It is home to the Summit Environmental and Conference Center which can house groups up to 180 people. It also boasts one of the best mountain biking network of trails in the area. Yes, please! It felt weird being in a park around so much traffic and noise. It is like you are transported to another part of the world. This is purely for fun. If you come here, come here when the sun is going down. This one definitely could move up in the rankings. For a printable PDF of our 41 state parks, click here. Fort Macon is located in Atlantic Beach and is the home of an old Civil War fort. They dont do this every day, so check out their website to find out when they do it. Jefferson is a really great place for a short hike with some really beautiful views. I know that some of you will see your favorite in this section and will stop reading altogether. Check out North Carolina state parks. Her days were spent reading a book on the beach and enjoying a cold glass of sweet tea in between classes at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. This article may contain affiliate links. The on-site museum explores the ecology of the area. Carolina Beach State Park Nikita Vishneveckiy/stock.adobe.com Carolina Beach State Park is one of Pleasure Island's loveliest natural getaways, offering a respite from the nearby hustle and bustle of the attractions of the Carolina Beach Boardwalk. Jockey's Ridge State Park. Grab your hiking shoes, load up on sunscreen, and get ready for an adventure. The facilities here are really great and give you all you need for a fun, relaxing, comfortable day at the beach. We had a ton of great experiences with so many Park Rangers and staff in so many parks, but the best experience happened here. Theres an awesome museum showcasing the mountains cultural and natural history which is fun and informative. Hanging Rock State Park, 1790 Hanging Rock Park Rd, Danbury, NC 27016, USA. The most impressive aspect of this park is the sand dunes. Crowders Mountain State Park In Kings Mountain, The Best State Parks In Every Southern State 2023, The Souths Best State Parks For Camping And Hiking, Our 19 Favorite Small Towns In North Carolina, The Best State Parks in Alabama for an Adventure-Packed Getaway, 15 Best State Parks In Kentucky For Any Adventure, The Best Lakes In North Carolina For A Waterfront Retreat, The 50 Best Small Towns In The South 2023, South's Best State Park 2022: Grandfather Mountain, Iconic Spots on the Blue Ridge Parkway Everyone Should See, Our Guide to the Best Fall Color in Every Southern State. Carolina Beach State Park gives you access to the Cape Fear River and the Intracoastal Waterway. We liked this one the most for three reasons the trail, the pier, and the visitors center. The lake is fed mainly by rainfall (not streams), making it one of the clearest and cleanest lakes in the state. There are so many cascades along the trail leading up to the magnificent waterfall. At Kalawi Farm in Eagle Springs, a third-generation peach farmer ensures the tradition lives on. Take in the history then take a dip along the lovely Crystal Coast beach. Artifacts like dugout canoes, found sunken in the lakes shallow water, provide insight into the past. We love going on the water but we would not be considered boat people. For a longer excursion, take the 2.2-mile round-trip Skyline Trail, which travels through hardwood forests and offers views of the 404-foot Hickory Nut Falls as well as Lake Lure, which is popular in the summer months for water-based activities ranging from canoeing to fishing and water skiing. 5. Hike the miles of trails through lush forests, all well-kept and easy to navigate. This area was once the site of a gold rush when the mineral was found at Brindle Creek in 1828. A certain eerie beauty is cast upon this swamp-like environment, where bald cypress trees create winding paths for both turtles and kayaks. Theres something out there for you to enjoy and experience. Adventure seekers can conquer some of the South's most challenging hikes along 13 miles of trails and sleep under the starts. Our goal, to share the worlds unique, hidden and once in a lifetime locations with you to create unforgettable memories. Morrow Mountain has the highest elevation within the park, rising 936 feet. We liked it because it reminded us of the North Carolina that we grew up in. This is another one of the Bay Lakes and our favorite of the trio. Plant lovers will identify several other special species among these wilds. When drilling and excavation in nearby areas threatened the beloved Crowders Mountain, local residents convened to protect it, and this state park was established in 1973. Access the summit via