North Carolina State Parks

Location:

Carolina Beach, NC

Highlights:

If you're craving peaceful trails, riverfront views, and the chance to spot rare carnivorous plants, Carolina Beach State Park is a serene retreat. Just minutes from the bustling boardwalk, this park offers a deep dive into the wild side of Pleasure Island.

We Recommend This For:

Nature lovers, hikers, campers, plant enthusiasts, families, and anyone seeking a quieter, more natural coastal experience near Wilmington.

What we Love:

Venus flytraps and other rare plants in their native habitat, beautiful coastal trails, a full-service marina, and peaceful camping opportunities near the water.

• Hike more than six miles of trails that wind through wetlands, coastal forest, and sand dunes—ideal for wildlife and plant spotting.
• See native carnivorous plants like Venus flytraps, pitcher plants, and bladderworts in the pocosin wetlands protected within the park.
• Camp overnight at one of the park’s campgrounds, with options for tents, RVs, and camper cabins.
• Launch a boat or kayak from the park's marina on the Cape Fear River or Intracoastal Waterway for scenic paddling or fishing.

Distance from Wilmington:

About a 25-minute drive south via US-421 S.

How to Get to Carolina Beach State Park:

From Wilmington, head south on US-421 to Carolina Beach. Turn right onto State Park Road; the entrance is located at 1010 State Park Road near the northern edge of Pleasure Island.

Location:

Chimney Rock, NC

Highlights:

If you're ready for jaw-dropping views, soaring rock formations, and a scenic waterfall just minutes from Asheville, Chimney Rock State Park is a must. With trails, trout fishing, and an elevator to panoramic overlooks, it’s an unforgettable Blue Ridge escape for all ages.

We Recommend This For:

Families, hikers, photographers, anglers, and anyone who wants a mix of scenic adventure and natural beauty just outside Asheville.

What we Love:

The iconic 315-foot granite spire, 404-foot Hickory Nut Falls, a ride-to-the-top elevator, and trout fishing along the Rocky Broad River.

• Ride the elevator to the top of Chimney Rock for 75-mile panoramic views of Lake Lure, Hickory Nut Gorge, and the Blue Ridge Mountains.
• Hike six diverse trails—from family-friendly nature loops to a moderate trek to the base of Hickory Nut Falls.
• Spot unique rock formations like Devil’s Head, a gravity-defying stone balanced atop a cliffside ledge.
• Fish for trout in the Rocky Broad River, or explore nearby riverwalks and attractions in the charming village just across from the park.

Distance from Asheville:

About a 30-minute drive southeast via US-74 ALT and US-64 E.

How to Get to Chimney Rock State Park:

From Asheville, take US-74 ALT to US-64 E toward Chimney Rock Village. Follow signs to the park entrance at 743 Chimney Rock Park Road.

Location:

Seven Springs, NC

Highlights:

If you’re looking for riverside beauty, rare wildlife, and a glimpse into North Carolina’s geological past, Cliffs of the Neuse State Park is a standout. Towering bluffs, quiet forest trails, and a summertime swim lake make this park a gem for both relaxation and exploration.

We Recommend This For:

Families, hikers, nature enthusiasts, birders, and those interested in the ecology and geology of Eastern North Carolina.

What we Love:

Scenic river overlooks, wildlife diversity, a summer swimming lake, and the informative museum showcasing the area's ecological heritage.

• Hike five trails through mature forests and to river bluffs, with peaceful views and excellent wildlife-watching opportunities.
• Swim in the 11-acre lake during summer months—perfect for families looking to cool off in a natural setting.
• Explore the park’s museum to learn about the Neuse River’s geological formation and its role in regional biodiversity.
• Camp overnight at the spacious family campground or rent one of three cozy cabins for a scenic, quiet retreat.

Distance from Goldsboro, NC:

About a 25-minute drive southeast via NC-111 S and Park Entrance Road.

How to Get to Cliffs of the Neuse State Park:

From Goldsboro, take NC-111 S toward Seven Springs. Turn onto Park Entrance Road and follow signs to 240 Park Entrance Road for the main visitor entrance.

Location:

Kings Mountain, NC

Highlights:

If you're seeking summit views, rugged climbs, and a slice of ancient geologic history, Crowders Mountain State Park rises to the challenge. Just outside Charlotte, this park is a favorite for hikers, climbers, and anyone chasing a high vantage point over the Piedmont.

We Recommend This For:

Rock climbers, experienced hikers, geology lovers, backpackers, and anyone looking for panoramic views near the city.

