State Parks- North Carolina
- Listed: December 5, 2019 6:15 pm
Description
Find a Park
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. Our state parks are Naturally Wonderful — and wonderfully diverse. From Gorges State Park on the Blue Ridge escarpment to Jockey’s Ridge State Park in the Outer Banks, you’ll find mysterious bay lakes, wild swamps, sandhills with their longleaf pine habitats, piedmont river systems, and bold mountain streams.
Map of state parks and state trails in North Carolina
Click the image above to open an interactive Google map of all of the state parks.
List of all state parks
Carolina Beach State Park
Located
in New Hanover County 10 miles south of Wilmington, Carolina Beach
State Park is home to the Venus flytrap, a unique carnivorous plant. 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 park’s
marina provides access to the Cape Fear River and the Intracoastal
Waterway, making the area popular for boaters and anglers.
| 910-458-8206 carolina.beach@ncparks.gov Directions to visitor center | Address 1010 State Park Road, Carolina Beach, NC 28428 |
| Camping: | Camper cabins; Tent sites; Trailer and RV sites (some with electric, water, and sewer hookups); Group tent sites; Dump station; Showers; Firewood |
| Activities: | Hiking (9 miles); Biking (1 mile); Paddling; Fishing; Picnicking |
| Amenities: | Boat ramp; Marina; Concession stand; Auditorium; Classroom; Visitor center; Exhibits; Kids TRACK Trail; Bathhouse A private concessionaire in the park offers kayak, canoe, paddleboard, and bike rentals. |
| Accessibility: | The following amenities and facilities are wheelchair accessible: two trails (Flytrap and Fitness Trails); three campsites, one of which is an RV site with full hookups; the Centennial camper cabin; a picnic table; the fishing deck and boardwalk; the bathhouse; and the visitor center. Accessible parking and restrooms are provided. |
Carvers Creek State Park
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. The park
provides plenty of opportunities for recreation and experiencing natural
and cultural history. Both accesses include diverse habitats that are
home to unique species like the federally endangered red-cockaded
woodpecker and the Pine Barrens tree frog.
| 910-436-4681 carvers.creek@ncparks.gov Directions to park office |
Addresses
Long Valley Farm access and park office Sandhills access |
2505 Long Valley Road, Spring Lake, NC 28390 995 McCloskey Road, Fayetteville, NC 28311 |
| Camping: | none |
| Activities: |
at Long Valley Farm Hiking (3 miles); Biking (3 miles); Picnicking at Sandhills Hiking (10.5 miles); Biking (10.5 miles); Horseback riding (10.5 miles) |
| Amenities: | Horse trailer parking |
| Accessibility: | Long Valley Farm has a wheelchair-accessible picnic table and park office. Both accesses have accessible parking and restrooms. |
Chimney Rock State Park
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. 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. It also has the most facilities, including riverside areas,
interpretive exhibits, and gift shops. The free Rumbling Bald and Eagle
Rock accesses provide a more rugged backcountry experience.
| 828-625-1823 chimney.rock@ncparks.gov Directions to park office |
Addresses
Chimney Rock attraction and park office Rumbling Bald access Eagle Rock access (parking reservations required) |
743 Chimney Rock Park Road, Chimney Rock, NC 28720 827 Boys Camp Road, Lake Lure, NC 28746 1911 Shumont Road, Black Mountain, NC 28711 |
| Camping: | None |
| Activities: |
at Chimney Rock Hiking (3.5 miles); Fishing; Picnicking at Rumbling Bald Hiking (1.5 miles); Rock climbing at Eagle Rock Hiking (8.5 miles); Biking (8.5 miles); Rock climbing |
| Amenities: |
at Chimney Rock Concession stand; Restaurants; Amphitheater; Classroom; Pavilion; Picnic shelter; Exhibits; Kids TRACK Trail |
| Accessibility: | An elevator can take visitors with limited mobility to the Sky Lounge patio level, which takes you close to Chimney Rock. From the patio level, there is a set of stairs to the top of Chimney Rock, so the chimney itself is not wheelchair accessible. Wheelchairs are available to rent for free at the Cliffs Dwellers gift shop, located at the upper parking lot. All accesses have accessible parking, and both the main access and Rumbling Bald have accessible restrooms. |
Cliffs of the Neuse State Park
Located
in Wayne County 15 miles southeast of Goldsboro, Cliffs of the Neuse
State Park sits on 90-foot bluffs overlooking the Neuse River. Layers of
sand, clay, seashells, shale, and gravel create a spectrum of colors on
the face of the cliff. 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. An 11-acre lake complements
the river in providing opportunities for water recreation.
| 919-778-6234 cliffs.neuse@ncparks.gov Directions to visitor center | Address 240 Park Entrance Road, Seven Springs, NC 28578 |
| Camping: | Camper cabins; Tent sites; Trailer and RV sites (with electric, water, and sewer hookups); Group tent sites; Dump station; Showers; Firewood |
| Activities: | Hiking (4 miles); Biking (3.5 miles); Paddling; Swimming (seasonal); Fishing; Picnicking |
| Amenities: | Boat rentals (seasonal); Concession stand (seasonal); Amphitheater; Auditorium; Picnic shelter; Visitor center; Exhibits; Kids TRACK Trail; Beach access (lake); Bathhouses (lake bathhouse is seasonal) |
| Accessibility: | One campsite (with RV electric, water, and sewer hookups), one cabin and the campground bathhouse are wheelchair accessible. The visitor center and the lake area (including the lake bathhouse) are also accessible. Accessible restrooms and accessible parking are provided at the picnic area and visitor center. |
Crowders Mountain State Park
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. Trails offer challenging hikes and towering cliffs
— and even the opportunity to traverse two states through the Ridgeline
Trail, which connects to Kings Mountain State Park and Kings Mountain
National Military Park in South Carolina. A wide variety of resident
birds, from songbirds to birds of prey, make the park a great spot for
birdwatching.
| 704-853-5375 crowders.mountain@ncparks.gov Directions to visitor center |
Addresses
Sparrow Springs access and visitor center Linwood Road access Boulders access |
522 Park Office Lane, Kings Mountain, NC 28086 4611 Linwood Road, Gastonia, NC 28086 108 Van Dyke Road, Kings Mountain, NC 28086 |
| Camping: | Tent sites (backpacking sites); Group tent sites (backpacking sites); Firewood |
| Activities: |
at Sparrow Springs Hiking (20 miles); Paddling; Fishing; Picnicking at Linwood Hiking (4 miles); Picnicking; Rock climbing at Boulders Hiking (6 miles); Picnicking; Bouldering |
| Amenities: | Concession stand; Amphitheater; Auditorium; Classroom; Picnic shelters; Visitor center; Exhibits; Kids TRACK Trails |
| Accessibility: | The park has one tent campsite and one group tent campsite that are wheelchair accessible. The visitor center is also accessible. Accessible parking is available, but many parking areas are unpaved and made of hard-packed gravel. |
Dismal Swamp State Park
Located
in Camden County abutting the state’s northeast border with Virginia,
Dismal Swamp State Park provides access to the Great Dismal Swamp, the
largest remaining swamp in the eastern United States. 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. The 22-mile Dismal Swamp Canal is a popular
paddling destination and hosts the annual Paddle for the Border event.
