Five Must Visit North Carolina State Parks

It’s no secret that North Carolina offers a little something for everyone, especially when it comes to its beautiful and natural landscapes. Whether your ideal adventure involves exploring sandy beaches or hiking through misty mountains, the NC State Park system is the best way to experience all the wonders the Old North State has to offer. So, after successfully visiting every North Carolina State Park, here’s five that I believe you must visit and have on your next travel itinerary.

1. Mount Mitchell State Park

·Location: Burnsville, NC·Offers: Hiking, Camping, Dining, MuseumWith its peak being the highest point of elevation east of the Mississippi River, it’s no wonder that Mount Mitchell offers spectacular views of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains. These views can be reached by driving the park entrance road all the way to the peaks Observation Deck, or if you’re feeling more adventurous you can hike up a 2-mile trail from the parks Visitor Center. In addition to sightseeing and hiking, the park also offers a restaurant where hikers and drivers alike can relax and enjoy a great meal. I swear their hamburger steak is the best tasting east of the Mississippi! — `·Location: Burnsville, NC`
`·Offers: Hiking, Camping, Dining, Museum`
With its peak being the highest point of elevation east of the Mississippi River, it’s no wonder that Mount Mitchell offers spectacular views of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains. These views can be reached by driving the park entrance road all the way to the peaks Observation Deck, or if you’re feeling more adventurous you can hike up a 2-mile trail from the parks Visitor Center. In addition to sightseeing and hiking, the park also offers a restaurant where hikers and drivers alike can relax and enjoy a great meal. I swear their hamburger steak is the best tasting east of the Mississippi!

2. Jockeys Ridge State Park

· Location: Nags Head, NC· Offers: Hiking, Hang Gliding, Swimming, MuseumNext, we go to the opposite end of North Carolina to the Outer Banks where we find Jockeys Ridge State Park, which is home to another “highest elevation record.” The Atlantic Coast’s tallest living sand dune is located here and it’s simply perfect for watching sunsets, trying your hand at flying a kite or even hang gliding. However, the real magic comes when you visit Jockeys Ridge for the second time and realize that the dunes look completely different than the first time! Winds are constantly shifting the sand dunes to different positions and changing their heights, making it a new experience every time you go. No wonder Jockeys Ridge is the most visited NC State Park for the past few years! — `· Location: Nags Head, NC`
`· Offers: Hiking, Hang Gliding, Swimming, Museum`
Next, we go to the opposite end of North Carolina to the Outer Banks where we find Jockeys Ridge State Park, which is home to another “highest elevation record.” The Atlantic Coast’s tallest living sand dune is located here and it’s simply perfect for watching sunsets, trying your hand at flying a kite or even hang gliding. However, the real magic comes when you visit Jockeys Ridge for the second time and realize that the dunes look completely different than the first time! Winds are constantly shifting the sand dunes to different positions and changing their heights, making it a new experience every time you go. No wonder Jockeys Ridge is the most visited NC State Park for the past few years!

3. Carolina Beach State Park

·      Location: Carolina Beach, NC·      Offers: Hiking, Camping, Boating, Swimming, FishingThe next park we come to on this list holds a special place in my heart since I spent a year of my life working there, but don’t let yourself think I’m being biased. Carolina Beach State Park earns its spot by offering one of the most biologically diverse ecosystems that is home to the famous Venus Flytrap. This protected carnivorous plant is only native within a 70-mile radius from Wilmington, NC and Carolina Beach is one of the few places you can still see them growing naturally. But if plants aren’t your thing, there are still plenty of activities for you at the park! Take a hike to Sugarloaf Dune that towers over the banks of the Cape Fear River, put your boat in at the park marina (the only of its kind in the NC State Parks system), or just grab a good book and relax on the surrounding beaches. — `· Location: Carolina Beach, NC`
`· Offers: Hiking, Camping, Boating, Swimming, Fishing`
The next park we come to on this list holds a special place in my heart since I spent a year of my life working there, but don’t let yourself think I’m being biased. Carolina Beach State Park earns its spot by offering one of the most biologically diverse ecosystems that is home to the famous Venus Flytrap. This protected carnivorous plant is only native within a 70-mile radius from Wilmington, NC and Carolina Beach is one of the few places you can still see them growing naturally. But if plants aren’t your thing, there are still plenty of activities for you at the park! Take a hike to Sugarloaf Dune that towers over the banks of the Cape Fear River, put your boat in at the park marina (the only of its kind in the NC State Parks system), or just grab a good book and relax on the surrounding beaches.