What we Love:

The challenging trails to Crowders and The Pinnacle, rock climbing routes, peaceful lake paddling, and the 25-mile views from the summit.

• Hike 11 trails including the steep Ridgeline Trail, which connects to Kings Mountain parks and offers a backcountry adventure to The Pinnacle.
• Climb rock faces at designated climbing areas—Crowders Mountain is one of North Carolina’s best-known climbing destinations.
• Ascend to Crowders Mountain peak via the Backside Trail’s stair ascent for sweeping views of the surrounding Piedmont and Charlotte skyline.
• Fish or paddle on the nine-acre lake, with seasonal boat and canoe rentals available from the park office.

Distance from Charlotte:

About a 40-minute drive west via I-85 S and NC-161.

How to Get to Crowders Mountain State Park:

From Charlotte, take I-85 S to Exit 10B for US-29 S toward Kings Mountain. Follow signs to NC-161 and turn onto Park Office Lane to reach the entrance at 522 Park Office Lane.

Romantic North Carolina State Parks:

Location:

Todd, NC

Highlights:

If you're looking to escape into the highlands and explore one of North Carolina’s newer conservation success stories, Elk Knob State Park offers pristine Blue Ridge beauty and stunning summit views. It’s peaceful, undeveloped, and perfect for quiet, year-round adventures.

We Recommend This For:

Hikers, cross-country skiers, conservation enthusiasts, students, and those seeking less-traveled mountain trails near Boone.

What we Love:

Community-driven preservation, 360-degree summit views from the hiking trail, rare opportunities for cross-country skiing, and cultural exhibits linked to Appalachian heritage.

• Hike the summit trail to Elk Knob’s 5,520-foot peak, where you can see into Tennessee and Virginia on clear days.
• Ski cross-country during winter—one of the few state parks in North Carolina where this is possible thanks to elevation and trail layout.
• Camp at designated backcountry sites with a permit for a truly remote and peaceful overnight experience in the Blue Ridge.
• Learn from on-site exhibits and Appalachian State University programs that highlight mountain culture and natural preservation efforts.

Distance from Boone:

About a 25-minute drive north via NC-194 N and Meat Camp Road.

How to Get to Elk Knob State Park:

From Boone, take NC-194 N to Meat Camp Road and follow signs to the entrance at 5564 Meat Camp Road in Todd.

Location:

Atlantic Beach, NC

Highlights:

If you're drawn to coastal history and seaside adventure, Fort Macon State Park blends both beautifully. With a fully restored Civil War-era fort, surf fishing, and family swimming areas, it’s one of North Carolina’s most visited—and most fascinating—state parks.

We Recommend This For:

History lovers, beachgoers, families, anglers, and anyone exploring the Crystal Coast.

What we Love:

Self-guided fort tours, live cannon and musket demonstrations, protected summer swimming spots, and a scenic stretch of shoreline perfect for surf fishing.

• Tour the restored Fort Macon and explore exhibits on Civil War history and coastal defense—including the pivotal 1862 Battle of Fort Macon.
• Watch live demonstrations of cannon and musket firing held throughout the day for an immersive historical experience.
• Swim in a lifeguard-protected beach area during the summer or relax on the shores of Bogue Banks.
• Fish from the surf or soundside for a peaceful and rewarding way to enjoy the park’s maritime setting.

Distance from Morehead City:

About a 15-minute drive southeast via NC-58 E and Fort Macon Road.

How to Get to Fort Macon State Park:

From Morehead City, cross the bridge to Atlantic Beach via NC-58 E, then follow East Fort Macon Road to the park entrance at 2303 East Fort Macon Road.

Location:

Washington, NC

Highlights:

If you’re drawn to coastal wetlands, wildlife viewing, and quiet waterside trails, Goose Creek State Park is a peaceful escape with deep historical roots. Once home to the Secota and Pamlico peoples, this restored wetland preserve offers a tranquil glimpse into Eastern North Carolina’s natural past.

We Recommend This For:

Bird watchers, paddlers, hikers, campers, and anyone looking to explore a scenic blend of history and estuarine ecosystems.

What we Love:

Eight miles of boardwalk and forested trails, excellent wildlife spotting, coastal paddling, and a visitor center filled with natural and cultural exhibits.

• Hike through swamps, wetlands, and hardwood forests along eight miles of trails—perfect for spotting wading birds and native mammals.
• Fish, boat, or swim in Goose Creek, with a designated boat ramp at Dinah’s Landing providing access to the Pamlico Sound.
• Camp at the park’s primitive campground for an immersive nature experience under the stars.
• Visit the park’s interpretive center to learn about local Indigenous heritage, regional timber history, and the park’s ecological restoration efforts.

