12 Places for Adventure at North Carolina State Parks

Plan an outdoor adventure to one of North Carolina’s beautiful state parks. Test your endurance climbing to the top of a breathtaking peak or sit back in a comfy chair and take in the sights and sounds of a peaceful lake. Whether you’re looking for an all-day adventure or an evening under the stars, North Carolina parks deliver. Most of the state’s parks and recreation areas don’t charge admission, and fees for camping, renting a canoe or stabling a horse are reasonable.

1 The Mystery of the Swamp

Family walking on shoreline with tree jutting over water in forefront

1 The Mystery of the Swamp

Goose Creek State Park in WashingtonSee on mapSee on map

Boardwalks cross over freshwater and brackish water wetlands and lead to an elevated observation deck at this picturesque park located along the borders of the Pamlico River and Goose Creek. Canoe the broad, unhurried creeks, camp and fish on the shores of the Pamlico or learn more about the wetlands ecosystem. This is a BYOB park, meaning bring your own boat since you won’t find rentals here. If you don’t boat, there’s still plenty to do. Birders and hikers love this spot too.

2 An Enchanted Forest

Two couples canoeing through Merchants Millpond State Park  surrounded by trees

2 An Enchanted Forest

Merchants Millpond State Park in GatesvilleSee on mapSee on map

Located in the far northeast corner of the state, 35 miles northwest of Elizabeth City, coastal pond and Southern swamp forest mingle here to create one of North Carolina’s most rare ecosystems. Primitive species of fish and massive bald cypress hung with Spanish moss populate this serene park. Rent canoes or bring your own and glide gently across the dark surface of the millpond. Game fishing is also permitted. Choose from backpack or family campsites, or canoe to your site for a unique adventure.

3 Mayberry’s Landmark

3 Mayberry’s Landmark

Pilot Mountain State Park in PinnacleSee on mapSee on map

While some viewers thought Andy Griffith’s “Mount Pilot” was a fictional place, Pilot Mountain is indeed real. The park has two pinnacles: Big Pinnacle, a 1,400-foot wall of bare rock covered by vegetation on top is connected to Little Pinnacle by a narrow saddle. Little Pinnacle is a short hike from the parking area and from there, visitors can see for hundreds of miles on a clear day. The main park road is popular for hill climbing by bicycle. Camping, canoeing, rock climbing, fishing and hiking are all available here.

4 A Paddler's Paradise

4 A Paddler's Paradise

New River State Park in Laurel SpringsSee on mapSee on map

With seven access points along this National Wild and Scenic River, launch a kayak or tube for a new adventure. For on-land fun, the flat Dogwood Trail leads to an observation platform overlooking the South Fork of the New River and its surrounding valleys, which become especially photogenic during fall’s fabulous color display. Paddle-in campsites can offer total solitude too.

5 Rugged and Wonderful

5 Rugged and Wonderful

Crowders Mountain State Park in Kings MountainSee on mapSee on map

Visitors can climb peaks rising 800 feet above the surrounding countryside and watch raptors soar in the wind currents. The park’s 5,000-plus acres include 1,625-foot Crowders Mountain (with views spanning more than 25 miles) and 1,705-foot Kings Pinnacle. Hike through valleys, across foothills and to the top of these spectacular peaks. Visitors can also rock climb, canoe or fish in the lake. The backcountry campground is reached by trail and is a short backpack away from the parking area. After a day or two at the park, head to Charlotte for some pampering at The Ballantyne Hotel's award-winning spa.

6 Backcountry Adventure

photo credit: Explore Brevard

6 Backcountry Adventure

Gorges State Park in BrevardSee on mapSee on map

Gorges State Park is surrounded by river gorges, rock faces and long-distance trails that invite you to pick your own adventure. 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. Designated wild trout streams also make this area a popular spot to fly fish for trout and smallmouth bass. Many of the park’s trails, such as the Foothills Trail, lead to secluded areas and sites for primitive camping, while the Auger Hole Trail is a favorite for horses and mountain bikes. You’ll have to plan a repeat trip soon, because this relatively new state park offers ever-evolving opportunities for fun.

