Welcome to North Carolina State Natural Areas! Seventeen natural areas from the mountains to the sea are available for you to enjoy. With a diversity of recreational activities available in addition to a variety of educational opportunities, we also preserve what's best about North Carolina. It's easy to see why we're naturally wonderful.
The North Carolina State Natural Areas exist for the enjoyment, education, health and inspiration of all our citizens and visitors. The mission of the state parks system is to conserve and protect representative examples of the natural beauty, ecological features and recreational resources of statewide significance; to provide outdoor recreational opportunities in a safe and healthy environment; and to provide environmental education opportunities that promote stewardship of the state's natural heritage.