Carolina Beach State ParkCampground Washhouse RenovationsDue to plumbing renovations in the Loop 1 washhouse, all campers are asked to utilize the Loop 2 washhouse until further notice. We are sorry for any inconvenience and hope that all repairs will be completed in a couple of weeks.
update on: 2012-01-20 12:04:04
Carvers Creek State ParkPark is Closed to the PublicCarvers Creek State Park is under development. At this time the park is not able to provide recreational public access. Upon the completion of the interim development the park is planning to open Long Valley Farm in late 2012. For further information you may contact the park office at 910-893-4888.
update on: 2012-01-04 11:34:31
Chimney Rock State ParkConstruction Projects/Improvements Begin December 5th; Chimney Rock Access Closed on Tuesdays and WednesdaysConstruction Projects/Improvements Begin December 5th
In order for Chimney Rock to remain the premiere core attraction for this unique North Carolina State Park, it will undergo construction beginning December 5 to improve accessibility and upgrade some of its trails. In addition, the public bathrooms located in the top parking lot and at the Meadows will receive ADA-based renovations so that all persons may utilize these services. Finally, the elevator and Sky Lounge remain closed as we complete the upgrades to both facilities. We greatly appreciate your patience and support as we work to enhance your experience.
Over the winter, a section of the Outcroppings, the trail that leads from the parking lot to the Chimney area, will be replaced providing easier access to the Chimney and points of interest above like the Opera Box, Devil’s Head and Exclamation Point. The section to be replaced begins above Pulpit Rock and continues down to Moonshiner's Cave. After construction, the new trail and stairway will accommodate more guests and offer better egress from the Chimney area. Without a required secondary egress, the elevator will be out of service during Outcroppings construction making the Chimney inaccessible over the winter.
Areas of the park that remain accessible throughout improvements include: Hickory Nut Falls trail, Cliff Dwellers Gifts and Meadows area including the Great Woodland Adventure, Four Seasons trail, Grady’s Animal Discovery Den, Classroom on the Meadows and the covered picnic pavilion. Chimney Rock is also planning a variety of programs and events to enhance guest experience during improvements.
Additional projects are planned over the next several months that will impact the availability of popular park features. Weather during this time of the year can also impact park operations. Visit this site and call the park office for the most current information when planning your trip to Chimney Rock.
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Chimney Rock Access Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays Starting December 6th
Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park will be closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays starting December 6, and these closures will continue through Spring 2012.
Please call ahead before planning your visit to the park. Call the park office at (828) 625-1823 before traveling to the park for up-to-date weather information and a list of trail, building, and feature closures.
update on: 2012-02-02 13:05:39
Crowders Mountain State ParkDrinking Water in the Family and Group Camping areas are OUT OF ORDER. We apologize for the inconvenience. Please plan to bring your own water when camping.
update on: 2012-01-10 15:24:31
Falls Lake State Recreation AreaLimited Park Access on 4/28/12From 8am until 3pm on 4/28/12 There will be limited public access to the Beaverdam Recreation Area facilities due to the Inside Out Sports Olympic Triathlon.
update on: 2012-01-17 13:48:22
Goose Creek State ParkAreas Closed Due to Storm Damage Ivey Gut Trial, Flatty Creek Trail, and a portion of Goose Creek Trial remain closed until further notice. All camping areas are also closed.
update on: 2012-01-17 15:18:11
Gorges State ParkGorges State Park is under construction --- PARTIALLY OPENGORGES STATE PARK IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION. The Loop Road, Bearwallow Picnic Area, Upper Bearwallow Falls Trail, and Bearwallow Valley Trail, are closed until further notice while the Park undergoes Construction of the Picnic Areas, Restrooms, Maintenance Facility, and the Visitor Center.