| 252-771-6593 dismal.swamp@ncparks.gov Directions to visitor center | Address 2294 U.S. 17 N., South Mills, NC 27976 |
| Camping: | None |
| Activities: | Hiking (21.5 miles); Biking (21.5 miles); Paddling; Fishing; Picnicking |
| Amenities: | Boat rentals; Bike rentals; Auditorium; Classroom; Visitor center; Exhibits; Kids TRACK Trail |
| Accessibility: | The Swamp Boardwalk, which is the Kids TRACK Trail, is wheelchair accessible. Accessible parking and restrooms are provided. The visitor center (including the auditorium, classroom, and exhibits) is accessible. |
Elk Knob State Park
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. An overlook summit rewards visitors with a
panoramic view of North Carolina’s high country. Backcountry campsites,
located 1 to 2 miles into a cove forest with beautiful streams, offer
the ultimate primitive overnight experience. In the winter, about 1 mile
of ungroomed trail is open to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
| 828-297-7261 elk.knob@ncparks.gov Directions to park office | Address 5564 Meat Camp Road, Todd, NC 28684 |
| Camping: | Tent sites (backpacking sites and zone backpack camping); Group tent sites (backpacking sites); Firewood |
| Activities: | Hiking (5.5 miles); Picnicking; Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing (about 1 mile of ungroomed trail and must bring your own equipment) |
| Amenities: | Amphitheater; Kids TRACK Trail |
| Accessibility: | Two picnic tables are wheelchair accessible. The amphitheater has an accessible ramp with a space at the end where a wheelchair can be parked. The park office is also accessible, but please note that all park roads are crushed gravel and unpaved. |
Eno River State Park
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 swift, but often shallow stream of the river can make for
difficult paddling but provides beautiful landmarks like the Cascades.
This riparian environment is popular with anglers, birdwatchers and
photographers alike. The park offers plenty of recreational
opportunities just minutes from city amenities, and it is one of the
state parks along the Mountains-to-Sea State Trail.
| 919-383-1686 eno.river@ncparks.gov Directions to park office |
Addresses
Fews Ford access and park office Cabelands access Cole Mill access Pleasant Green access Pump Station access |
6101 Cole Mill Road, Durham, NC 27705 4950 Howe St., Durham, NC 27705 4390 Old Cole Mill Road, Durham, NC 27712 4770 Pleasant Green Road, Durham, NC 27705 4023 Rivermont Road, Durham, NC 27712 |
| Camping: | Tent sites (backpacking sites); Group tent sites (backpacking sites); Firewood |
| Activities: |
at Fews Ford Hiking (13 miles); Horseback riding (3 miles, no horse trailer parking); Paddling; Fishing; Picnicking at Cole Mill Hiking (6 miles); Paddling; Fishing; Picnicking at other accesses Hiking (11 miles); Paddling; Fishing |
| Amenities: | Picnic shelters; Kids TRACK Trail |
| Accessibility: | Both picnic areas at Fews Ford and Cole Mill have wheelchair-accessible tables. The park office at Fews Ford has a ramp. Accessible parking and restrooms are provided at Fews Ford and Cole Mill accesses. |
Falls Lake State Recreation Area
Located
in Durham and Wake counties 15 miles east of downtown Durham, Falls
Lake State Recreation Area provides seven access areas to the reservoir.
More than 300 campsites offer a variety of overnight experiences.
Trails include a portion of the Mountains-to-Sea State Trail, as well as
one of the premier mountain bike trail systems in the Triangle area,
located at Beaverdam access. During the spring and fall, migrating
monarch butterflies add to the picturesque beauty of the lake.
| 919-676-1027 falls.lake@ncparks.gov Directions to visitor center |
Addresses
Visitor center
Beaverdam
Highway 50
Rolling View
Sandling Beach (seasonal) B.W. Wells campground Holly Point campground Shinleaf campground |
13304 Creedmoor Road, Wake Forest, NC 27587
14600 Creedmoor Road, Wake Forest, NC 27587
13900 Creedmoor Road, Wake Forest, NC 27587
4201 Baptist Road, Durham, NC 27703
14601 Creedmoor Road, Wake Forest, NC 27587 1630 Bent Road, Wake Forest, NC 27587 14424 New Light Road, Wake Forest, NC 27587 13708 New Light Road, Wake Forest, NC 27587 |
| Not every access has all the listed amenities and facilities. Please check park page and maps for more information. | |
| Camping: | Tent sites (including backpacking sites); Trailer and RV sites (some with electric and water hookups); Group tent sites (including backpacking sites); Dump stations; Showers; Firewood |
| Activities: | Hiking (25 miles); Biking (14 miles); Paddling; Swimming; Fishing; Picnicking |
| Amenities: | Boat ramps; Amphitheaters; Community building; Picnic shelters; Visitor center; Exhibits; Kids TRACK Trails; Beach accesses (lake); Bathhouses A privately owned marina next to Rolling View access offers a concession stand, marina slips and storage, and kayak, canoe, and paddleboard rentals. |
| Accessibility: | The following amenities and facilities are wheelchair accessible: one campsite per loop at Holly Point (four with RV electric and water hookups); one campsite per loop at Rolling View (two with RV electric and water hookups); all picnic shelters at Beaverdam, Rolling View, and Sandling Beach; fishing piers at Beaverdam and Rolling View; swim beaches at Beaverdam, Rolling View, and Sandling Beach; the community building; and the visitor center. Accessible parking and restrooms are provided at each access. |
Fort Fisher State Recreation Area
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. Warm
weather months bring loggerhead sea turtles to nest along the park’s
sandy shores. A trail traverses the salt marsh and ends at an
observation deck with views of Zeke’s Island and the Cape Fear River.
The marsh, brimming with wildlife, provides plenty of watching
opportunities for birders and photographers year-round.
| 910-458-5798 fort.fisher@ncparks.gov Directions to park office | Address 1000 Loggerhead Road, Kure Beach, NC 28449 |
| Camping: | none |
| Activities: | Hiking (1 mile); Paddling; Swimming; Fishing; Picnicking; Four-wheel-drive beach driving |
| Amenities: | Classroom; Beach access (ocean); Foot rinse station A boat ramp managed by the NC Wildlife Resources Commission is located 2 miles away at the end of Fort Fisher Boulevard (U.S. 421) and provides boat access to the Cape Fear River. A private concessionaire in the park offers bike rentals, as well as beach chair and umbrella rentals. |
| Accessibility: | There is a boardwalk ramp that takes visitors to the park office and beach area. Some picnic tables at the park are wheelchair accessible. A beach wheelchair is available to rent for free from the park office. Accessible parking and restrooms are provided. |
Fort Macon State Park
Located
in Carteret County 40 miles southeast of New Bern, Fort Macon State
Park is centered on an impeccably restored pre-Civil War fort that
offers daily guided tours and cannon and musket demonstrations.