4. Hanging Rock State Park

·      Location: Danbury, NC·      Offers: Hiking, Camping, Climbing, Mountain Biking, Boating, Fishing, SwimmingMoving back into the mountain region of the Tarheel State, we come across a waterfall chasers paradise. Hanging Rock State Park offers not just one or two, but five waterfalls that are perfect for photo-ops and exploring. A few of these falls are easily accessible with very short hikes to get to them. However, when it comes to the beautiful Hidden Falls and the unique Window Falls, be prepared for little bit more of a moderate adventure. In addition to the park’s awesome waterfalls, its namesake is a whole other adventure. Hanging Rock can be reached by just hiking a little over a mile, but here’s the catch. The entire hike is straight up and climbs 330 steps, mostly made of uneven stone and timber. So, make sure to bring the hiking boots and plenty of water because the views are totally worth it! — `· Location: Danbury, NC`
`· Offers: Hiking, Camping, Climbing, Mountain Biking, Boating, Fishing, Swimming`
Moving back into the mountain region of the Tarheel State, we come across a waterfall chasers paradise. Hanging Rock State Park offers not just one or two, but five waterfalls that are perfect for photo-ops and exploring. A few of these falls are easily accessible with very short hikes to get to them. However, when it comes to the beautiful Hidden Falls and the unique Window Falls, be prepared for little bit more of a moderate adventure. In addition to the park’s awesome waterfalls, its namesake is a whole other adventure. Hanging Rock can be reached by just hiking a little over a mile, but here’s the catch. The entire hike is straight up and climbs 330 steps, mostly made of uneven stone and timber. So, make sure to bring the hiking boots and plenty of water because the views are totally worth it!

5. Raven Rock State Park

·       Location: Lillington, NC·       Offers: Hiking, Camping, Backcountry Camping, Mountain Biking, FishingWhen I began my journey of visiting every North Carolina State Park, Raven Rock was one of the first few and it still never gets old when I return. From descending the steep steps that take you underneath the giant formation itself to hiking to the Fish Trap Rapids, the park is in no short supply of nature’s beauty. Raven Rock State Park is also one of the best locations to see fall colors without having to venture into the mountains. I highly recommend hiking down to the edge of the river to admire the combination of colors along its banks. No matter what time of year you go though, make sure to bring a snack, find a place to yourself and take in the calmness that the park radiates. — `· Location: Lillington, NC`
`· Offers: Hiking, Camping, Backcountry Camping, Mountain Biking, Fishing`
When I began my journey of visiting every North Carolina State Park, Raven Rock was one of the first few and it still never gets old when I return. From descending the steep steps that take you underneath the giant formation itself to hiking to the Fish Trap Rapids, the park is in no short supply of nature’s beauty. Raven Rock State Park is also one of the best locations to see fall colors without having to venture into the mountains. I highly recommend hiking down to the edge of the river to admire the combination of colors along its banks. No matter what time of year you go though, make sure to bring a snack, find a place to yourself and take in the calmness that the park radiates.

And there you have it, Five Must Visit North Carolina State Parks! Of course, every state park in NC is unique in its own way and if you have the opportunity, they are all a must visit. Feel free to tell me in the comment section what parks in NC or other states that you believe are 100% worth the visit and make sure to sign up for my newsletter below so you don't miss future blog posts!