North Carolina State & National Parks + Forests

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State Parks

Carolina Beach State Park – a coastal park in New Hanover County, NC, spanning 750 acres. It features diverse ecosystems, including marshes and dunes, and is home to the rare Venus flytrap. The park offers hiking trails, fishing, boating, and camping opportunities. It also has historical significance as a former World War II training ground.
Carvers Creek State Park – a peaceful natural retreat in Cumberland County, NC, covering over 4,000 acres. The park provides a tranquil environment for outdoor enthusiasts.
Chimney Rock State Park – located in the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, is famous for its iconic 315-foot granite monolith known as Chimney Rock. The park offers stunning vistas, numerous hiking trails, and the opportunity to climb to the top of the Chimney for breathtaking panoramic views.
Cliffs of the Neuse State Park – situated in Wayne County, NC, showcases impressive cliffs that rise 90 feet above the tranquil Neuse River. Visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, boating, and camping in this picturesque park, which also features a swimming area and a nature center.
Crowders Mountain State Park – located in Gaston County, NC, is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and rock climbers. The park features two prominent peaks, Crowders Mountain and Kings Pinnacle, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Hiking, picnicking, and camping are among the activities available in this scenic park.
Dismal Swamp State Park – located in Camden County, NC, is a unique natural area characterized by its vast swamp and forested wetlands. It offers opportunities for hiking, canoeing, and wildlife observation. The park is part of the Great Dismal Swamp, a National Wildlife Refuge and a significant habitat for a variety of plant and animal species.
Elk Knob State Park – situated in Watauga County, NC, is known for its stunning mountain views and the prominent Elk Knob summit. Visitors can enjoy hiking, picnicking, and winter activities such as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The park offers a glimpse into the rich biodiversity of the Southern Appalachian Mountains.
Eno River State Park – located in Durham and Orange Counties, NC, is a scenic park centered around the Eno River. It offers opportunities for hiking, fishing, picnicking, and camping. The park’s diverse ecosystems, including rocky cliffs, hardwood forests, and riverine habitats, attract nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers.
Fort Macon State Park – situated in Carteret County, NC, is a historic park with a well-preserved 19th-century coastal fort. Visitors can explore the fort, enjoy swimming in the nearby Atlantic Ocean, and hike along the park’s trails. Fort Macon played a significant role in coastal defense during the Civil War and is now a popular destination for history buffs.
Goose Creek State Park – located in Beaufort County, NC, is a coastal park known for its pristine estuarine environment. It offers opportunities for boating, fishing, camping, and hiking. The park’s diverse habitats, including salt marshes, cypress swamps, and hardwood forests, support a wide range of plant and animal species.
Gorges State Park – situated in Transylvania County, NC, is a scenic park renowned for its rugged beauty and waterfalls. It offers hiking trails that lead to stunning vistas and the opportunity to explore the stunning Rainbow Falls. The park’s diverse ecosystems, including mountain ridges and river gorges, make it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Grandfather Mountain State Park – located in Avery, Caldwell, and Watauga Counties, NC, encompasses the iconic Grandfather Mountain. It offers a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, picnicking, and wildlife observation. The park is known for its spectacular views, challenging trails, and the famous Mile High Swinging Bridge, which provides breathtaking vistas of the surrounding mountains.
Hammocks Beach State Park – located in Onslow County, NC, is a coastal gem featuring pristine beaches, marshes, and maritime forests. Accessible only by ferry, the park offers a secluded and tranquil environment for swimming, fishing, kayaking, and camping. It is also home to Bear Island, a barrier island known for its stunning natural beauty.
Hanging Rock State Park – situated in Stokes County, NC, is a scenic mountainous park offering breathtaking views and outdoor recreational activities. The park is famous for its namesake, Hanging Rock, which provides panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscapes. Visitors can enjoy hiking, rock climbing, camping, fishing, and swimming in the park’s pristine lakes and waterfalls.
Haw River State Park – located in Guilford and Rockingham Counties, NC, is a beautiful park that follows the meandering course of the Haw River. The park offers opportunities for hiking, fishing, canoeing, and picnicking along the river’s scenic banks. It is known for its diverse plant and animal life, making it a popular spot for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers.
Jockey’s Ridge State Park – situated in Dare County, NC, is home to the tallest natural sand dune system on the East Coast. The park’s most notable feature is Jockey’s Ridge, which attracts visitors with its impressive height and the opportunity for hang gliding and sandboarding. Additionally, the park offers hiking trails, nature programs, and stunning sunsets over Roanoke Sound.
Jones Lake State Park – located in Bladen County, NC, is renowned for its beautiful Carolina bay lakes, including Jones Lake. The park provides opportunities for swimming, boating, fishing, and picnicking. Visitors can also explore the unique bay lakes and their surrounding ecosystems, which support a variety of plant and animal species.
Lake James State Park – situated in Burke and McDowell Counties, NC, is a scenic park surrounding the picturesque Lake James. The park offers a range of outdoor activities, including boating, fishing, hiking, and camping. Its diverse landscapes, including mountains, forests, and the lake itself, attract nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Lake Norman State Park – located in Iredell County, NC, is a popular destination for water recreation and outdoor activities. It encompasses the vast Lake Norman, known for its boating, fishing, and swimming opportunities. The park also offers hiking and biking trails, picnic areas, and campgrounds, making it a perfect getaway for nature and water enthusiasts.