Extensive exhibits educate visitors on fort history and the natural
surroundings. The beach is perfect for swimming, beachcombing, or even
spotting a dolphin or two. 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.
| 252-726-3775 fort.macon@ncparks.gov Directions to visitor center | Address 2303 E. Fort Macon Road, Atlantic Beach, NC 28512 |
| Camping: | none |
| Activities: | Hiking (4 miles); Biking (4 miles); Paddling (ocean beach); Swimming; Fishing; Picnicking |
| Amenities: | Concession stand (seasonal); Visitor center; Exhibits; Beach accesses (ocean and inlet); Bathhouse (seasonal); Foot rinse station |
| Accessibility: | The following amenities and facilities are wheelchair accessible: the bathhouse and beachside concession and picnic areas; lower portions of the fort; and the visitor center. Accessible parking and restrooms are provided at the beach area and at the visitor center. A beach wheelchair is available to rent for free. Some exhibits and videos provide accessibility for those with hearing or vision loss. |
Goose Creek State Park
Located
in Beaufort County 30 miles southeast of Greenville, Goose Creek State
Park offers a broad range of coastal experiences, from wetlands along
the Pamlico Sound to a cypress swamp viewed from a long boardwalk.
Remnants of boat piers, a trackless railroad bed, and burnt remains of
tar kilns provide a glimpse of the heyday of a lumber industry that was
once the center of life in the area. The park’s estuarine habitats can
be explored on foot or by paddling the Pamlico River.
| 252-923-2191 goose.creek@ncparks.gov Directions to visitor center | Address 2190 Camp Leach Road, Washington, NC 27889 |
| Camping: | Tent sites; Group tent sites; Firewood |
| Activities: | Hiking (8.5 miles); Paddling; Swimming; Fishing; Picnicking |
| Amenities: | Boat ramp; Amphitheater; Auditorium; Outdoor classroom; Picnic shelters; Visitor center; Exhibits; Beach access (river) |
| Accessibility: | The following amenities and facilities are wheelchair accessible: the Palmetto Boardwalk Trail; one primitive campsite; both group campsites; picnic shelters and tables; the outdoor classroom; and the visitor center. Accessible parking and restrooms are provided. |
Gorges State Park
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. Backcountry-style
recreation is a hallmark of the park, from backpacking to horseback
riding. This park located in the Blue Ridge Escarpment spans over 8,000
acres of temperate rainforest and hosts extraordinary biodiversity. The
park features 26 waterfalls, the northern boundary of Lake Jocassee and a
portion of the 70-mile Foothills Trail.
| 828-966-9099 gorges@ncparks.gov Directions to visitor center |
Addresses
Grassy Ridge access and visitor center Frozen Creek access |
976 Grassy Ridge Road, Sapphire, NC 28774 Frozen Creek Road, Brevard, NC 28712 GPS: 35.108689, -82.883731 |
| Camping: | Tent sites (backpacking sites); Firewood |
| Activities: | Hiking (56 miles); Biking (17 miles); Horseback riding (12 miles); Fishing; Picnicking |
| Amenities: | Auditorium; Classroom; Picnic shelters; Visitor center; Exhibits |
| Accessibility: | The visitor center is wheelchair accessible and has exhibits that are accessible to those with vision loss. A few picnic tables can accommodate wheelchairs. Accessible parking and restrooms are provided. |
Grandfather Mountain State Park
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. It also boasts an
unmatched ecological diversity that has been recognized as a United
Nations International Biosphere Reserve. The state parkland sits between
privately owned Grandfather Mountain attraction (admission fee charged)
and Blue Ridge Parkway trails managed by the National Park Service.
| 828-963-9522 grandfather.mountain@ncparks.gov Directions to park office | Addresses Park office Profile Trail parking area | 9872 N.C. 105 S., Suite 6, Banner Elk, NC 28604 4198 N.C. 105 N., Banner Elk, NC 28604 |
| Other accesses Please note that the accesses listed below are not managed by Grandfather Mountain State Park. | ||
|
Boone Fork parking area (National Park Service) Boulder Field overlook (National Park Service) Asutsi Trail parking (National Park Service) Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation (fee charged) |
Mile marker 299.9, Blue Ridge Parkway, Banner Elk, NC 28604 GPS: 36.120076, -81.781358 Mile marker 302.4, Blue Ridge Parkway, Banner Elk, NC 28604 GPS: 36.098309, -81.787295 Blowing Rock Highway (U.S. 221), Blowing Rock, NC 28605 GPS: 36.11639, -81.77732 2050 Blowing Rock Highway, Linville, NC 28646 |
| Camping: | Tent sites (backpacking sites); Group tent sites (backpacking sites); Firewood |
| Activities: | Hiking (13 miles) |
| Amenities: | none |
| Accessibility: | The park office is wheelchair accessible. Accessible parking and restrooms are provided at the park office and at the Profile Trail parking area. |
Hammocks Beach State Park
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. 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.
Alternatively, visitors can rent or bring their own kayak or canoe for a
closer exploration of the marshlands and maritime swamp forests that
surround the park’s island areas.
| 910-326-4881 hammocks.beach@ncparks.gov Directions to visitor center | Address 1572 Hammock Beach Road, Swansboro, NC 28584 |
| Camping: | Tent sites (backpacking via ferry or paddle-in); Group sites (backpacking via ferry or paddle-in); Showers |
| Activities: | Hiking (4 miles of beach); Paddling; Swimming; Fishing; Picnicking |
| Amenities: | Boat ramp; Concession stand (seasonal); Auditorium; Gazebo; Picnic shelter; Visitor center; Exhibits; Kids TRACK Trail; Beach access (ocean); Bathhouse A private concessionaire in the park offers kayak, canoe, and paddleboard rentals, as well as guided kayak and paddleboard tours. |
| Accessibility: | The passenger ferry is wheelchair accessible. The visitor center has a ramp, and the auditorium inside has an assistive listening system for those with hearing loss. Accessible parking and restrooms are provided. |
Hanging Rock State Park
Located in Stokes County 30 miles north of Winston-Salem, Hanging Rock State Park started as a Civilian Conservation Corps project and has become a park that offers every part of a traditional outdoor experience. Trails lead to picturesque mountain views, rock outcrops, waterfalls, and even a mountain cave. Some are open to horseback riding and mountain biking, and a portion is part of the Mountains-to-Sea State Trail. Campgrounds, a swim lake and access to paddling on the Dan River complete the gamut of recreational opportunities.
