Alerts

Statewide Alert
WINTER WEATHER ALERT
Due to snow/ice accumulation, flooding or other hazardous conditions, some state parks and facilities may be closed. Before your visit, be sure to check the specific park's Web page for current conditions or call the park office. (2/8/10)
update on: 2010-02-08 09:02:44

Carolina Beach State Park
Marina Closed Due to Renovations / Change in Camping Registration Process
Marina Closed:The marina complex (boat basin, fuel dock, boat ramps, and store) will be closed beginning December 1, 2008 to begin a dredging and renovation project. Construction is expected to be completed in August 2010.

Change in Camping Registration Process: During the time the marina is closed, campers must register for campsites at the visitor center office.
update on: 2010-01-25 04:01:36

Chimney Rock State Park
Possible Winter Weather Closures
Due to changing weather conditions during the winter months, operations and public access at Chimney Rock State Park may be affected. Hazardous conditions, such as icy trails, falling ice, and high winds, may develop, and portions or all of the park may be closed for visitor safety.

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: 2010-02-08 08:02:42

Cliffs of the Neuse State Park
Trails flooded
Due to the amount of rain over the last few days, the access to the Bird and Galax trail is flooded.

The lower part of the Spanish Moss trail is now clear, but may become flooded later in the week if the river rises.
update on: 2010-02-08 12:02:23

Crowders Mountain State Park
All trails are currently open.
All trails and access areas are currently open. Some trails and rocks are still icy and dangerous, so please use caution when hiking.
update on: 2010-02-04 08:02:21

Elk Knob State Park
Snow Covered Roads
Elk Knob is open, however roads in the park are snow and ice covered. If planning to hike the park's trail be sure to dress appropriately for the cold and note that there are snow drifts on the trail. If traveling to the park, four wheel drive vehicles with chains are strongly recommended. Secondary roads leading to the park are steep and are snow/ice covered.
update on: 2010-02-05 08:02:56

Falls Lake State Recreation Area
Area closures / Reservations
Due to high water some park facilities may be closed. Please contact the park office for current conditions.


Sandling Beach will close for the season on October 15 and will re-open April 1, 2010.

Shinleaf and Hollypoint will close for the winter on November 1 and will re-open on March 15, 2010.

Rolling View Loops B and C are closed for the winter and will re-open on 3/15/2010

BW Wells Group sites 6 - 11 will close for the winter on 11/15/09 and re-open on 3/15/2010. Sites 12, 13 and 14 will be closed into 2010 for site restoration.




update on: 2010-02-08 09:02:03

Gorges State Park
Park Conditions
Gorges State Park is open. Visitors are advised to use extreme caution on park trails due to wet, snow covered slippery conditions. Park roads are clear, drivers are advised to be careful as icy conditions may occur when temperatures fall below freezing. Updated 02/08/2010
update on: 2010-02-08 08:02:13

Grandfather Mountain State Park
Trails Are Closed
Due to storm damage from the ice and snow, and to changing weather conditions, trails will be closed until further notice.
update on: 2010-02-05 08:02:39

Hammocks Beach State Park
Attention: No Facilities on Bear Island Until May, 2010. Camping and all areas but around Bogue and Bear Inlets will be closed during the month of April, 2010. Ferry Service to resume in May, 2010.
Facilities on Bear Island have been winterized and are closed until May 1, 2010. The bathhouse, restrooms, and all potable water have been shut off. Bear Island will be open and camping permitted until April 1, 2010 but campers must bring all necessities with them including drinking water. From April 1, 2010 through April 30, 2010 the North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation has arranged for the path from the ferry dock to the bathhouse to be paved. This project will necessitate the closing of Bear Island with the exception of the areas around Bogue Inlet and Bear Inlet. Camping will not be permitted during the month of April, 2010. Ferry service is scheduled to resume for the 2010 season in May. Please contact the park office with questions.
update on: 2010-01-21 08:01:23

Haw River State Park
Haw River State Park Master Plan Draft is available for public comment
Please select the following link to review the Haw River Master Plan Draft.
update on: 2010-02-03 10:02:18

Hanging Rock State Park
Rock Climbing Area Closures and Trail Conditions
The north end of Moore's Wall is closed to rock climbing due to Peregrine Falcon nesting and is expected to reopen June 1.

All hiking trails are covered in snow and ice. Ice covered trees are blocking many trails. Hiking is difficult. Proper cold weather clothing, footwear, and fitness is essential.
update on: 2010-02-08 02:02:06

Jordan Lake State Recreation Area
All Boat Ramps are closed due to high water Ebenezer day use closed due to repairs.
All Boat Ramps are closed until further notice due to high water. Poplar Point Campground has limited sites still available. Ebenezer day use is closed due to repairs. Seaforth and Newhope day use are open.