OPEN Gorges State Park is currently open. Updated 8:30am 2-3-12
update on: 2012-02-03 08:46:55
Grandfather Mountain State ParkWinter conditions at higher elevations/Camper survey Winter has arrived at high elevations. Expect snow and ice in higher elevations now through spring. Icy trails can be very dangerous. Do not attempt if you are not experienced in hiking in these conditions. Turn around if you experience conditions for which you are not prepared. Daylight hours are very limited now: do not get caught unprepared on the mountain after dark. Allow extra time for hiking in snowy/icy conditions. Sturdy boots are necessary: ice traction is recommended. Hypothermia can occur easily with dropping temperatures and moisture: always hike in layered clothing (not cotton) and bring a hat and gloves, even if it is hot and sunny at the trailhead. Bring extra clothing, food, and water in case you get caught in inclement weather. Please hike with caution and use common sense to stay safe. Profile Parking lot will be closed when there is snow and ice. Parking is not permitted at or near the gate. http://booneweather.com/Current+Conditions/Rich+Mountain
ASU Recreation Management class is conducting a camper survey to assist Grandfather Mountain State Park management in making management decisions to best serve the campers and the protection of the fragile ecosystem. Camper comments are valued. The short and quick survey can be found at this link:
Grandfather Mountain SP survey.update on: 2012-01-17 15:13:14
Hammocks Beach State ParkBear Island Bathhouse Winterized Now Through March 15, 2012. Please note there are NO Restroom Facilities and NO Potable Water. Ferry Service Closed for the Season, and will re-open in April, 2012.Facilities on Bear Island are closed for the 2011 season. The bathhouse is winterized and all potable water has been shut off. Restroom Facilities are closed through March 15, 2012. Bear Island will remain open for camping but campers must bring all necessities with them including drinking water. Ferry Service for the 2011 season has ended and ferry operations will resume in April, 2012. Please contact the park office with questions.
update on: 2011-11-15 10:48:31
Hanging Rock State ParkSauratown Loop Trail Partial ClosureDue to landowner concerns the portion of the Sauratown Loop Trail on private property is closed. The portion on state park property is still open to horses and hikers as an out and back trail.
update on: 2012-02-02 08:41:38
Jordan Lake State Recreation AreaArea closures / Notices Crosswinds Campground is closed for the camping season. Crosswinds is scheduled to re-open Monday, April 23, 2012.
The primitive camping area at New Hope Overlook will close Monday, December 5 and will re-open Monday, March 5, 2012, but the trails and boat ramps will remain open for year round use during the fall of 2011 and the winter of 2012.
Loops 1, 2 and 4 north in Parker’s Creek Campground will remain open for year round camping during the fall of 2011 and the winter of 2012. The water spigots at all campsites will be turned off starting December 1st throughout the winter months, but water will be available at the dump station and shower houses for use.
Poplar Point Campground is closed for the camping season. Loops B, C, E and F are scheduled to re-open Monday, April 2, 2012. Loops G, H and J are scheduled to re-open on Monday, May 21, 2012.
Vista Point State Recreation Area is closed for the season. Vista Point's trails, boat ramps and shelters are scheduled to re-open Monday, March 5, 2012.
The beach area, picnic area, trails and boat ramps at Ebenezer and Seaforth will remain open for year round use during the fall of 2011 and the winter of 2012.
White Oak Day Use Area is closed for the season; White Oak Shelter is available by reservation only.
update on: 2011-11-29 11:22:24
Jockey's Ridge State ParkOutdoor Restrooms Closed for the SeasonThe outdoor restroom facilities adjacent to the park visitor center will be closed for the winter season from January 1 through March 1, 2012. Restrooms are available in the park visitor center from 9AM until 5PM.
update on: 2012-01-05 10:10:08
Lake James State ParkHidden Cove Access Area Temporarily ClosedDue to low lake levels the Hidden Cove Access Area has been temporarily closed until conditions improve.
update on: 2012-01-06 08:43:47
Lake Norman State ParkMountain Bike Trails Are Open At This Time -2/02/2012The mountain bike trails are currently open.
update on: 2012-02-02 14:24:40
Medoc Mountain State ParkHot water is unavailableHot water will be unavailable December 1st 2011 to March 1st 2012.
update on: 2012-01-17 15:21:23
Mount Jefferson State Natural AreaThe park road is open. Summit restrooms are closed.
01/17/2012The park road is open. Summit restrooms are now closed for the season. Just inside the gate, you will find a restroom next to the park office. This restroom remains open year-round. 01/017/2012
update on: 2012-01-17 11:19:08
Mount Mitchell State Park Black Bear Awareness...Backcountry Camping and Hiking Safety Foraging bears have been active and sometimes aggressive at the Commissary Ridge area. Bear-resistant food canisters or storage sacks are highly advised, otherwise food MUST be hung correctly at least 150 feet away from tent. Food bags should hang 5- feet below the branch, 5-feet from the tree trunk, and be at least 10-feet off the ground. Bears can and will climb trees and can easily reach food bags suspended at heights under 10 feet.