| 336-593-8480 hanging.rock@ncparks.gov Directions to visitor center | Addresses Park entrance Visitor center Lake bathhouse Lower Cascades parking area Dan River access Tory’s Den parking area Climbing access Mountain biking access | 1790 Hanging Rock Park Road, Danbury, NC 27016 1005 Visitor Center Drive, Danbury, NC 27052 2847 Hanging Rock Park Road, Walnut Cove, NC 27052 2143 Hall Road, Walnut Cove, NC 27052 1258 Flinchum Road, Danbury, NC 27016 1185 Charlie Young Road, Walnut Cove, NC 27052 1035 Climbing Access Drive, Westfield, NC 27053 2700 Moores Springs Road, Danbury, NC 27016 |
| Camping: | Vacation cabins; Tent sites; Trailer and RV sites (no hookups); Group tent sites; Showers; Firewood |
| Activities: | Hiking (48 miles); Biking (15 miles); Horseback riding (6 miles); Paddling; Swimming (seasonal); Fishing; Picnicking; Rock climbing |
| Amenities: | Boat rentals (seasonal); Concession stand (seasonal); Amphitheater; Auditorium; Classroom; Picnic shelters; Visitor center; Exhibits; Kids TRACK Trail; Beach access (lake, seasonal); Bathhouse (seasonal) |
| Accessibility: | The following amenities and facilities are wheelchair accessible: one campsite; two vacation cabins; the bathhouse; a picnic shelter; fishing pier; and the visitor center. The Rock Garden Trail and the path from the swim lake parking lot to the fishing pier are both made of asphalt and are accessible. There is an accessible walkway from the bathhouse to the swim beach and boathouse. Accessible parking and restrooms are provided. |
Haw River State Park
Located
in Guilford and Rockingham counties 15 miles north of Greensboro, Haw
River State Park is a unique park that centers on The Summit, a
residential environmental education and conference center, accommodating
retreats and conferences for groups big or small. The park is also
perfect for day-use visitors looking to explore the headwaters of the
Haw River. 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.
| 336-342-6163 haw.river@ncparks.gov Directions to The Summit Center | Addresses The Summit Center Iron Ore Belt access | 339 Conference Center Drive, Browns Summit, NC 27214 6068 N. Church St., Greensboro, NC 27455 |
| Camping: | The park does not have traditional camping facilities. Please see “Amenities” for more information on overnight facilities. |
| Activities: |
at The Summit Hiking (2.5 miles); Fishing; Picnicking at Iron Ore Belt Hiking (4 miles); Picnicking |
| Amenities: |
Day-use at The Summit Visitor center; Amphitheater; Conference rooms; Kids TRACK Trail (Disc golf course) The Summit offers full-service dining and lodging in motels and cabins for groups of 10 to 180. There are several meeting spaces of varying sizes, a gymnasium, an athletic field, disc golf, an outdoor pool, and a challenge course. The park also hosts the award-winning annual Grand Camp for kids and their grandparents, as well as two summer day camps. |
| Accessibility: | All buildings have a ramp or level entrance. Accessible parking and restrooms are provided at both The Summit and Iron Ore Belt accesses. None of our trails are accessible. |
Jockey’s Ridge State Park
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. Hang gliding is
a hallmark activity at the park, and a private concessionaire offers
lessons. A second access area takes visitors through wetland
habitats and allows for swimming, paddling, kiteboarding, and
windsurfing on the Roanoke Sound. The park also marks the eastern
terminus of the Mountains-to-Sea State Trail.
| 252-441-7132 jockeys.ridge@ncparks.gov Directions to visitor center | Addresses Visitor center Soundside access | 300 W. Carolista Drive, Nags Head, NC 27959 330 W. Soundside Road, Nags Head, NC 27959 |
| Camping: | none |
| Activities: |
at main access Hiking (1 mile); Picnicking; Hang gliding at soundside access Hiking (0.75 mile); Paddling; Swimming; Kiteboarding; Windsurfing |
| Amenities: | Auditorium; Picnic shelters; Visitor center; Exhibits; Kids TRACK Trail; Beach access (Roanoke Sound); Foot rinse station A private concessionaire located inside the park provides hang gliding and kite flying lessons, as well as sandboard rentals. |
| Accessibility: | The visitor center is wheelchair accessible. Accessible parking and restrooms are provided. With 24-hour notice, park staff can provide a ride to the top of the dune on an all-terrain vehicle for those with limited mobility. Please contact the park office to schedule. |
Jones Lake State Park
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. Tea-colored waters hide the shallow depth of the lake,
which reaches to just 8 feet. 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.
| 910-588-4550 jones.lake@ncparks.gov Directions to visitor center | Address 4117 N.C. 242 N., Elizabethtown, NC 28337 |
| Camping: | Tent sites; Trailer and RV sites (some with electric, water and sewer hookups); Group tent sites; Showers; Firewood |
| Activities: | Hiking (6 miles); Paddling; Swimming; Fishing; Picnicking |
| Amenities: | Boat ramp; Boat rentals (seasonal); Concession stand (seasonal); Auditorium; Classroom; Picnic shelter; Visitor center; Exhibits; Beach access (lake); Bathhouse |
| Accessibility: | The following amenities and facilities are wheelchair accessible: two campsites (one with electric, water, and sewer hookups); the bathhouse; the picnic shelter; and the visitor center. Beach wheelchairs are available to rent for free to use on the lake beach area. Accessible parking and restrooms are provided. There is also braille signage on doors. |
Jordan Lake State Recreation Area
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. Campers have more than
1,000 campsites at five accesses to choose from, whether they use a
tent, trailer, or RV, and whether they camp with family, friends, or a
group. 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.
| 919-362-0586 jordan.lake@ncparks.gov Directions to visitor center | Addresses Visitor center Ebenezer Church New Hope Overlook Seaforth Crosswinds campground Parkers Creek campground Poplar Point campground Vista Point campground White Oak recreation area | 280 State Park Road, Apex, NC 27523 2582 Beaver Creek Road, Apex, NC 27502 339 W.H. Jones Road, New Hill, NC 27562 Seaforth Beach Road, Pittsboro, NC 27312 389 Farrington Road, Apex, NC 27502 Parkers Creek Beach Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27517 558 Beaver Creek Road, Apex, NC 27502 2498 N. Pea Ridge Road, Pittsboro, NC 27312 White Oak Beach Road, Apex, NC 27523 |
| Not every access has all the listed amenities and facilities. Please check park page and maps for more information. | |
| Camping: | Tent sites (including backpacking sites); Trailer and RV sites (some with electric and water hookups); Group tent sites; Group RV sites; Dump stations; Showers; Firewood |
| Activities: | Hiking (15 miles); Paddling; Swimming; Fishing; Picnicking |
| Amenities: | Boat ramps; Amphitheater; Auditorium; Classroom; Picnic shelters; Visitor center; Exhibits; Kids TRACK Trail; Beach accesses (lake); Bathhouse A privately owned marina near Crosswinds campground provides slips and storage, and fishing boat, kayak, and paddleboard rentals. |
| Accessibility: | The following amenities and facilities are wheelchair accessible: one campsite per loop at Crosswinds (two with RV electric and water hookups); one campsite at Loops 1, 2 and 4 at Parkers Creek (all with RV electric and water hookups); 11 campsites at Poplar Point (seven of which have RV electric and water hookups); one group campsite at Parkers Creek and one at Vista Point; all picnic shelters at Ebenezer Church, Parkers Creek, and Vista Point; one picnic shelter at Seaforth; all swim beaches; the White Oak recreation area; and the visitor center. Accessible parking and restrooms are provided at each access. |
Kerr Lake State Recreation Area
Located in Vance and Warren counties at North Carolina’s north-central border with Virginia, Kerr Lake State Recreation Area is a collective of eight access areas around the shoreline of this 50,000-acre reservoir. Campers can choose from seven campgrounds and hundreds of campsites to enjoy a serene night by the lake. All access areas provide at least one boat ramp, offering access to one of the best fishing lakes in the eastern United States. Amenities like the community buildings provide popular venues for local gatherings.