Lake Waccamaw State Park – situated in Columbus County, NC, is centered around the stunning Lake Waccamaw, the largest natural lake in the state. The park offers opportunities for boating, fishing, and swimming in the lake’s crystal-clear waters. Visitors can also explore the unique plant and animal life found in the park’s diverse ecosystems, including the rare and endemic species of the Carolina bay lakes.
Lumber River State Park – located in Hoke, Scotland, Robeson, and Columbus Counties, NC, is known for its scenic blackwater river, the Lumber River. The park offers paddling trails, fishing spots, and opportunities for camping and picnicking along the river’s banks. It provides a peaceful and natural setting for outdoor recreation and wildlife observation.
Mayo River State Park – situated in Rockingham County, NC, is a hidden gem featuring the scenic Mayo River. The park offers opportunities for fishing, canoeing, and hiking along the river’s banks. It showcases a diverse range of plant and animal species, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers.
Medoc Mountain State Park – located in Halifax and Warren Counties, NC, is a serene park nestled in the rolling hills of the Piedmont region. It offers hiking trails that wind through hardwood forests and lead to the summit of Medoc Mountain, providing stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. Visitors can also enjoy fishing, picnicking, and camping in this peaceful natural setting.
Merchants Millpond State Park – situated in Gates County, NC, is known for its enchanting cypress swamp and the scenic Merchants Millpond. Visitors can explore the millpond by canoe or kayak, hike along the park’s nature trails, and enjoy fishing and picnicking in this unique and tranquil environment. The park is home to diverse wildlife and offers opportunities for birdwatching and photography.
Morrow Mountain State Park – located in Stanly County, NC, is a picturesque park nestled in the Uwharrie Mountains. It offers stunning views from Morrow Mountain and features hiking trails, picnic areas, and campgrounds. The park also has historical significance, with remnants of ancient Native American settlements and a reconstructed historic homestead.
Mount Mitchell State Park – situated in Yancey County, NC, is home to the highest peak east of the Mississippi River, Mount Mitchell. The park offers breathtaking vistas, hiking trails, and opportunities for camping and picnicking. Visitors can explore the unique alpine ecosystems and experience the cool temperatures and panoramic views from the summit. Mount Mitchell is a must-visit for nature enthusiasts and hikers seeking a challenging adventure.
New River State Park – located in Ashe and Alleghany Counties, NC, is named after the scenic New River, one of the oldest rivers in North America. The park offers opportunities for fishing, canoeing, and tubing along the river’s calm waters. Visitors can also explore the park’s hiking trails, enjoy picnicking by the riverbanks, and experience the serene beauty of the surrounding Appalachian Mountains.
Pettigrew State Park – situated in Tyrrell County, NC, is a natural oasis encompassing Lake Phelps, the state’s second-largest natural lake. The park offers opportunities for boating, fishing, and birdwatching, as it is a prime habitat for waterfowl and migratory birds. Visitors can explore the lake’s cypress trees and enjoy hiking, picnicking, and camping in the park’s peaceful surroundings.
Pilot Mountain State Park – located in Surry and Yadkin Counties, NC, is renowned for its iconic landmark, Pilot Mountain. This distinctive quartzite mountain offers panoramic views from its summit and is a popular spot for rock climbing and rappelling. The park also features hiking and bridle trails, picnic areas, and campgrounds, making it a versatile destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Pisgah View State Park – situated in Buncombe County, NC, offers breathtaking vistas of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains. The park provides opportunities for hiking, wildlife observation, and picnicking. Visitors can enjoy the scenic beauty of the area and capture stunning views of the Pisgah National Forest.
Raven Rock State Park – located in Harnett County, NC, is known for its massive crystalline rock formations and the stunning Cape Fear River. The park offers hiking trails that lead to the majestic Raven Rock, providing panoramic views of the river and the surrounding forests. Visitors can also enjoy camping, fishing, and picnicking in this rugged and scenic park.
Rendezvous Mountain State Park – situated in Wilkes County, NC, is a tranquil park featuring the picturesque Rendezvous Mountain. The park offers opportunities for hiking, picnicking, and wildlife observation. Visitors can immerse themselves in the peaceful natural surroundings and enjoy the beauty of the area.
Singletary Lake State Park – located in Bladen County, NC, is centered around the scenic Singletary Lake, a unique Carolina bay. The park offers opportunities for swimming, boating, and fishing in the lake’s calm waters. Visitors can also explore the park’s hiking trails and enjoy picnicking and camping in the serene lakeside setting.
South Mountains State Park – situated in Burke and Cleveland Counties, NC, is a hidden gem nestled in the scenic South Mountains. The park offers over 40 miles of trails, including a portion of the state’s Mountains-to-Sea Trail. Visitors can enjoy hiking, horseback riding, camping, and fishing in the park’s streams and lakes. The park is known for its waterfalls, stunning views, and diverse wildlife.
Stone Mountain State Park – located in Wilkes and Alleghany Counties, NC, showcases the majestic Stone Mountain, a massive granite dome. The park offers hiking trails that lead to the summit, where visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The park also features camping areas, picnic spots, and fishing opportunities in the park’s streams and the picturesque Stone Mountain Falls.
William B. Umstead State Park – situated in Wake County, NC, is a peaceful oasis in the heart of the Triangle area. The park offers over 20 miles of hiking and multi-use trails, as well as opportunities for fishing, picnicking, and camping. Visitors can enjoy the park’s tranquil forests, scenic lakes, and abundant wildlife while being just a short distance from the bustling city life.

