrounds, and several boat ramps are open. Thank you for following these guidelines and helping us keep you, your fellow visitors and our staff safe as we open facilities at our parks. Located in Durham and Orange counties 10 miles northwest of downtown Durham, Eno River State Park spans across five access areas along its namesake river. The park offers a gamut of outdoor recreational activities, from hiking and horseback riding to rock climbing and camping, with accesses on both the rugged terrain of the monadnock and the Yadkin River. Camping reservations must be done online. Singletary Lake State Park in Kelly is specifically designed for cabin camping by recognizable non-profit groups. The park is known for habitats like Sugarloaf Dune, a 50-foot dune that once served as a navigational marker for river pilots, as well as three limesink ponds that each feature a unique plant community. The system also has exhibit specialists, naturalists and interpretive specialists that expand opportunities for education. Possibilities for paddling on this 115-mile river are extraordinary. NPS also manages the America the Beautiful Pass. The trails along the bluffs that lead to the rock are dotted with beautiful wildflowers including mountain laurel. Located in Orange County 15 miles northwest of downtown Durham, Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area offers a quick escape into nature with trails winding through forests of mountain laurel and rhododendron. Located in Cumberland County 15 miles northwest of Fayetteville, Carvers Creek State Park features Long Valley Farm, which was once the winter retreat of James Stillman Rockefeller, and the new Sandhills access that offers multiuse trails through beautiful longleaf pine ecosystems. Hang gliding is a hallmark activity at the park, and a private concessionaire offers lessons. Heron rookeries on two islands shelter over 25 great blue heron nests. Great Trails, Great Partners U.S. Department of … Located in Yancy County 30 miles northeast of Asheville, Mount Mitchell State Park was the genesis of North Carolina's state parks system. The rare brown elfin butterfly has called the mountain home since the Ice Age. Please check the park pages for more information about camping procedures. The park also marks the eastern terminus of the Mountains-to-Sea State Trail. Research and natural resource protection are other important facets of the state parks. Located in Chatham County 30 miles west of downtown Raleigh, Jordan Lake State Recreation Area includes seven access areas that provide plenty of camping, boating, and swimming opportunities. Calling the park for which your inquiry is relevant will get your question or concern addressed more quickly. There are 41 places that are currently part of the North Carolina State Parks system: 34 parks, four recreation areas, and three staffed state natural areas. America's parks operate under many names; State Parks, National Parks, Forests, Wildlife Areas, Preserves, Nature Area..... We collaborate with numerous government agencies, departments and … Visitor centers and park offices are open, and masks or face coverings are required to enter. Campers can choose from seven campgrounds and hundreds of campsites to enjoy a serene night by the lake. Our 41 state parks, 10 national park sites and four national forests offer … It showcases a rich history, from dugout canoes thousands of years old that have been dredged up from the lake, as well as the nearby Somerset Place, a State Historic Site that preserves a vast plantation worked by hundreds of enslaved persons. An abundance of wildlife and plant life, including the belted kingfisher and the rare Carolina bogmint, helped Lumber River earn federal designation as a National Wild and Scenic River, the only blackwater river in the state to have that honor. The State Parks Act of 1987 lists six types of units included in the NC State Parks System. Some parks have multiple entrances or access areas, and the addresses for these areas are also conveniently listed on this page. Enjoy a glimpse of the beauty of North Carolina State Parks through the pages of this brochure. Amenities like the community buildings provide popular venues for local gatherings. Located in New Hanover County 20 miles south of Wilmington, Fort Fisher State Recreation Area is the only park in the system that allows four-wheel-drive beach access, making it popular for surf fishing. Trails include bike trails at Paddy's Creek, the kid-friendly Holly Discovery Trail, the historic Overmountain Victory Trail, and the Fonta Flora State Trail. 9:00am to 5:00pm North Carolina's state parks are Naturally Wonderful and also wonderfully diverse. The park offers nearly all types of outdoor activity to experience a high country landscape adorned with beautiful waterfalls, winding creeks, and bountiful trout streams. Paddle-in only campgrounds provide a remote experience. Located in Bladen County 50 miles northwest of Wilmington, Singletary Lake State Park was developed as a group camp but has recently expanded public access for hiking, fishing, and paddling. Camping is available at many North Carolina state parks, typically for RVs as well as tents. Camping reservations must be done online. Extensive exhibits educate visitors on fort history and the natural surroundings. Raleigh, NC 27699-1615, COVID-19 information for parks under Modified Stay at Home Order, Learn more about the history of the state parks system (PDF), Maintain a social distance of 6 feet, regardless of the behavior of others, Bring a mask or face covering; they are required to be worn inside buildings and when social distancing cannot be implemented, Share the trail — warn other trail users of your presence, step to the side or wait at the end of a bridge, Do not enter restrooms until