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Apr 5, 2021 · The Top 15 NC State Parks in the North Carolina mountains, including what to do, where to stay, and the best hiking trails in each park.
- Jonathon Engels
Dec 16, 2023 · Whether you’re looking to explore dense woodlands and cascading waterfalls of the mountainous parks, or sandy beaches, windswept dunes, and salt marshes of the coastal parks, there’s something for everyone. So, get ready to explore these natural gems, with our comprehensive North Carolina state parks list.
Mar 24, 2022 · The charming mountain town in North Carolina offers plenty of outdoor adventure options, with many hiking trails, picturesque waterfalls and fly-fishing in 107 miles of rivers and streams...
- Gwen Pratesi
- Contributor
- Appalachian National Scenic Trail. This guide’s national parks in North Carolina start with the Appalachian Trail (AT). The famed hiking trail runs 2,181 miles through 14 states, including North Carolina.
- Blue Ridge Parkway. North Carolina’s popular scenic road is the Blue Ridge Parkway. It’s also the most visited unit in our National Parks system. The Parkway connects Shenandoah National Park in Virginia and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on the North Carolina side.
- Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Protecting 70 miles of pristine Outer Banks shoreline, Cape Hatteras National Seashore was the first protected seashore in the United States!
- Cape Lookout National Seashore. Starting south of Ocracoke on Portsmouth Island, the remote Cape Lookout National Seashore is a 56-mile stretch of beaches and barrier islands.
- Mount Mitchell State Park, Burnsville. Mount Mitchell State Park has the distinction of being North Carolina’s first state park. Located in the Black Mountains, 30 miles northeast of Asheville, its 6,684-foot summit is the highest point east of the Mississippi.
- Stone Mountain, Roaring Gap. You won’t have to wonder how Stone Mountain State Park earned its name. Once you see the 600-foot granite dome, you’ll know you’re in the right spot.
- Chimney Rock State Park, Rutherford. Some of North Carolina’s most dramatic mountain scenery is found at Chimney Rock State Park, 25 miles southeast of Asheville.
- Pilot Mountain State Park, Pinnacle. Located 20 miles northwest of Winston-Salem, Pilot Mountain State Park offers outdoor enthusiasts a wide array of activities in two distinct sections of the park — the mountain section and the river section.
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The park offers nearly all types of outdoor activity to experience a high country landscape adorned with beautiful waterfalls, winding creeks, and bountiful trout streams. A portion of the Mountains-to-Sea State Trail runs through the park near the backcountry campsites.
From the misty peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains to the pristine shores of the Outer Banks, the top 10 state parks in North Carolina showcase the state's diverse ecosystems and rich biodiversity. Get ready to hike scenic trails, paddle tranquil waterways, and immerse yourself in the beauty of North Carolina's wilderness.