| 252-438-7791 kerr.lake@ncparks.gov Directions to visitor center |
Addresses
Satterwhite Point and visitor center Bullocksville County Line Henderson Point Hibernia J.C. Cooper campground Kimball Point Nutbush Bridge North Nutbush Bridge South |
6254 Satterwhite Point Road, Henderson, NC 27537 3050 Bullocksville Park Road, Manson, NC 27553 200 County Line Park Road, Manson, NC 27553 1427 Reverend Henderson Road, Henderson, NC 27537 2041 Hibernia Road, Henderson, NC 27537 20 Shoreline Lane, Henderson, NC 27537 460 Kimball Point Road, Manson, NC 27553 115 Jack Wade Farm Lane, Henderson, NC 27537 135 Jack Wade Farm Lane, Henderson, NC 27537 |
| Not every access has all the listed amenities and facilities. Please check park page and maps for more information. | |
| Camping: | Tent sites; Trailer and RV sites (some with electric and water hookups); Group tent sites; Dump station; Showers; Firewood |
| Activities: | Hiking (3 miles); Paddling; Swimming; Fishing; Picnicking |
| Amenities: | Boat ramps; Amphitheater; Community buildings; Picnic shelters; Visitor center; Exhibits; Kids TRACK Trail; Beach accesses (lake); Bathhouses A privately owned marina at Satterwhite Point (Satterwhite Point Marina) offers fuel, slips, dry stack storage, service, and supplies. Another privately owned marina near Hibernia (Steele Creek Marina) also offers fuel, slips, and supplies, as well as boat, paddleboard, and kayak rentals. A 54-site campground is also located at Steele Creek Marina. |
| Accessibility: | The following amenities and facilities are wheelchair accessible: campsites (all RV with electric and water hookups, except for 2 non-electric sites at Henderson Point) at Bullocksville (1), County Line (1), Henderson Point (5), Hibernia (1), JC Cooper (3), Kimball Point (1), and Nutbush Bridge (2); two picnic shelters at Bullocksville and two at Satterwhite Point; the fishing piers at Bullocksville and Henderson Point; the community buildings at Bullocksville, Henderson Point, and Satterwhite Point; and the visitor center. A beach wheelchair for the swim beach area at Satterwhite Point is available to rent for free. Accessible parking and restrooms are provided at each access. |
Lake James State Park
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. 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.
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.
| 828-584-7728 lake.james@ncparks.gov Directions to park office |
Addresses
Paddy’s Creek access
Catawba River access and park office Hidden Cove boat ramp Canal Bridge boat ramp |
7321 N.C. 126, Nebo, NC 28761
2785 N.C. 126, Nebo, NC 28761 3381 N.C. 126, Nebo, NC 28761 9182 N.C. 126, Nebo, NC 28761 |
| Camping: | Tent sites (including paddle-in sites); Showers (not at paddle-in only sites); Firewood |
| Activities: |
at Paddy’s Creek Hiking (22 miles); Biking (14 miles); Paddling; Swimming; Fishing; Picnicking at Catawba River Hiking (4.5 miles); Paddling; Fishing; Picnicking |
| Amenities: | Boat ramps; Boat rentals (seasonal); Concession stand (seasonal); Amphitheater; Picnic shelters; Kids TRACK Trail; Beach access (lake, seasonal); Bathhouse (seasonal) |
| Accessibility: | The concession area, fishing pier, and both picnic shelters at Paddy’s Creek are wheelchair accessible. The picnic shelter and park office at Catawba River are also accessible. The park has four accessible campsites: two at Paddy’s Creek and two at Catawba River. Accessible parking and restrooms are provided at both accesses. |
Lake Norman State Park
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. The namesake lake
is the largest manmade lake within the state, and the park covers about
17 miles of its northern shoreline. Park Lake, set off from the larger
Lake Norman by a dam, offers quiet fishing spots and paddling. Heron
rookeries on two islands shelter over 25 great blue heron nests.
| 704-528-6350 lake.norman@ncparks.gov Directions to visitor center | Address 759 State Park Road, Troutman, NC 28166 |
| Camping: | Tent sites; Trailer and RV sites (no hookups); Group tent sites; Dump station; Showers; Firewood |
| Activities: | Hiking (38 miles); Biking (30.5 miles); Paddling; Swimming; Fishing; Picnicking |
| Amenities: | Boat ramp; Boat rentals (seasonal); Concession stand (seasonal); Auditorium; Classroom; Community building; Picnic shelters; Visitor center; Exhibits; Kids TRACK Trail; Beach access (lake); Bathhouse |
| Accessibility: | The following amenities and facilities are wheelchair accessible: Dragonfly Trail; the fishing pier near the swim beach; all four picnic shelters; the community building; and the visitor center. One campsite and the bathhouse at the camping area are also accessible. A beach wheelchair is available to rent for free to use at the swim beach. Accessible parking and restrooms are provided throughout the park. |
Lake Waccamaw State Park
Located
in Columbus County 25 miles west of Wilmington, Lake Waccamaw State
Park sits on the shores of the largest Carolina bay. There are 500,000
of these mysterious craters, and the lake is one of the few that
contains open water instead of vegetation. 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. A new pedestrian bridge over
Waccamaw Dam allows visitors to travel the lake’s entire 14-mile
shoreline.