others have cleared out and please be patient when staff is cleaning them, Wash or sanitize your hands before, during, and after your visit, Do not share equipment like phones or cameras with other visitors, If the park seems crowded when you arrive, come back another time, Stay at home if you are exhibiting symptoms. It also boasts an unmatched ecological diversity that has been recognized as a United Nations International Biosphere Reserve. Over 700 plants call the park home, including the Dutchman's pipevine, which is visited by the beautiful swallowtail butterfly and its distinct black and orange-spiked caterpillar. Located in Halifax County 30 miles northwest of Rocky Mount, Medoc Mountain State Park stands on the 325-foot remnant of a once-mighty mountain range from 350 million years ago. Located in Avery, Caldwell, and Watauga counties 20 miles southwest of Boone, Grandfather Mountain State Park showcases a stunning mountain known for severe weather and challenging terrain that has hikers scrambling along cliffs, gripping cables and climbing up ladders. There are 500,000 of these mysterious craters, and the lake is one of the few that contains open water instead of vegetation. Layers of sand, clay, seashells, shale, and gravel create a spectrum of colors on the face of the cliff. Located in Durham and Wake counties 15 miles east of downtown Durham, Falls Lake State Recreation Area provides seven access areas to the reservoir. There are biologists on staff and frequent joint projects with universities and conservation organizations that expand knowledge about conservation. Tea-colored waters hide the shallow depth of the lake, which reaches to just 8 feet. The park is also perfect for day-use visitors looking to explore the headwaters of the Haw River. Between these points, you'll find mysterious bay lakes, wild swamps, rare sandhills, piedmont river systems and bold mountain streams. The division's mission is to promote conservation of North Carolina… NC State University Campus Box 7009 Raleigh, NC 27695-7009 919.515.3794 park_scholars@ncsu.edu Many of these are representative samples of the state's great diversity of resources and fragile ecological systems. Located in Rutherford County 25 miles southeast of Asheville, Chimney Rock State Park offers some of North Carolina's most dramatic mountain scenery, overlooking Hickory Nut Gorge and Lake Lure. Campers can choose from seven campgrounds and hundreds of campsites to enjoy a serene night by the lake. Located in Onslow County 20 miles southeast of Jacksonville, Hammocks Beach State Park comprises a mainland area and three barrier islands, including the 4-mile-long Bear Island. State natural areas, state lakes, and state rivers are also components of the North Carolina State Parks system. The park's estuarine habitats can be explored on foot or by paddling the Pamlico River. View the contact information sheet for the full list of park office phone numbers and email addresses ». weekdays only, 121 W. Jones St. Indoor facilities are currently not available for reservation. The 22-mile Dismal Swamp Canal is a popular paddling destination and hosts the annual Paddle for the Border event. Located in Dare County in the Outer Banks, Jockey's Ridge State Park is home to the tallest living sand dune system on the Atlantic coast and provides an ideal location for flying kites and watching sunsets. Some are open to horseback riding and mountain biking, and a portion is part of the Mountains-to-Sea State Trail. Below each park, you will find a summary of the trails, facilities, and amenities it offers that are accessible to people with disabilities. Visit our NC Trails program website to learn more about North Carolina state trails. This park located in the Blue Ridge Escarpment spans over 8,000 acres of temperate rainforest and hosts extraordinary biodiversity. Click each park name to learn more about the park's trails, history, ecology, and amenities. Warm weather months bring loggerhead sea turtles to nest along the park's sandy shores. The state forests are Bladen Lakes State Forest, Clemmons Educational State Forest, Dupont State Recreational Forest, Holmes ESF, Jordan Lake ESF, Headwaters State Forest, Mountain Island ESF, Rendezvous Mountain ESF, Turnbull Creek ESF, and Tuttle ESF. Located in Iredell County 40 miles north of Charlotte, Lake Norman State Park boasts the region's popular mountain biking trail system, the Itusi Trail, offering nearly 31 miles of single-track trail. Parks in Mecklenburg County come in all shapes and sizes ranging from small neighborhood parks to large regional parks. Each park page also has a calendar of Events and Programs, as well as maps of the park you can print and download prior to your visit. Located in Ashe County 25 miles northeast of Boone, Mount Jefferson State Natural Area surrounds a natural landmark that offers vistas as far as Tennessee from its overlooks and Luther Rock. Walk-up camping are available only at certain loops at Jordan Lake and Kerr Lake and at backcountry campsites with self-registration boxes at trailheads. North Carolina . It features vibrant color photographs and a fold-out map pinpointing the location of each state park and … Trails traverse the salt marsh and dune fields and provide the opportunity to see one of the 312 species of birds found in the park. Jones Lake and the adjacent Salters Lake are two of the mysterious geological formations known as Carolina bays, a series of elliptical depressions along the Atlantic coast, the origins of which are unknown. This page also provides the contact information for each park. There are no equipment rentals and concessions available. Located in Ashe and Alleghany counties 35 miles northeast of Boone, New River State Park covers seven accesses along this National Wild and Scenic River