Failing to behave properly places you and your fellow visitors at risk for property damage and severe personal injury.
Black bears have been active in and around the park, inflicting damage to vehicles and camping equipment. All of these incidents have resulted from the improper storage of food, toiletries, and trash.NEVER feed bears. They can lose their fear of people and may have to be destroyed.
NEVER leave food unattended, even if in coolers. Secure ONLY in bear-proof container or car trunk with windows completely rolled up.
Campground SafetyYou MUST secure all food, garbage, and any items that might smell like food to a bear (toothpaste, mouthwash, deodorant, cosmetics, pet food, cooking and cleaning supplies, stove fuel, etc.) in the bear-proof storage container available at each campground site.
Severe storms above 6,000 feet are unpredictable and can be life-threatening. Fog and winds can impede search-and-rescue crew and helicopter access. Hike and camp in the back country at your own risk.
NEVER rely on GPS, cell-phone, or rescue beacon devices to prevent/survive emergency situations.
ALWAYS be prepared for the worst weather. Closure of the Blue Ridge Parkway occurs frequently when snow & ice accumulate. Be prepared to stay extra days or pack up and leave upon request by a park ranger at any time.
update on: 2012-01-06 12:41:36
Morrow Mountain State ParkUPDATE 2/3/2012: Prescribed Burn completed on January 31 - Fall Mountain Trail remains closed...UPDATE – A prescribed burn was successfully completed for the Fall Mountain area of the park on Tuesday, January 31, 2012. It is common and expected that logs and stumps within the burn area will continue to smoke and burn for days to come.
The Fall Mountain Trail remains closed because it is located within in the main area of the burn. Once the trail can be cleared of downed and hazardous trees it will reopen.
For questions or more information, contact the park office at 704-982-4402
update on: 2012-02-03 10:47:37
New River State ParkKings Creek Access closed for Winter
Kings Creek Access will be closed from November 1st to April 1st 2012.
update on: 2011-11-01 14:53:38
Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Areaongoing trail construction projectOn February 6th there will be a trail construction project going on at Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area. All facilities will continue to be open and available to the public, but vehicles and construction equipment may be traveling along parts of the 0.6 mile long Summit Trail and working on approximately 0.6 miles of proposed trail in the backcountry areas of the park. This work will continue until it is completed. All other trails in the area should remain unaffected. Please check back to this website for future updates and alerts.
update on: 2012-02-02 11:07:35
Pettigrew State ParkBoat Ramp Details
Canoe Artifacts off Exhibit
Lake Level is 10.50 about 1.8 feet of water in the ramp area. Larger boats will have some difficulty launching/loading.
Canoe Artifacts have been moved to East Carolina University for restoration and are temporarily off exhibit. Please contact the park office at 252-797-4475 for more information.
update on: 2012-02-03 12:50:49
Pilot Mountain State ParkALL PARK BRIDLE TRAILS WILL BE CLOSED THURSDAY FEBRUARY 2ND DUE TO RAIN
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Bridle Trail users and MST Hikers: The privately owned portion of the Sauratown Trail is closed between Pilot Mountain State Park and Coon Rd due to landowner wishes.
The privately owned and maintained portion of the Sauratown Trail is closed between Pilot Mountain State Park and Coon Rd due to landowner wishes.
For more information see the following link:
http://www.sauratowntrails.org/
The N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation will conduct a prescribed burn at Pilot Mountain State Park in Surry County between mid-December and mid-January.
The burn will be conducted in upper elevations of the park’s mountain section. The public will not be allowed to enter this mountain section during the burn event, although the river section and corridor trail will remain open.
In order to minimize smoke the low-intensity, prescribed burn will only be carried out under strictly defined weather conditions of a fire management plan. On the selected day, the burn will begin in the late morning and will likely end on the same day, though smoke may be visible at high elevations in the evening.
On the day when the fire is to begin, safety signs will be posted on area roadways to alert motorists and an alert will be posted on the Pilot Mountain State Park page of the division’s website, www.ncparks.gov. For further information, call the park office at (336) 325-2355.