National Parks

State & National Forests

■ Cherokee National Forest
■ Croatan National Forest
■ Nantahala National Forest
■ Pisgah National Forest
■ Uwharrie National Forest

National Natural Landmarks

Bear Island: Dune movement has created a dynamic landscape of outstanding scenic beauty. Bear Island is the principal attraction of Hammocks Beach State Park. 34.631944°N 77.145556°W
Goose Creek State Park Natural Area: An excellent example of a gently sloping mainland undergoing rapid ocean transgression. 35.473611°N 76.913889°W
Green Swamp: The largest and most unusual mosaic of wetland communities in the Carolinas. The Nature Conservancy manages the site as the Green Swamp Preserve. 34.09321°N 78.29925°W
Long Hope Creek Spruce Bog: One of the rarest plant communities in North Carolina. The still forming Elk Knob State Park is adjacent to the privately owned NNL, and the state has a long-term goal to acquire the site. 36.381101°N 81.645663°W
Mount Jefferson State Park: One of the best remaining examples of oak-chestnut forest in the Southeast. The State Park was redesignated a State Natural Area. 36.400833°N 81.462778°W
Mount Mitchell State Park: Mount Mitchell is the highest mountain in the eastern half of the United States at 6,684 feet (2,037 m). 35.770278°N 82.263333°W
Nags Head Woods and Jockey Ridge: Illustrates the entire series of dune development and plant succession. Jockey’s Ridge State Park encompasses the southern portion of the NNL, and The Nature Conservancy’s Nags Head Woods Ecological Preserve encompasses the northern portion. 35.961944°N 75.634167°W
Orbicular Diorite: Site contains an unusual plutonic igneous rock consisting of hornblende, pyroxene, and feldspars.
Piedmont Beech Natural Area: One of the best examples of mixed mesophytic forest in the eastern Piedmont of North Carolina. The natural area is located within William B. Umstead State Park. 35.853889°N 78.742778°W
Pilot Mountain: A classic monadnock that harbors disjunct vegetation from the Blue Ridge region. It is a core component of the greater Pilot Mountain State Park. 36.340138°N 80.474224°W
Salyer’s Ridge Natural Area: A rare example of mature loblolly pine forest in process of succession towards a deciduous forest. The natural area is located within the Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge.
Smith Island: A barrier island complex representing one of the least disturbed areas remaining on the Atlantic Coast. The island complex is protected as part of Fort Fisher State Recreation Area and Baldhead Island State Natural Area.
Stone Mountain: The best example of a monadnock in North Carolina. It is the principal attraction of Stone Mountain State Park. 36.393611°N 81.043333°W