that flows north through three states. View the contact sheet for the email address and phone number of each park », (General information – please do not call this number for camping or park-specific questions), Office Hours The North Carolina State Parks System began in 1915, when Mount Mitchell, the highest mountain peak east of the Mississippi River, was bought by the state to save it from destructive lumbering practices. Blue Ridge Parkway. The National Park Service manages the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, Blue Ridge Parkway, Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Cape Lookout National Seashore, Great Smoky Mountains, the Wright Brothers National Memorial, and other national historic and recreation sites. Picnic shelters and group campsites that accommodate less than 50 people are open. Despite the wildfires that … Easy trails at the summit explore the Fraser fir forest, while a vast network of challenging trails — including the Mountains-to-Sea State Trail — extend into adjacent wilderness areas and lead to backpacking opportunities within Pisgah National Forest. The lanky pines — some of them hundreds of years old — tower over a network of trails that traverse expanses of wiregrass. Amenities like the community buildings provide popular venues for local gatherings, COVID-19 information for parks under Modified Stay at Home Order. The Mountains-to-Sea State Trail also traverses both park sections. Alcohol is not permitted in North Carolina’s State Parks. Swim beaches and areas are closed. Located in Wake County 10 miles northwest of downtown Raleigh, William B. Umstead State Park is a cherished retreat from bustling urban life. Trails lead to picturesque mountain views, rock outcrops, waterfalls, and even a mountain cave. A new pedestrian bridge over Waccamaw Dam allows visitors to travel the lake's entire 14-mile shoreline. The State of South Carolina has a group of protected areas managed by the South Carolina State Park Service (often abbreviated to Park Service).Formed in 1933 in conjunction with the formalization of the federal Civilian Conservation Corps program, the State Park Service is administered by the state's Department of Parks… North Carolina has 41 state parks with trails for hiking, walking, biking, paddling and horseback riding, ranging from easy to strenuously difficult. Park Lake, set off from the larger Lake Norman by a dam, offers quiet fishing spots and paddling. Located in Surry and Yadkin counties 20 miles northwest of Winston-Salem, Pilot Mountain State Park centers around the iconic geologic knob that serves as a beacon inviting outdoor enthusiasts to a vast array of activities. Old-growth cypress trees adorned with Spanish moss create an "enchant forest," particularly at Lassiter Swamp. For most inquiries, we encourage you to find the park you are trying to reach and call the office number or email them directly, rather than contacting the administrative office in Raleigh. North Carolina's state parks system is dedicated to conservation of natural resources, to outdoor recreation and environmental education. At the fee-based Chimney Rock attraction, hike to Hickory Nut Falls and take an elevator or climb to the top of the park's namesake, a 315-foot freestanding rock spire. weekdays only, 121 W. Jones St. Swim beaches and areas are closed. Rare and intriguing species, including the red-cockaded woodpecker, the fox squirrel, the Sandhills pyxie-moss, the pine snake, and the insectivorous purple pitcher plant, characterize the park's extraordinary plant and wildlife. The park is managed by the Eno River State Park office located 10 miles away. Come to our parks to marvel at our state's most beautiful natural resources, enjoy your favorite outdoor activities, and learn about the rich science, culture, and history that make our parks great. View the contact sheet for the email address and phone number of each park », (General information – please do not call this number for camping or park-specific questions), Office Hours More than 19 million people visit the state parks each year. The system stretches from the highest sand dune on the East Coast at Jockey's Ridge to Mount Mitchell, the highest point in … An 11-acre lake complements the river in providing opportunities for water recreation. The system stretches from the highest sand dune on the East Coast at Jockey's Ridge to Mount Mitchell, the highest point in the eastern U.S. Environmental education is also a hallmark of North Carolina state parks. Many of the state parks were initiated by local citizens with a strong conservation ethic. Backcountry-style recreation is a hallmark of the park, from backpacking to horseback riding. Located in Gaston County 25 miles west of Charlotte, Crowders Mountain State Park boasts two mountain peaks that offer magnificent views of the surrounding Piedmont. Campsites at both Catawba River and Paddy's Creek accesses provide an opportunity to spend the night by the lake, with some sites accessible only by paddling. A passenger ferry transports visitors to the pristine beach that provides an opportunity to camp oceanside — an experience unique amongst North Carolina's state parks. Most state parks and forests open, with many … Maintain a social distance of 6 feet, regardless of the behavior of others, Bring a mask or face covering; they are required to be worn inside buildings and when social distancing cannot be implemented, Share the trail — warn other trail users of your presence, step to the side or wait at the end of a bridge, Do not enter restrooms until others have cleared out and please be patient when staff is cleaning them, Wash or sanitize your hands before, during, and after your visit, Do not share equipment like phones or cameras with other visitors, If the park seems crowded