the steep but short Outcroppings Trail. Hanging Rock State Park Jeff / flickr With five waterfalls, a mountain, a lake, and a breathtaking rock outcroppings at 2,580 ft. to boot, Hanging Rock State Park is sure to fill up a whole day. Many of the park's trails are open for mountain biking and horseback riding, and the area is popular with trout fishers as well. They have a bunch of great beaches and the facilities around them are pretty nice too most have basketball or volleyball courts, picnic shelters, and bathrooms. She and her husband travel as Seeing Southern and have been sharing their travel experiences for the last 15 years. This 32,510 acre park is begging to be explored and promises visitors an unforgettable experience reconnecting with nature. I dont even want to write this. Nearby Pittsboro offers winery and brewery tours, shopping, dining and more. The park also has nine miles of hiking trails as well as camper cabins, tent sites, and a marina for access to the Cape Fear River and the Intracoastal Waterway. We want to inspire you to explore new destinations, discover new experiences and savor the journey. Hang gliding lessons are available through a vendor in the park. Try hang gliding off the sand dune! Located along the Cape Fear River, this secluded area is no less dynamic than the nearby Atlantic. Mountains, a placid lake, boat ramp, lake fishing, canoe and rowboat rentals make this an ideal site for a family vacation. Remember our first guideline everyone is different. Cant wait to visit these again! At nearly 200 years old, the park's 760-acre millpond is a unique ecosystem defined by lush Spanish moss, towering bald cypress trees, floating aquatic plants, tree frogs, and pond turtles. One of the northernmost beaches on the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Nags Head is home to Jockey's Ridge State Park, which features the largest living sand dune system on the East Coast. Haw River is located outside of Greensboro on the banks of the Haw River. Washington state is located in the Pacific Northwest, and borders the pacific ocean, Canadian border, and states of Oregon and Idaho.Known for its gorgeous natural scenery spanning multiple national and state parks, the Evergreen State has some of the best small towns in the country for those who love the outdoors. There are a ton of trails that you can hike around the two main peaks Crowders Mountain and Kings Mountain. Offices and indoor centers are usually open from 8-5 pm daily. Merchants Millpond State Park. This park has some incredible facilities. Today, the Mountains-to-Sea Trail weaves in and out of the area, attracting hikers and leisurely walkers. The magnificent ridges of the Great Smoky Mountains straddle the broader between North Carolina and the state of Tennessee. With over 5,000 acres in total, theres a peak or valley suited just for you. Raven Rock is an awesome park near Lillington. Over time, erosion has carved out these 90-foot cliffs that loom above the Neuse River. Natasha moved to North Carolina for college years ago (but she's not trying to age herself here). Make a day trip to a park near you or a New Years resolution to hike them all! This was the loudest thing we have ever heard. Cameron grew up in Charlotte and spent his childhood traveling around this great region. The best part about Mount Mitchell though is the Balsam Nature Trail. It doesnt matter if you hike, walk, bike, swim, or ride. We think that this place has the most magical sunset in all of North Carolina. One cabin is accessible. It is open on weekends and you can walk in and around the grounds. Mountain bikers and hikers relish the strenuous 17-mile loop. Pelican Point RV Park offers full hookups and concrete pads on all sites. There is not much at the main section of the park an old visitors center and a pretty cool picnic shelter but there is a hidden gem just down the road at the Mayo Beach Access. A boardwalk to the river stretches from the Piedmont Loop Trail, a scenic and short hike through the park. THE 10 BEST North Carolina State Parks State Parks in North Carolina Enter dates Filters 2 Attractions Traveler favorites All things to do Category types Attractions Tours Day Trips Outdoor Activities Concerts & Shows Food & Drink Events Classes & Workshops Transportation Traveler Resources Types of Attractions Nature & Parks Sights & Landmarks The peninsulas 1.5-mile shoreline offers swimming, fishing, and beachcombing. The moderately paced, nearly 4-mile out and back trail also winds past the 20 foot Turtleback Falls and the 80 foot Drift Falls, which are both popular for sliding and cooling off after a warm weather hike. These dunes are the largest dunes on the Atlantic coast. This is a BYOB park, meaning bring your own boat since you wont find rentals here. The Cypress Point Trail is a easy, short trail that we decided to hike. This is one of our favorite waterfalls in North Carolina. Standing at 6,684 feet, Mount Mitchell is the tallest peak here. Fees are charged for camping, facility reservations, swim passes, rentals, and permits. If you are a beginning hiker this place is perfect because it offers plenty of flat, easy trails for you to build up your strength on. New River State Park. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. For a short, moderate stroll, opt for the self-guided Balsam Nature Trail, which follows a tiny stream and ends at the summit parking lot, where there is a concession stand and gift shop. There are a bunch of trails here as well that are really nice, especially for beginners. 11 Quaint Small Towns To Visit In West Virginia, My 7 Favorite Foods From South Korea And Where You Can Try Them, TravelAwaits Best Of Travel Awards 2023: Winners, 7 Amazing Things To Do In Pinehurst, North Carolina Besides Golf, 11 Fantastic Things To Do In Beautiful Asheboro, North Carolina, 12 Fabulous Experiences In And Near Nags Head, North Carolina, 13 Serene Topsail Beach Vacation Rentals With Beautiful Water Views, For details on Quillt's privacy and cookie policies, please visit our, fantastic North Carolina State Parks in the Piedmont Region, great state parks in North Carolinas mountains, The Most Scenic Spots To Enjoy Fall Foliage In North Carolina, The Outer Banks Best-Kept Secret: 9 Things To Do In Manteo, North Carolina, Why Emerald Isle Is Perfect For Your Next Beach Vacation. We had the whole mountain to ourselves. Crowders Mountain State Park Carlos Bautista/Google Local Crowders Mountain State Park is located in Kings Mountain, North Carolina, which is about a 45 minute drive from Charlotte. Silas loved going on the Holly Discovery Trail. Nowadays, visitors can still explore paddling trails and enjoy nature, undisturbed. By pgb520. Home to more than 70 rare and endangered species, Grandfather Mountain has long attracted global attention for its distinctive ecology and physical grandeur. My personal favorite for camping is Carolina Beach State Park as you are right near the Cape Fear River! Notice that none of those things had anything to do with the park. Six camper cabins are also available. Located near the infamous Kill Devil Hills on the Outer Banks, Jockeys Ridge is home to the tallest sand dune on the Atlantic coast. Its 761 acres of idyllic seaside setting. Although each coastal destination has its own unique appeal, some beaches are more popular than others. This was the highlight of our hike for Silas. 9. The stone jetties were a project of Robert E. Lee in the 1840s. On our last trip we saw about 20 of them flying around. In fact, it's possible to see up to 100 miles out on a clear day. There are opportunities for rock climbing, but be sure to check what permits are necessary. NewHomeSource.com is a trademark of Builders Digital Experience, LLC and all other marks are either trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners. We actually enjoyed this one a lot more than we thought we would. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. In addition to vacation cabins, primitive camping and group campsites are also available. A popular destination for kayaking, this North Carolina-Virginia shared state park is a must-see. Picnic tables and grills are situated under the cool shade of the cypress trees. At nearly 8,000 acres, the park has four waterfalls, including the 150-foot Rainbow Falls, which can be accessed via the Grassy Ridge Trailhead just off Highway 218-S in Sapphire. Maybe it was because we have a lot of pine tree forest around us, but this one just didnt stand out to us. Maybe that is why they are ranked so high? Many rare species call this park home, including 12 endangered or threatened flora and fauna. This park was huge for the African-American community. Also, it's not uncommon for an afternoon shower to roll through North Carolina on a summer day. If you go you have to hike down to Raven Rock. Cyclists love this peaceful haven because it has more than 30-miles of biking trails. Experience trails, lakes, canoeing, and scenic overlooks when you venture to this beloved and peaceful state park in North Carolina. When we visited Jones Lake we loved learning the history in the visitors center. Truly, there's a little something for everyone at this state park in North Carolina. Photographer Michael Steed takes in the view from Grindstone Trail, a three-mile hike to the summit picnic area in Pilot Mountain State Park. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Welcome to the Carolinas, as seen through the eyes of Cameron Seagle and Natasha Alden. We cant wait to head back to so many of these parks. The Eno River is tucked away amid the bustle of Durham and Orange counties, and curves along nearly 30 miles of trails. Most of these were contenders for the Top-10. Eno River is beautiful and one of our highest ranked river parks. The photos are beautiful. Which parks do you have left? The second time around was a million times better. The Lake Shore Trail and the Bee Tree Trail are both nice little walks that have a nice pier and boardwalk areas. This is just a classic North Carolina mountain hike. These parks were exceptional in their own right. Your email address will not be published. An official website of the State of North Carolina An official website of NC How you know . Pettigrew State Park is perhaps one of North Carolinas most interesting parks due to it being mostly a lake 16,000-acre Lake Phelps, the second largest natural lake in the state. We had so much fun canoeing on the Yadkin River out to Falls Dam. Everett Jordan Lake proves itself to be a generous resource for both practical and recreational use. Spanning from the mainland to the islands, the park offers a seasonal ferry to the beach, maritime forest, salt marshes, and tidal creeks. Love North Carolina? Catch a glimpse of Loggerhead sea turtles on the protected portions of the areas oceanfront, or explore the trails that weave through the salt marsh. However, in our opinions they were just missing that one extra thing. It really could depend on the day. While most visitors access Great Smoky Mountains National Park from Tennessee, nearly half of the park's 522,419 acres lie within North Carolina. The landmark here is Stone Mountain. Wed love to hear your thoughts in the comments below! This was one of the coolest experiences we had while visiting the State Parks. Put ramekins on a baking sheet. Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list. We enjoyed our time there, but would not make a special trip to see it now that we have done it. Cool off at a pool, spray deck, ocean, or inland waterfront. Most of the lakes have a bunch of access areas, and this one was no exception. There is an awesome section at the top of the mountain that has the mile-high bridge and other attractions. Located along the Pee Dee River and Lake Tillery, Morrow Mountain is about 45 miles northeast of Charlotte. This parks namesake rock juts out from the earth like the bow of a large ship, overlooking the wooded lands below. We also saw more wildlife here than at any other park. Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park, 5320 Oleander Dr, Wilmington, NC 28403, USA. Or head an hour north to Raleigh, Chapel Hill and Durham for a big city break. In order to get to Bear Island you need to take the ferry. The Swamp Boardwalk, visitor center, auditorium, and exhibits are all accessible. Small campground Nice signed nature trail (hemlock trail) Good but tough hike one mile to the waterfall. She loves traveling with her kids and grandkids, sharing with them her passion for fun and adventure. I don't even want to write this. Click through to find out more about each park. Part of the Mountains-to-Sea State Trail, the view from the iconic geologic knob known as Big Pinnacle, a 1,400-foot wall of bare rock, is outstanding. The park's visitor's center takes you through the area's past while tour boats will zig-zag you through the marshlands. Its inspiration, Pilot Mountain State Park, sits within the rugged mountains northwest of Winston-Salem. Enjoy the 125-yard-long sandy beach on the park's south end, or rent a kayak, paddle board, or canoe at the visitor's center visitor center on Park Lake. Severe weather, cliff-climbing ladders, and intense terrain make for a uniquely challenging experience. The 424-acre park has multiple facets including a perfectly restored Civil War-era fort. 1. Its the only state park we have visited that the visitor center was closed on a Saturday. Dupont State Recreational Forest wins the title for the most epic waterfalls in North Carolina per park. That was one of the best things about this park. What a great view! Take care, be safe and enjoy. They are so cool to see so when you come here, try and find some. At the base of Stone Mountain is the Hutchinson Homestead, a restored farm from the 19th century. The visitors center is nice and modern and they had a bunch of great displays. At a lot of the other parks, you are sharing the water with boats with motors. This is a nice little park right outside of Goldsboro along the Neuse River. Lake James State