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The 21 mile Sauratown Trail Section connecting Pilot Mtn. State Park to Hanging Rock State park is closed to all use for hunting season. This trail is 90% on private property.Please abide by this seasonal closure to ensure this trail remains available for the public to enjoy.
ATTENTION HORSEBACK RIDERS -ALL BRIDLE TRAILS WILL BE CLOSED AFTER RAIN/ICE/SNOW
To preserve park bridle trails for your continued use and enjoyment, all trails are closed to use by horses after rain. Riding on wet trails creates hazardous areas and erodes the trail. Riding trails when wet will cause their closure for maintenance and/or their closure to bridle use. If it has rained, wait to ride another day. If you want to know the weather for Pilot Mountain State Park you may check it at this address:
http://tinyurl.com/PilotMtnWeather
Trails will be closed after .5" or more of rain. Trail conditions will be checked daily by park staff during a closure and will reopen after the trail surface has dried.
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Attention Rock Climbers
Climbing route closures: "Unnamed/P.Break" climbing route in the amphitheater has been permanently closed due to visitor use conflicts. The "Big Gully" is closed to all use (CLIMBING, HIKING, RAPPELLING, ETC.) for natural resource protection. This closure does not affect adjacent routes.
Climbers and Hikers are reminded that this area can become congested. Do not block the Ledge Springs trail with your gear, rope, dogs, or group. Pets must be attended (not tied off on a tree and left alone) and leashed while in the climbing area.
update on: 2012-01-10 15:31:47
Raven Rock State ParkBridle Trails Status;
Bridle Trails List ServeThe East Loop Bridle Trail is OPEN.
The West Loop Bridle Trail is OPEN.
Raven Rock State Park is creating a list serve for updates on the East and West Loop Bridle Trails. These updates will only be sent when the trail status changes. If you are interested in receiving emails of bridle trail status changes please call the park office and leave your preferred email address at 910-893-4888 extension 107 or email raven.rock@ncdenr.gov
Here is a list of other facilities in the surrounding areas that accommodate Horseback Riding:
Moss Foundation in Southern Pines, NC telephone: (910)695-7811
The American Tobacco Trail Wake, Chatham, and Durham Counties.
LinkUwharrie Ranger District in Troy, NC telephone: (910) 576-6391
Sandhills Gamelands telephone: (919) 281-3917
Please note that the gamelands are open to hunting on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
Little River Trails in Bunnlevel, NC telephone: (910) 893-4351
Please note that there is a $5.00 fee per horse per day
update on: 2012-01-31 16:17:25
South Mountains State ParkAttention Equestrians and long distance hikers...Fox Trail Renovations in progress:The Fox Trail is currently undergoing a significant facelift. Due to safety concerns with being in a construction area, and the fact that the old sections of trail have already begun to be closed off, the trail will be closed from the Jacob Trail intersection to the Raven Rock Trail intersection until the renovations are complete. Thank you for you patience as we try to improve our trail system.
update on: 2011-12-22 11:23:59
Stone Mountain State ParkArea Campground Info / Credit Card Info
When our campground is FULL, you may try these area campgrounds...A & C Campground, Sparta 336-372-7905; Miller's Camping, BLRI Pkwy 336-359-2828; New River Canoe & Campground, north of Sparta 336-372-8793. All have tent & RV sites. Doughton Park, BLRI Pkwy 336-372-8877, no electric (closed Nov 1 thru mid-May); Cedar Rock Campground, Traphill 336-957-8643, some water/electric hookups & one small group site.
Credit cards are only accepted at the park from 8am until 4:15pm
update on: 2012-02-02 10:08:57
William B. Umstead State ParkSycamore Road & Bike and Bridle Trailhead Construction InformationConstruction has started on Sycamore Road and Bike & Bridle Trailhead. Sycamore Road and Bike & Bridle Trailhead are closed during construction. During this time, parking will be available for horse trailers and cars at Camp Crabtree on the Glenwood/Hwy 70 side of the park. Follow signs posted in the park. Please call 919-571-4170 or stop by the Visitor Center (8am-5pm Mon-Sun) for more information or if you need directions.
update on: 2011-11-18 16:02:58