| 910-646-4748 lake.waccamaw@ncparks.gov Directions to visitor center | Address 1866 State Park Drive, Lake Waccamaw, NC 28450 |
| Camping: | Tent sites; Group tent sites; Firewood |
| Activities: | Hiking (10 miles); Paddling; Fishing; Picnicking |
| Amenities: | Boat ramp; Auditorium; Classroom; Visitor center; Exhibits A second boat ramp managed by the NC Wildlife Resources Commission is located on the northwest part of Lake Waccamaw. |
| Accessibility: | The visitor center is wheelchair accessible and has Braille signage. The boardwalk near the visitor center is also accessible, and the picnic area along the way has some tables that can accommodate wheelchairs. Accessible parking and restrooms are provided. |
Lumber River State Park
Located
in Columbus, Robeson, Scotland, and Hoke counties 60 miles south of
Fayetteville, Lumber River State Park has two access areas located about
1 hour from each other: Princess Ann and Chalk Banks. Possibilities for
paddling on this 115-mile river are extraordinary. 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.
| 910-628-4564 lumber.river@ncparks.gov Directions to park office |
Addresses
Princess Ann access and park office Chalk Banks access (open Thursday to Sunday) |
2819 Princess Ann Road, Orrum, NC 28369 26040 Raeford Road, Wagram, NC 28396 |
| Camping: | Tent sites (including paddle-in sites); Group tent sites |
| Activities: |
at Princess Ann Hiking (2 miles); Paddling; Fishing; Picnicking at Chalk Banks Hiking (3 miles); Paddling; Fishing; Picnicking |
| Amenities: | Boat ramps (both accesses); Picnic shelter (Princess Ann); Kids TRACK Trail (Princess Ann) |
| Accessibility: | One campsite at each access is wheelchair accessible. The picnic shelter and the park office, both located at Princess Ann, are also accessible. Accessible parking and restrooms are provided at both accesses. |
Mayo River State Park
Located
in Rockingham County 30 miles northwest of Greensboro, Mayo River State
Park offers various recreational opportunities at the main Mayo
Mountain access and at multiple accesses along the Mayo River. At the
main access, visitors can enjoy hiking trails, fishing ponds, a picnic
area and shelter, and a group campsite. Four accesses — Deshazo Mill,
Anglin Mill, Hickory Creek, and Mayodan — allow entry to the river, home
to rich wildlife and Class II rapids. Deshazo Mill also features a
picturesque waterfall on Fall Creek.
| 336-427-2530 mayo.river@ncparks.gov Directions to park office |
Addresses
Mayo Mountain access and park office Deshazo Mill access Anglin Mill access Hickory Creek access Mayodan access |
500 Old Mayo Park Road, Mayodan, NC 27027 113 Deshazo Road, Stoneville, NC 27048 Anglin Mill Road, Stoneville, NC 27048 Tyne Road, Stoneville, NC 27048 N.C. 135, Mayodan, NC 27027 |
| Camping: |
at Mayo Mountain access only Group tent sites; Firewood |
| Activities: |
at Mayo Mountain access Hiking (2 miles); Fishing; Picnicking at other access Hiking (2+ miles); Fishing; Paddling |
| Amenities: | Picnic shelter; Kids TRACK Trail |
| Accessibility: | The park office and the picnic shelter are wheelchair accessible. Accessible parking and restrooms are provided. |
Medoc Mountain State Park
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. Instead of a typical “mountain”
adventure, visitors can enjoy picnicking in the park’s open meadow,
fishing on Little Fishing Creek, and traversing the trails on foot,
bike, or horse. Uncommon species such as Lewis’ heartleaf and the Neuse
River waterdog call the park home — and perhaps so does Bigfoot,
according to cryptozoologists.
| 252-586-6588 medoc.mountain@ncparks.gov Directions to visitor center | Address 1541 Medoc State Park Road, Hollister, NC 27844 |
| Camping: | Tent sites; Trailer and RV sites (some with electric hookups); Equestrian campsites; Group tent sites; Dump station; Showers; Firewood |
| Activities: | Hiking (29 miles); Biking (9 miles); Horseback riding (10 miles); Paddling; Fishing; Picnicking |
| Amenities: | Classroom; Picnic shelter; Visitor center; Exhibits; Kids TRACK Trails; Bathhouse; Horse trailer parking |
| Accessibility: | The picnic shelter and the visitor center are wheelchair accessible. Three campsites (one equestrian and two RV with electric hookups) are also accessible. Accessible parking and restrooms are provided. |
Merchants Millpond State Park
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. Hiking the surrounding trails or
paddling the placid, shallow waters of the pond offer a great way to
explore this wetland environment. Old-growth cypress trees adorned with
Spanish moss create an “enchant forest,” particularly at Lassiter Swamp.
Visitors have even spotted the American alligator here, at the
northernmost point of its range.
| 252-357-1191 merchants.millpond@ncparks.gov Directions to visitor center | Address 176 Millpond Road, Gatesville, NC 27938 |
| Camping: | Tent sites (including backpacking sites and paddle-in sites); Trailer sites; Group tent sites (including paddle-in only sites); Showers; Firewood |
| Activities: | Hiking (10 miles); Biking (5 miles); Paddling; Fishing; Picnicking |
| Amenities: | Boat ramp; Boat rentals; Auditorium; Classroom; Outdoor classroom; Picnic shelter; Visitor center; Exhibits; Kids TRACK Trail; Bathhouse |
| Accessibility: | The following amenities and facilities are wheelchair accessible: Cypress Point Trail; the outdoor classroom; the picnic shelter; and the visitor center (including indoor classroom and auditorium). Accessible parking and restrooms are provided. |
Morrow Mountain State Park
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. The mountain is a study in geologic wonder —
with Native American artifacts made of rhyodacite to argillite mined by
the Civilian Conservation Corps to create many of the park’s structures.
One of these CCC-built structures is the state parks system’s only
day-use swimming pool.
| 704-982-4402 morrow.mountain@ncparks.gov Directions to visitor center | Address 49104 Morrow Mountain Road, Albemarle, NC 28001 |
| Camping: | Vacation cabins; Tent sites (including backpacking sites); Trailer and RV sites (some with electric hookups); Group tent sites; Dump station; Showers; Firewood |
| Activities: | Hiking (37 miles); Horseback riding (19 miles); Paddling; Swimming (pool, seasonal); Fishing; Picnicking |
| Amenities: | Boat ramp; Boat rentals (seasonal); Concession stand (seasonal); Amphitheater; Community building; Picnic shelters; Visitor center; Exhibits; Kids TRACK Trail; Bathhouse; Horse trailer parking |
| Accessibility: | The following amenities and facilities are wheelchair accessible: one vacation cabin; six campsites (all with RV electric hookups); one group tent site; the campground showers; the fishing pier; the swimming pool and bathhouse; one picnic shelter (lower picnic area); the community building; and the visitor center. Accessible parking and restrooms are provided throughout the park. |
Mount Jefferson State Natural Area
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. The mountain, first
spotted from the Blue Ridge Parkway, rises abruptly from the surrounding
landscape. 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. The park’s winding
road to the summit hosts an annual downhill skateboarding event.