Park. Accessible parking and restrooms are available. This is just a fantastic park and one we will be going back to years from now. The dunes here are always changing as storms push sand inland. Rated easy, the trails lead visitors through a variety of coastal experiences live oaks draped in Spanish moss, wetlands, and a cypress swamp. Fishing, camping, boating, water skiing, sailing, windsurfing, swimming, nature hikes, bird watching and picnicking are all great ways to take advantage of this parks beauty. Here are the best state parks in the Tar Heel State. Begin by discovering some of the most amazing waterfalls and swimming holes in Western North Carolina, such as Rainbow Falls, Turtleback Falls and Hidden Falls. This is a two-mile hike one way that is pretty difficult but the view at the top is well worth it. This quintessential coastal state park rests on Pleasure Island in New Hanover County and heading here is one of the most romantic places to visit in North Carolina. Dramatic elevation changes create an endurance challenge rewarded by beautiful forests and summit views. Have fun in the woods or lounge by the largest manmade lake in the state. There are nine easy hiking trails traversing through a variety of natural habitats. The park has more than 11 hiking trails varying in difficulty, including the Ridgeline Trail, which connects to Kings Mountain State Park in neighboring South Carolina, and the Crowder's Trail, a near 5-mile loop that that climbs past wild flowers and rocky terrain before ending at the 1,625-foot summit of Crowder's Mountain, offering panoramic views of the surrounding piedmont. Lake Norman State Park. Many communities cropped up along the riverbanks as a result, some of which are still around. A couple of things about this: 1. The following list has narrowed the selection down to 15; however, wed be remiss if we didnt mention the fact that every single one of North Carolinas state parks is worth a visit. The visitors center features educational exhibits on the history and ecology of the area. This park also has four-wheel-drive access to the beach for an additional fee. Canoe trails on Lake Phelps and the Scuppernong River allow paddlers to get up close to the local environment. This land was once occupied by Tuscarora and Saponi tribes, who used the river for travel and the surrounding land as ceremonial grounds and gathering places. Here you can enjoy everything from hiking to horseback riding to rock climbing to camping. They also have a frisbee golf course (which we didnt play because of the copperhead). We actually went to this one twice. The summit of the mountain is actually the highest point east of the Mississippi at 8884 feet! This park is a great combination of history and nature. The activities for exploring this otherworldly landscape are exciting. 10 Beautiful North Carolina National Parks Worth a Stop! The primarily aquatic environment is home to many species of flora and fauna, including two primitive fish species: the longnose gar and the bowfin. The parks 5,000-plus acres include 1,625-foot Crowders Mountain (with views spanning more than 25 miles) and 1,705-foot Kings Pinnacle. However, many agree that some of the most impressive trails are located within the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, shared by North Carolina and Tennessee. This trail has a boardwalk over some wetlands and is on the highest bank of the Lumber River. This trail is unlike any other trail you will find in North Carolina. There are two access areas for this park. You loved medic mountain and its one of our lower ones. But, they will have to wait because there are so many more we have to check out before we loop back to these. There is not a visitors center here, more of a park maintenance office. No admission fees are charged at North Carolina State Parks. It is almost like you are in the mountains (almost). All rights reserved. This park is located in Creswell and is a perfect stop if you are traveling to the Outer Banks. The question that came up the most was always, What is your favorite park? To answer that question we decided that the best thing for us to do was to put out a list ranking the North Carolina State Parks. Thats our list! 2. Hike the four mainland hiking trails or along the beach on Bear Island. North Carolina State Parks offer a variety of nature activities, but this also includes potential hazards. Try hang gliding, sand boarding, kite flying, or off-roading. Mount Mitchell is the crown jewel of North Carolina's breathtaking mountain range. This was a super confusing park that is surrounded by big roads and a lot of traffic.
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