7 The Popular Choice

7 The Popular Choice

Fort Macon State Park in Atlantic BeachSee on mapSee on map

Built between 1826 and 1834 to guard the entrance to Beaufort Harbor, this five-sided fort was seized by Confederate troops at the outbreak of the Civil War. Today, Fort Macon offers sandy beaches and one of the finest surviving examples of 19th-century military architecture. Demonstrations, concerts and other events occur during summer months. After touring the fort, go hiking, picnicking, swimming, fishing or take a ride to the nearby Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores, a must-see stop for kids.

8 Camper’s Delight

8 Camper’s Delight

Jordan Lake State Recreation Area in ApexSee on mapSee on map

With more than 1,000 family campsites, this park turns into a small town in the summer months. The almost 14,000 acres of clear blue water make it a favorite RV site popular with boaters, water skiers and anglers. Numerous hiking trails show off the park’s natural beauty and offer both leisurely and more strenuous options. Hot showers are offered at about half of the camping areas, making Jordan Lake a favorite with families. Nearby Pittsboro offers winery and brewery tours, shopping, dining and more. Or head an hour north to Raleigh, Chapel Hill and Durham for a big city break.

9 Family Fun Abounds

9 Family Fun Abounds

Kerr Lake State Recreation Area in HendersonSee on mapSee on map

With more than 850 miles of shoreline covering 50,000 acres, Kerr Lake offers something for water enthusiasts and land lovers alike. Fishing, camping, boating, water skiing, sailing, windsurfing, swimming, nature hikes, bird watching and picnicking are all great ways to take advantage of this park’s beauty.

10 A Waterfall Worth the Hike

10 A Waterfall Worth the Hike

South Mountains State Park in Connelly SpringsSee on mapSee on map

Nestled deep in the woods, South Mountains is one of the state’s most rugged parks. The highlight is High Shoals Falls on the Jacob’s Fork River, where a torrent of water falls 80 feet over a cliff of bare rock. Accessing the waterfall requires a hike across fairly rugged terrain, but the sight is truly spectacular. The park is heavily stocked with trout, and fishing is a popular activity here. Mountain bikers and hikers relish the strenuous 17-mile loop. Equestrians can bring in horse trailers and camp in designated areas, then hit the trail.

11 A Beach Like No Other

Silhouettes of two people flying a kite on sand dune, orange sky in background

11 A Beach Like No Other

Jockey’s Ridge State Park in Nags HeadSee on mapSee on map

Rising more than 100 feet, Jockey’s Ridge is the tallest living sand dune on the East Coast. Here, private instructors teach hang gliding lessons and rent gear to first-timers and experienced gliders alike. Kite flying, sail-boarding and windsurfing are additional activities that make Jockey’s Ridge a unique experience. Bring a kite or buy one from the store across the street; there are few better spots in the state to enjoy the fine art of kite flying. If flying is your thing, visit the nearby Wright Brothers National Memorial to see the site of Orville and Wilbur’s famed first flight. There are no camping or overnight accommodations at Jockey’s Ridge, but a day trip is well worth the time.

12 A Traditional Park Experience

photo: Stanly County CVB

12 A Traditional Park Experience

Morrow Mountain State Park in AlbemarleSee on mapSee on map

Built in the 1930s, this is one of the state’s oldest parks to offer a pool and cabins. Mountains, a placid lake, boat ramp, lake fishing, canoe and rowboat rentals make this an ideal site for a family vacation. Three picnic shelters and 37 miles of hiking trails (plus 19 miles of bridle trails) invite visitors to explore. In addition to vacation cabins, primitive camping and group campsites are also available. Located along the Pee Dee River and Lake Tillery, Morrow Mountain is about 45 miles northeast of Charlotte.

North Carolina State Parks offer a variety of nature activities, but this also includes potential hazards. Take care, be safe and enjoy. And visit Outdoor NC for additional tips on how to connect with nature and help preserve the natural beauty of our state.

Updated June 8, 2023
About the Author
Jason Frye

Jason Frye

Jason Frye is the author of Moon North Carolina, Moon Blue Ridge Parkway Road Trip and Moon Great Smoky Mountains National Park. He lives and writes in Wilmington.

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