| 336-246-9653 mount.jefferson@ncparks.gov Directions to park office | Address 1481 Mount Jefferson State Park Road, West Jefferson, NC 28694 |
| Camping: | none |
| Activities: | Hiking (5 miles); Picnicking |
| Amenities: | Picnic shelter; Kids TRACK Trail |
| Accessibility: | The park office, including the restrooms there, is wheelchair accessible. The picnic shelter is also accessible, but the restroom nearby is not. No trails are accessible, but the park road has pull-offs for overlooks that provide great views from the mountain. Accessible parking is provided. |
Mount Mitchell State Park
Located
in Yancy County 30 miles northeast of Asheville, Mount Mitchell State
Park was the genesis of North Carolina’s state parks system. 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. 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.
| 828-675-4611 mount.mitchell@ncparks.gov Directions to park office | Address 2388 N.C. 128, Burnsville, NC 28714 |
| Camping: | Tent sites; Firewood The park also offers access and overnight parking for campers who are backpacking into the Pisgah National Forest. Please note that the backpacking sites are not within Mount Mitchell State Park property. |
| Activities: | Hiking (40 miles); Picnicking |
| Amenities: | Concession stand (seasonal); Restaurant (seasonal); Classroom (seasonal depending on programming); Lounge (seasonal); Picnic shelters; Exhibits; Kids TRACK Trail |
| Accessibility: | The following amenities and facilities are wheelchair accessible: both picnic shelters; the restaurant; the gift shop/concession stand/museum; and the park office. The Summit Trail is paved, but the grade of the path exceeds the guidelines set by the Americans with Disabilities Act. Park staff can take visitors with limited mobility to the observation deck on an all-terrain vehicle (Available depending on staff availability. From July to October, this service is offered on Fridays through Sundays. At any other day or time of the year, visitors may call the park office several days in advance of their visit to schedule this assistance). Accessible parking and restrooms are provided. |
New River State Park
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. Elk Shoals has a swim
beach, and all accesses allow for launching kayaks and inner tubes to
paddle or float along the shallow, gentle river. Paddle-in only
campgrounds provide a remote experience. The hellbender — the largest
salamander in the U.S. — and 14 species of rare and threatened plant
species inhabit the New River valley.
| 336-982-2587 new.river@ncparks.gov Directions to visitor center |
Addresses
U.S. 221 access and visitor center Wagoner access Kings Creek access Elk Shoals access |
358 New River State Park Road, Laurel Springs, NC 28644 1447 Wagoner Access Road, Jefferson, NC 28640 2250 Kings Creek Road, Piney Creek, NC 28663 349 Methodist Camp Road, West Jefferson, NC 28694 |
| Not every access has all the listed amenities and facilities. Please check park page and maps for more information. | |
| Camping: | Tent sites (including paddle-in sites); Trailer and RV sites (some with electric, water, and sewer hookups); Group tent sites (including backpacking sites and paddle-in only sites); Dump station; Showers; Firewood |
| Activities: | Hiking (9 miles); Paddling; Swimming (Elk Shoals access only); Fishing; Picnicking |
| Amenities: | Classrooms; Conference room; Community building; Picnic shelters; Visitor center; Exhibits; Kids TRACK Trail; Beach access (river, at Elk Shoals access only); Bathhouses |
| Accessibility: | The following amenities and facilities are wheelchair accessible: the Dogwood Trail at U.S. 221; both picnic shelters at Wagoner and U.S. 221; one picnic table at Elk Shoals access; the community building; and the visitor center. Two campsites at the U.S. 221 drive-in campground are accessible, both of which have RV electric, water, and sewer hookups. Accessible parking and restrooms are provided. |
Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area
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. Two
quiet fishing ponds complement the nearby Eno, while the summit overlook
affords a great sunset view. The rare brown elfin butterfly has called
the mountain home since the Ice Age. The park is managed by the Eno
River State Park office located 10 miles away.
| 919-383-1686 eno.river@ncparks.gov Directions to the state natural area |
Addresses
Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area Eno River State Park office |
625 Virginia Cates Road, Hillsborough, NC 27278 6101 Cole Mill Road, Durham, NC 27705 |
| Camping: | none |
| Activities: | Hiking (3 miles); Fishing; Picnicking |
| Amenities: | none |
| Accessibility: | There are no marked accessible parking spaces at Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area, and the parking area is crushed gravel. The restroom is wheelchair accessible. |
Pettigrew State Park
Located
in Washington and Tyrell counties 75 miles northeast of Greenville,
Pettigrew State Park showcases the rich habitat of Lake Phelps and the
Scuppernong River, home to wintering tundra swans and cypress trees with
cavernous archways. 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.
| 252-797-4475 pettigrew@ncparks.gov Directions to park office | Address 2252 Lake Shore Road, Creswell, NC 27928 |
| Camping: | Tent sites; Trailer and RV sites (no hookups); Group tent sites; Showers; Firewood |
| Activities: | Hiking (9 miles); Biking (9 miles); Paddling; Swimming; Fishing; Picnicking |
| Amenities: | Boat ramp; Picnic shelter; Exhibits; Bathhouse |
| Accessibility: | The Boardwalk Trail and the fishing pier are both wheelchair accessible. Accessible parking and restrooms are provided. |
Pilot Mountain State Park
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.
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. The
Mountains-to-Sea State Trail also traverses both park sections.
| 336-325-2355 pilot.mountain@ncparks.gov Directions to park office |
Addresses
Mountain section and park office Pinnacle Hotel Road/ Culler Road parking (Mountain & Corridor trails) Hauser Road parking (Corridor Trail & north river section) Pilot Creek access (Pilot Creek Trail) Bean Shoals access (north river section) Ivy Shoals access (south river section) |
1792 Pilot Knob Park Road, Pinnacle, NC 27043 1459 Pinnacle Hotel Road, Pinnacle, NC 27043 607 Hauser Road, Pinnacle, NC 27043 303 Boyd Nelson Road, Pilot Mountain, NC 27043 200 Yadkin River Park Trail, Pinnacle, NC 27043 4454 Shoals Road, East Bend, NC 27018 |
| Camping: | Tent sites (including paddle-in only sites); Trailer and RV sites (no hookups); Showers; Firewood |
| Activities: |
at mountain section Hiking (22 miles); Horseback riding (6.5 miles); Picnicking; Rock climbing at river section Hiking (12.5 miles); Horseback riding (6.5 miles); Paddling; Fishing; Picnicking |
| Amenities: | Amphitheater; Picnic shelter (non-reservable); Kids TRACK Trail; Bathhouse; Horse trailer parking |
| Accessibility: | The summit area at the mountain section of the park has a wheelchair-accessible overlook, and the picnic area has an accessible path. Accessible parking is provided at both accesses. |
Raven Rock State Park
Located
in Harnett County 40 miles southwest of Raleigh, Raven Rock State Park
celebrates the namesake 150-foot crystalline structure that overlooks
the Cape Fear River. The trails along the bluffs that lead to the rock
are dotted with beautiful wildflowers including mountain laurel.