when you arrive, come back another time, Stay at home if you are exhibiting symptoms. Junior Ranger Program North Carolina has a Junior Ranger Program, in addition to a variety of other children’s programs, like their … This area features unique and abundant plant life and wildlife, as well as a rich cultural history that intertwines with George Washington, the Underground Railroad, and Prohibition. North of the river, near Avents Creek, a separate access features the park's popular bridle trails. At the main access, visitors can enjoy hiking trails, fishing ponds, a picnic area and shelter, and a group campsite. The state parks system employs about 480, and over 200 of those are park rangers and park superintendents who are commissioned law enforcement officers. Mount Mitchell State Park. Both park entrances offer picnic shelters, and Crabtree Creek offers camping areas. More than 300 campsites offer a variety of overnight experiences. Located in Burke and McDowell counties 50 miles northeast of Asheville, Lake James State Park includes two areas to access this picturesque lake that is perfect for boating, swimming, and fishing. For campgrounds with 24-hour access, please observe the Night-Time Public Closure Period guidelines and do not leave the campground between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. The Appalachian Trail is a 2,180+ mile long public footpath that traverses the scenic, wooded, pastoral, wild, and culturally resonant lands of the Appalachian Mountains. All access areas provide at least one boat ramp, offering access to one of the best fishing lakes in the eastern United States. The mountain, first spotted from the Blue Ridge Parkway, rises abruptly from the surrounding landscape. North Carolina state forests are managed by the North Carolina Forest Service. A limestone bluff reduces the lake's acidity, making it an ideal home for several aquatic species that are found nowhere else in the world. Thank you for following these guidelines and helping us keep you, your fellow visitors and our staff safe as we open facilities at our parks. Our state parks are Naturally Wonderful — and wonderfully diverse. Located in Transylvania County near the tripoint where North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia meet, Gorges State Park sports plunging waterfalls, rugged river gorges and sheer rock precipices. As North Carolina celebrated the 100th anniversary of its state parks last year, the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation said it saw a record number of visitors. The park boasts elevations up to 3,000 feet, an 80-foot waterfall, and nearly 50 miles of trail for hikers, horseback riders and mountain bikers. (There is a modest parking fee charged at three state recreation areas.) Visitor centers and park offices are open, and masks or face coverings are required to enter. North Carolina's state parks system is managed by the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation and encompasses 41 state parks along with 33 units as undeveloped natural areas, state rivers and lakes and state trails. There are no equipment rentals and concessions available. All reviews highest point east of the mississippi observation deck parking lot the blue ridge parkway gift shop highest peak paved path steep walk degrees cooler nature trail smal Located in Bladen County 40 miles southeast of Fayetteville, Jones Lake State Park opened as the first state park to welcome African Americans and has since been a community destination for picnicking, swimming, hiking, and paddling. Four accesses — Deshazo Mill, Anglin Mill, Hickory Creek, and Mayodan — allow entry to the river, home to rich wildlife and Class II rapids. Group camps, primitive cabins, and the historic Maple Hill Lodge let visitors experience a rustic overnight experience without typical modern camping amenities. 15 Gorgeous State Parks In North Carolina To Explore This Summer 1. Mount Mitchell is the crown jewel of North Carolina's breathtaking mountain range. It also has the most facilities, including riverside areas, interpretive exhibits, and gift shops. The beautiful lake is one of the largest summertime homes of the bald eagle, and an observation platform makes for easy spotting of our national bird. Completing the landscape are longleaf pine restoration areas and creeks that were once used to make moonshine and cornmeal and now offer quiet fishing spots. Located in Watauga County 11 miles north of Boone, Elk Knob State Park was established in 2003 to protect the mountain and the headwaters of the North Fork of the New River. Located in Gates County 10 miles south of North Carolina's northeastern border with Virginia, Merchants Millpond State Park centers on a 760-acre millpond more than 190 years old. Located in Alleghany and Wilkes counties 60 miles northwest of Winston-Salem, Stone Mountain State Park is home to the 600-foot granite dome that is a designated National Natural Landmark and the historic Hutchinson Homestead, a restored mid-19th-century farm situated at the mountain base. A portion of the Mountains-to-Sea State Trail runs through the park near the backcountry campsites. For specific details about each park, please visit the park website page. The trademark camps provide a unique experience for organized groups to unite in work and play in the midst of the unique Carolina bay environment, complete with dormitory-style cabins, a mess hall, and a 500-foot pier for swimming. A wide variety of resident birds, from songbirds to birds of prey, make the park a great spot for birdwatching. System extends 469 miles through the southern Appalachians of North Carolina 's state Act! 70-Mile Foothills Trail park offices are open Components to learn more about the park about... 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