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Listicles
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Great Smoky Mountains National Park
With more than half of its vast acreage in North Carolina, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most-visited national park in the country. If you prefer a rolling view, i.e., from the car, Cataloochee Valley at the park’s eastern edge is a popular destination for spotting elk. For hikers, a short journey through the Deep Creek area along the southern border brings you to three waterfalls: Juney Whank, Indian Creek and Tom Branch. This area is also filled with flowering plants, such as sweet shrub and rhododendron.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore
The barrier islands that separate the Pamlico Sound and Atlantic Ocean are a state and national treasure. Cape Hatteras National Seashore stretches from Bodie Island on the north end southward to Ocracoke Island. In between, you’ll find miles of pristine beaches, marshes teeming with wildlife and iconic structures. The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse — the tallest brick lighthouse in the United States — is a stunning sight. Catch one of the ferries that service the islands and enjoy the views from the water. (Please note: Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is temporarily closed for climbing until further notice.)
Raven Rock State Park
Located at the intersection of the central and coastal regions, Raven Rock State Park boasts varied topography and ecosystems. A 2.5-mile loop trail leads to the namesake Raven Rock. Carved by wind and water, the 150-foot cliff was once a navigational landmark for river pilots. Getting to the top requires scaling 135 stairs, but the journey is worth it when you reach the overlook with a view of the Cape Fear River. In early spring, Raven Rock is a favorite spot to see wildflowers in bloom.
Hammocks Beach State Park
For those who enjoy unspoiled shores, Hammocks Beach State Park in Swansboro is your sanctuary. Only 33 acres of the park are located on the mainland. The premier feature here is Bear Island, accessible by ferry, boat, canoe or kayak. The island is 4 miles long and less than a mile wide with 4 miles of beach, and it's a prime location for hunting shells. The beach is also a popular destination for nesting loggerhead sea turtles.
Fort Fisher State Recreation Area
Fort Fisher interests history buffs, birders, beachgoers and the environmentally conscious. Five miles south of Carolina Beach in the Wilmington area, the fort was built in 1861 to defend the Confederacy. Then during World War II, the fort was used as a firing range for training military personnel. The grounds are more peaceful these days as visitors stroll along the marsh-lined boardwalks. Each season brings different natural wonders, from nesting loggerhead sea turtles to migrating warblers, hawks and peregrine falcons. Five miles of undeveloped shoreline make for a relaxing day at the beach.
South Mountains State Park
Boasting 50 miles of trails, many of which intersect, a hike for all levels can be found at this rugged state park that’s just a little over an hour from Charlotte. Whether you find beauty in spotting wildflowers, walking alongside babbling rivers, enjoying picnics in nature or taking in 80-foot waterfalls, a day in South Mountains State Parks offers all in abundance.
Grandfather Mountain State Park
With 2,456 acres of rugged backcountry, Grandfather Mountain State Park is ideal for the experienced hiker. Not to be confused with the area of Grandfather Mountain that’s operated by a foundation (and known for the Mile High Swinging Bridge), the state park preserves an undeveloped area home to 70-plus rare and endangered species. The Nuwati Trail, the only one rated “easy,” will take you to Storyteller’s Rock with views of Boone Bowl and Calloway Peak. For adventure-seekers, the Daniel Boone Scout Trail (rated strenuous) ascends about 2,000 feet across 3 miles, with the upper half offering sights of the Linn Cove Viaduct.
Goose Creek State Park
One of the most appreciated features of Goose Creek State Park — located in rural Eastern North Carolina outside of Washington — is the quiet. Come to this park to unwind, have a leisurely paddle along the creek and spend quality time camping with family and friends. Bordered by Goose Creek, Mallard Creek and the Pamlico River, the park’s picturesque banks have trees with Spanish-moss-laden branches that reach out over the water. Eight miles of trails lead to marshes and swamps that earned the site a National Natural Landmark designation.
Chimney Rock State Park
Please note: Most of Chimney Rock State Park is closed due to damage from Hurricane Helene. Check the state park's website for additional details.
An icon in Western North Carolina, Chimney Rock Mountain is the centerpiece of this state park about an hour southeast of Asheville. Climb the 26 stories of stairs that make up the Outcroppings Trail to reach the top and enjoy views of Hickory Nut Gorge, Lake Lure and the Piedmont region. The Skyline Trail brings you to Peregrine's Point, the highest peak in the park at 2,640 feet. The views from this route might look familiar; scenes from "The Last of the Mohicans" were filmed here.
Mount Mitchell State Park
As the highest point in the East, Mount Mitchell’s 6,684-foot summit overlook platform affords some of the longest mountain views in North Carolina. On clear days, you can see as far as 85 miles. The elevation also contributes to chilly or cool temperatures year-round. The mountain’s spruce-fir ecosystem is home to flora and fauna, more closely resembling that of New England and Canada than the surrounding Southeast. One of the best ways to experience Mount Mitchell’s ecological diversity is hiking one or more of the mountain’s seven trails.
By practicing the 7 Outdoor NC Leave No Trace Principles while exploring, you’ll become an important part of our story, preserving these stunning spaces for generations to come.