Alternate hikes towards the river reward visitors with landmarks like
Lanier Falls Rapids, Fish Traps Rapids, and the remains of the
Northington Lock and Dam. North of the river, near Avents Creek, a
separate access features the park’s popular bridle trails.
| 910-893-4888 raven.rock@ncparks.gov Directions to visitor center | Addresses Visitor center Avents Creek access Moccasin Branch access | 3009 Raven Rock Road, Lillington, NC 27546 1549 River Road, Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526 778 Moccasin Branch Road, Lillington, NC 27546 |
| Camping: | Tent sites (backpacking sites and paddle-in sites) |
| Activities: | Hiking (26 miles); Biking (6.6 miles); Horseback riding (8 miles); Paddling; Fishing; Picnicking |
| Amenities: | Amphitheater; Auditorium; Classroom; Picnic shelter; Visitor center; Exhibits; Kids TRACK Trail; Horse trailer parking |
| Accessibility: | The following amenities and facilities are wheelchair accessible: Longleaf Loop Trail; two tables inside the picnic shelter; one of the grills at the picnic shelter; and the visitor center. Accessible parking and restrooms are provided. |
Singletary Lake State Park
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. 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.
The park office also manages limited access to nearby White Lake and Bay
Tree Lake.
| 910-669-2928 singletary.lake@ncparks.gov Directions to park office | Address 6707 N.C. 53 E., Kelly, NC 28448 |
| Camping: | Vacation cabin (accommodates up to 11 people) |
| Activities: |
Day-use Hiking (1 mile); Paddling; Fishing |
| Amenities: | Kids TRACK Trail Two group camps – one that can accommodate up to 84 people and the other up to 48 people – include a mess hall; campers’ cabins; restrooms; basketball goal; volleyball net; horseshoe pit; group-sized charcoal grill; and picnic tables. The pier is open for swimming for group campers only. |
| Accessibility: | Both group camps are wheelchair accessible. The park office is also accessible. Accessible parking and restrooms are provided. |
South Mountains State Park
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. 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. 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.
| 828-433-4772 south.mountains@ncparks.gov Directions to visitor center |
Addresses
Jacob Fork access and visitor center Clear Creek access (day-use only) |
3001 South Mountain Park Ave., Connelly Springs, NC 28612 5999 Branstrom Orchard St., Morganton, NC 28655 |
| Camping: |
at Jacob Fork access only Tent sites (including backpacking sites); Trailer and RV sites (some with electric hookups); Equestrian campsites; Showers; Firewood |
| Activities: |
at Jacob Fork access Hiking (47 miles); Biking (17 miles); Horseback riding (35 miles); Fishing; Picnicking at Clear Creek access Hiking (3.5 miles); Horseback riding (2 miles); Paddling; Fishing |
| Amenities: | Amphitheater; Auditorium; Classroom; Picnic shelter; Visitor center; Exhibits; Kids TRACK Trail; Bathhouse; Horse trailer parking |
| Accessibility: | The following amenities and facilities are wheelchair accessible: one equestrian campsite with RV electric hookup; one RV campsite with electric hookup; the Jacob Fork picnic area; the picnic shelter; and the visitor center. Accessible parking and restrooms are Jacob Fork access. |
Stone Mountain State Park
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. 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. A portion of the Mountains-to-Sea
State Trail runs through the park near the backcountry campsites.
| 336-957-8185 stone.mountain@ncparks.gov Directions to park office | Address 3042 Frank Parkway, Roaring Gap, NC 28668 |
| Camping: | Tent sites (including backpacking sites); Trailer and RV sites (some with electric and water hookups); Group tent sites; Dump station; Showers; Firewood |
| Activities: | Hiking (29 miles); Horseback riding (10 miles); Fishing; Picnicking; Rock climbing |
| Amenities: | Amphitheater; Picnic shelters; Kids TRACK Trail; Bathhouse; Horse trailer parking |
| Accessibility: | The following amenities and facilities are wheelchair accessible: 16 campsites with no hookups; two campsites with RV electric, water, and sewer hookups; one group tent site; one fishing pier along the East Prong of the Roaring River; all three picnic shelters; and the park office. Accessible parking and restrooms are provided. |
Weymouth Woods Sandhills Nature Preserve
Located
in Moore County 35 miles northwest of Fayetteville, Weymouth Woods
Sandhills Nature Preserve allows visitors to experience the longleaf
pine forests that once covered millions of acres in the southeastern
United States. The lanky pines — some of them hundreds of years old —
tower over a network of trails that traverse expanses of wiregrass. 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.
| 910-692-2167 weymouth.woods@ncparks.gov Directions to visitor center |
Addresses
Weymouth Woods access and visitor center Boyd Tract and Paint Hill |
1024 Fort Bragg Road, Southern Pines, NC 28387 Please contact park staff to visit these two accesses. |
| Camping: | none |
| Activities: |
at Weymouth Woods Hiking (7 miles); Horseback riding (2.5 miles, no horse trailer parking); Picnicking at Boyd Hiking (1 mile); Picnicking at Paint Hill Hiking (1 mile) |
| Amenities: | Auditorium; Classroom; Discovery room; Visitor center; Exhibits; Kids TRACK Trail |
| Accessibility: | The visitor center is wheelchair accessible, with the exception of the classroom. Accessible parking and restrooms are provided. |
William B. Umstead State Park
Located
in Wake County 10 miles northwest of downtown Raleigh, William B.
Umstead State Park is a cherished retreat from bustling urban life. The
park features an extensive network of hiking and multiuse trails, as
well as three manmade lakes and their tributaries that are perfect for
fishing. Both park entrances offer picnic shelters, and Crabtree Creek
offers camping areas. Group camps, primitive cabins, and the historic
Maple Hill Lodge let visitors experience a rustic overnight experience
without typical modern camping amenities.
| 919-571-4170 william.umstead@ncparks.gov Directions to visitor center |
Addresses
Crabtree Creek access and visitor center Reedy Creek access |
8801 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh, NC 27617 2100 N. Harrison Ave., Cary, NC 27513 |
| Camping: | Primitive cabins; Maple Hill Lodge; Tent sites; Group tent sites; Group camps; Showers; Firewood |
| Activities: | Hiking (34.5 miles); Biking (13 miles); Horseback riding (13 miles); Paddling; Fishing; Picnicking |
| Amenities: | Boat rentals (seasonal); Amphitheater; Auditorium; Classroom; Picnic shelters; Visitor center; Exhibits; Kids TRACK Trail; Bathhouse; Horse trailer parking |
| Accessibility: | The following amenities and facilities are wheelchair accessible: one picnic shelter at Crabtree Creek; one picnic shelter at Reedy Creek; and the visitor center. At the visitor center, the auditorium and classroom are accessible, and the exhibits have some signs in large print to aid those with vision loss. The lower parking lot at Crabtree Creek leads to a paved loop around the picnic area and the boathouse. Accessible parking and restrooms are provided. |
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