Water is shut off to individual camp sites Please ask park staff upon entrance to the camp grounds for the availability of freeze proof spigots that will allow you to fill your tanks. Water is on in the shower houses.
Crosswinds and Parkers Creek Campgrounds Closed for the season. White Oak Day use Closed for the season. White Oak Shelter by reservation only.
update on: 2010-02-08 03:02:49

Kerr Lake State Recreation Area
KELA Closures Due to Flooding
The lake level is currently 307.3' m.s.l. and more rain has been forecasted for 2/5 and 2/6. The following Kerr Lake State Recreation Area boat ramps are closed due to high water: Bullocksville, JC Cooper, Nutbush North, and Nutbush South. In addition, several campsites are impacted as well. Campsites 30,32,33,37,38,39,40 and 41 at JC Cooper and campsites 57,88,95,102 and 109 at Nutbush are unusable. Also, bridges on the following roads are closed: Anderson Creek Rd., Jacksontown Rd., and Nutbush Rd.

update on: 2010-02-04 06:02:15

Lake Norman State Park
Park Roads Re-opened
As of 2:45 pm on Wed., Feb 3rd, the park roads are re-opened.
update on: 2010-02-03 02:02:03

Lake Waccamaw State Park
Bridge Replacement May Cause Delays
NC Department of Transportation will be replacing two bridges on Bella Coola Rd. at Big Creek and Mainline Canal. Construction on these projects is ongoing and could result in short delays for motorists. The park will remain open and operate as normal.
update on: 2010-01-06 10:01:05

Medoc Mountain State Park
Canoe rentals are not available. Season is from May until September
Horse trails are not open at this time due to weather.2/05/2010
update on: 2010-02-05 03:02:23

Mount Jefferson State Natural Area
Winter Road Status
The park road and trails are currently closed to vehicles and foot traffic due to ice and snow.
update on: 2010-02-08 09:02:42

Mount Mitchell State Park
Winter Access and Black Bear Awareness
NOTE: The Blue Ridge Parkway approach to Mount Mitchell from the Asheville area (south of the park) is closed for the winter. Access from NC 80 to the north can be closed on short notice due to weather. If in doubt, call the park office for current conditions before your visit. Daily-updated road closure information can also be obtained on the Blue Ridge Parkway information line at (828)298-0398 24 hrs. a day.

Severe winter 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.


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 Safety
You 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.

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.
update on: 2010-02-09 07:02:57

Morrow Mountain State Park
CLOSINGS affect boathouse, trails, museum
Extensive flooding has damaged the boathouse which is likely to remain closed through 2010.

Public access to parts of Falls Mountain Trail is blocked due to flood damage.

Morrow Mountain State Park museum is closed until early summer 2010 for renovations.
update on: 2010-02-09 08:02:57

New River State Park
Park Winter Hours
The bathhouses at the Wagoner Road Access primitive campground and the US 221 Access primitive campground will be closed November 2, 2009 and will re-open April 1, 2009. The pit toilet at each location will be available for use.King's Creek Access will close on Sunday November 1, 2009 and will reopen April 1, 2010
update on: 2010-02-05 10:02:36

Pettigrew State Park
Lake Level Normal
The boat ramps are open to all boats.
update on: 2010-02-03 02:02:48

Pilot Mountain State Park
PARK CLOSED TO ALL USE DUE TO ICE STORM DAMAGE
Due to 5" of snow and freezing rain during the morning of Friday, 2/5/10 Pilot Mountain State park remains closed due to hazardous conditions.

A large number of trees are down on park roads and trails. The park will remain closed to all use, including hiking until the roadways and trails can be cleared of ice and fallen trees. This alert message will be updated to announce the park being reopened once conditions can be made safe. Thank you for your patience.

All Bridle trails will remain closed after the ice melts until the trail surface dries out. Horseback riding during wet conditions damages the trails and causes severe erosion. To ensure that these trails are available for your continued use, please abide by this temporary closure.
update on: 2010-02-07 05:02:41

Raven Rock State Park
Bridle Trail Conditions - Too Wet for Riding; Family Wilderness closed for winter; Temporary Trailhead Change for Campbell Creek Loop Trail; Construction of Visitors Center in Progress
Bridle Trail Conditions:
The bridle trails are currently too wet for riding. For the safety of riders and horses, as well as the prevention of trail damage, please do not ride the trails until drying has occurred. Remember that horses are allowed only on designated bridle trails. Riding on the power line easement, closed sections of the old West Loop, or areas other than designated bridle trails is unlawful. Hikers are allowed to walk on bridle trails, but should yield the trail when riders approach.
The new parking area is now complete. The parking area has been expanded and includes a new entrance and new exit for easier parking and turning. As a reminder - if you bring dogs they must be on a leash and under control at all times.

The Family Wilderness Camp is closed for winter and will reopen March 15, 2010.

Campbell Creek Loop Trail Detour:
Campbell Creek Loop Trail head has been temporarily rerouted to begin behind the park office. Please park by the park office to access the trail head.

New Visitor Center Construction:
Construction on the new Visitor's Center and new picnic shelter for Raven Rock State Park is in progress. Completion is anticipated for February 2010.


update on: 2010-02-06 01:02:01

South Mountains State Park
Equestrian Campers & Visitors
Park Alert: Due to a water leak, the Equestrian Camping area is closed until further notice.

Visitors: The restrooms at the Jacob Fork parking area will be closed for remodeling until further notice. Restrooms with running water are available at the park Visitor Center.
update on: 2010-02-01 06:02:55

Stone Mountain State Park
Bridle Trail & Group Camping
Bridle Trail.....Warning! Area contains hazards associated with rocks, steep slopes, and cliffs. Injury or death possible. Stay on marked trail.

Group Camping...The group camping area is closed until further notice(may reopen 2011)due to construction.
update on: 2010-02-08 10:02:20

William B. Umstead State Park
All facilities now open.
All areas of the park are now open.
update on: 2010-02-07 09:02:11