State Parks News

This page lists all state parks news releases and blogs. Use the dropdown to filter by park or section.

Helene Recovery at Grandfather Mountain State Park

North Carolina State Parks is working to reopen the Profile Trail at Grandfather Mountain State Park after damage sustained from Hurricane Helene. The trail, parking area, and campsite remain closed while the repair and recovery work continues.

Rogers Named New Superintendent at Jockey's Ridge State Park

Jockeys Ridge State Park
Steve Rogers has been selected as the new park superintendent at Jockey’s Ridge State Park in Dare County

German Promoted to Superintendent at Singletary Lake State Park

Singletary Lake State Park
Garrett German has been chosen as the new park superintendent at Singletary Lake State Park in Bladen County.

Bridge Closure on South Turkey Creek M.U.T.

William B Umstead State Park, Piedmont Region, Marketing and Communications, Engineering and Construction, Operations, Trails Program
The bridge over Crabtree Creek at William B. Umstead State Park has been removed and will need to be replaced. Hikers, mountain bicyclists, and equestrians should not utilize Ebenezer Church Road bridge due to motor vehicle traffic.

Status of Facilities as of March 13, 2026

Hammocks Beach State Park
Ferry service is closed until April; Bear Island camping is open however the bathhouse is closed and winterized until the of end of March. The mainland areas and trails are open. The boat ramp is open, and the camping at Simmons mainland is open for reservations. Bear Island is open for reservations, but you must have your own way to get to the island. There is no public docking on Bear Island and there is no beach access on the mainland.

Land Exchange Agreement to Improve Access to Umstead State Park

William B Umstead State Park, Piedmont Region, Land Protection and Acquisition
A unique land exchange agreement between the State of North Carolina and Anderson Automotive Group is set to bring much needed improvements to William B. Umstead State Park.

Make 2026 the Year You Visit Every N.C. State Park

Eric Martinez of Kernersville spent 2025 visiting every North Carolina state park, using a simple New Year’s resolution to push himself outdoors, log hundreds of trail miles, and explore the state’s incredible range of landscapes. As 2026 begins, his story is a reminder that setting a goal to visit every park is not only achievable, it might be the most rewarding resolution you make all year.

Construction Project Impacts

Falls Lake State Recreation Area
Beaverdam and Rolling View access areas remain open; all bathrooms are closed in those areas due to construction but portable toilets are available. Rolling View campgrounds and community building are closed. Closed bathrooms and facilities will be reopened once construction is completed in that area.

PARTF Meetings in 2026

Recreation Grants and Outreach
Save the dates! This is the meeting schedule for the Parks and Recreation Authority in 2026.

Status of Park Facilities at South Mountains State Park

South Mountains State Park has reopened both accesses after being closed since Hurricane Helene. Some facilities remain closed until further notice. High Shoals Falls Loop, including the waterfall viewing area, is closed.

DNCR Announces $26.5 Million in Recreation Grants from Federal Land and Water Conservation Fund

Recreation Grants and Outreach
The Land and Water Conservation Fund, a program under the federal Department of the Interior, has awarded over $26.5 million in matching grants to support outdoor recreation projects across North Carolina.

Mount Mitchell State Park Reopens Today

North Carolina State Parks, part of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, announced that Mount Mitchell State Park has reopened as of Sept. 15, 2025, for the first time since Hurricane Helene.

Mount Mitchell State Park Reopens After Hurricane Helene

Mount Mitchell State Park
Mount Mitchell State Park reopened Sept. 15, 2025, for the first time since Hurricane Helene. The reopening coincides with the Blue Ridge Parkway reopening between milepost 382 in Asheville and milepost 355.3, near the entrance to the state park. With this announcement, all North Carolina state parks are now at least partially open.

Zachary Lunn Named Haw River State Park Superintendent

Haw River State Park
Zachary Lunn has been promoted to be the new park superintendent at Haw River State Park in Rockingham and Guilford counties.

Maggie Miller Joins Robin Riddlebarger to Oversee Hanging Rock State Park

Hanging Rock State Park
Maggie Miller has been promoted to a park superintendent at Hanging Rock State Park in Stokes County.