Distance from Greenville, NC:

About a 45-minute drive southeast via US-264 E and Camp Leach Road.

How to Get to Goose Creek State Park:

From Greenville, take US-264 E to Washington, then head south on Camp Leach Road. The park entrance is located at 2190 Camp Leach Road, just before reaching Goose Creek.

Family-friendly NC State Parks:

Location:

Sapphire, NC

Highlights:

If you're craving waterfalls, wild backcountry trails, and untouched mountain beauty, Gorges State Park is your next adventure. Nestled in the Blue Ridge Escarpment near the Jocassee Gorges, this expansive park blends ecological preservation with high-impact recreation.

We Recommend This For:

Experienced hikers, anglers, horseback riders, backcountry campers, and waterfall chasers looking for rugged Western North Carolina terrain.

What we Love:

Year-round waterfall hikes, trout fishing on Lake Jocassee, horseback and mountain biking trails, and museum-level exhibits at the eco-conscious visitor center.

• Hike or ride miles of multi-use trails through second-growth forest and steep gorges, with connector trails leading into Pisgah National Forest.
• Fish for trout and bass at Lake Jocassee, just across the South Carolina border and accessible from within the park.
• Camp at primitive sites for a backcountry wilderness experience under some of the clearest skies in the state.
• Visit the visitor center for interpretive exhibits, stunning views, and a deep dive into the ecological and geological significance of the Jocassee Gorges region.

Distance from Asheville:

About a 1 hour 30-minute drive southwest via US-64 W and NC-281.

How to Get to Gorges State Park:

From Asheville, take US-64 W through Brevard toward Sapphire. Turn south onto NC-281 and follow signs to 976 Grassy Ridge Road for the park entrance.

Location:

Danbury, NC

Highlights:

If you're looking for waterfall hikes, mountain vistas, and a touch of history, Hanging Rock State Park delivers on every front. Set in the scenic Sauratown Mountains, this CCC-era park is packed with adventure—from lake swimming to summit views and rock climbing.

We Recommend This For:

Hikers, history buffs, families, climbers, and anyone seeking a classic North Carolina mountain experience just outside Winston-Salem.

What we Love:

Historic CCC-era facilities, over 20 miles of hiking trails, waterfall views, rock climbing walls, and the peaceful 12-acre lake for swimming and paddling.

• Hike more than 20 miles of trails through ancient peaks and past five beautiful waterfalls, with summit hikes offering expansive Piedmont views.
• Swim or boat at the manmade lake, featuring a CCC-era bathhouse and a perfect beach for hot summer days.
• Climb at Moore’s and Cook’s Walls—two of the park’s most popular climbing destinations for both beginner and experienced climbers.
• Stay overnight at one of 73 campsites or in one of 10 rustic rental cabins surrounded by forest and mountain air.

Distance from Winston-Salem:

About a 35-minute drive north via NC-8 N and Hanging Rock Park Road.

How to Get to Hanging Rock State Park:

From Winston-Salem, take NC-8 N to Danbury. Turn onto Hanging Rock Park Road and follow signs to the entrance at 1790 Hanging Rock Park Road.

Location:

Nags Head, NC

Highlights:

If you've ever dreamed of climbing the tallest sand dunes on the East Coast, Jockey’s Ridge State Park is the place to be. With soaring dunes, Atlantic views, and plenty of ways to play, it’s no wonder this is North Carolina’s most-visited state park.

We Recommend This For:

Families, beachgoers, sandboarders, hang-gliders, accessibility-conscious travelers, and anyone exploring the Outer Banks.

What we Love:

Towering dunes perfect for hiking and sandboarding, hang-gliding opportunities, soundside recreation, and accessibility for all visitors.

• Climb the largest living sand dune system in the eastern U.S. and take in 360-degree views of the Atlantic and Roanoke Sound.
• Slide or soar down the dunes—sandboarding is permitted, and hang-gliding lessons are available from licensed vendors during the summer.
• Stroll the 360-foot boardwalk or explore the museum exhibits to learn about dune ecology and local wildlife.
• Swim, kayak, or relax on the soundside beach, or hike the easy one-mile nature trail through maritime forest and wetland areas.

Distance from Manteo:

About a 20-minute drive east via US-64 and US-158 N.

How to Get to Jockey's Ridge State Park:

From Manteo, follow US-64 E across Roanoke Island and continue on US-158 N through Nags Head. Turn left onto Carolista Drive to reach the park entrance at 300 W. Carolista Drive.