State Parks News

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

North Carolina Celebrates 50th Anniversary of National Natural Landmarks

Jockeys Ridge State Park, Mount Jefferson State Natural Area, Mount Mitchell State Park, Pilot Mountain State Park, Stone Mountain State Park, William B Umstead State Park, Coastal Plain Region, Piedmont Region, Mountain Region
The N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation announced today that six division sites are celebrating their 50th anniversary as National Natural Landmarks (NNL) as designated by the Secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior.

North Carolina State Parks to Offer 'Kayaking 101' Classes with American Canoe Association, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary

Carolina Beach State Park, Falls Lake State Recreation Area, Hammocks Beach State Park, Hanging Rock State Park, Jockeys Ridge State Park, Jones Lake State Park, Lake James State Park, Lake Norman State Park, Merchants Millpond State Park, Morrow Mountain State Park, Pilot Mountain State Park, Raleigh Office, Marketing and Communications, Interpretation and Education
Carolina Beach, Hammocks Beach, Hanging Rock, Jockey's Ridge, Jones Lake, Lake James, Lake Norman, Morrow Mountain, and Pilot Mountain state parks; Falls Lake State Recreation Area; and Salmon Creek State Natural Area are hosting the paddling instruction events for National Safe Boating Week 2024.

Two NC State Parks to Host 'Poetry in the Park' Events in April for National Poetry Month

Eno River State Park, Lake Norman State Park, Raleigh Office, Marketing and Communications, Interpretation and Education
Lake Norman State Park will host an event on Saturday, April 20, and Eno River State Park on Saturday, April 27.

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.

Public Notice: State Parks and Innovative Readiness Training Program

Mountain Region, Operations
The North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation is providing an opportunity for public comment on a collaboration with the U.S. Department of Defense.

State Parks System Grew in Visitation, Size in 2023

Raleigh Office, Marketing and Communications, Land Protection and Acquisition, Operations
The North Carolina state parks system welcomed more than 20.1 million visitors in 2023 and ended the year with a total of 262,074 acres.

Bean Shoals Access at Pilot Mountain State Park to Close for Construction

Pilot Mountain State Park, Piedmont Region, Engineering and Construction, Natural Resources, Operations
The access at Bean Shoals in Pilot Mountain State Park will be improved by a construction project that includes three new bridges and a stream restoration.

PARTF Meetings in 2024

Recreation Grants and Outreach
Save the dates! This is the meeting schedule for the Parks and Recreation Authority in 2024.

Planning Your Visit

Pilot Mountain State Park
The road to the summit will be open daily, depending on available parking space and road conditions. Expect delays on weekends and holidays. To avoid this, plan to visit the park during the week or early in the morning or later in the evening.

Matt Windsor Takes the Helm at Goose Creek State Park

Goose Creek State Park, Operations, Coastal Plain Region
Matt Windsor has been named as the new superintendent at Goose Creek State Park in Beaufort County.

Gorges State Park Campground to Temporarily Close

Gorges State Park, Natural Resources, Operations, Mountain Region
The campground at Gorges State Park will be closed through at least November 16 due to black bear activity in the area.

Bryan Wilder Named Superintendent at Elk Knob State Park

Elk Knob State Park, Operations, Mountain Region
Bryan Wilder has been promoted as the superintendent of Elk Knob State Park in Watauga County.

First Lady Kristin Cooper, Audubon Join NC State Parks to Celebrate New Native Plants Policy

Jockeys Ridge State Park, Natural Resources, Coastal Plain Region
Jockey's Ridge State Park is celebrating Native Plants Week 2023 with a visit from First Lady Kristin Cooper, Audubon North Carolina, and Department of Natural and Cultural Resources Secretary Reid Wilson.

Avis Promoted to Lead NC State Parks' South District

Carvers Creek State Park, Crowders Mountain State Park, Jones Lake State Park, Jordan Lake State Recreation Area, Lake Norman State Park, Lake Waccamaw State Park, Lumber River State Park, Morrow Mountain State Park, Raven Rock State Park, Singletary Lake State Park, Weymouth Woods Sandhills Nature Preserve, Operations, Coastal Plain Region, Piedmont Region
M. Scott Avis has been named as the new south district superintendent, overseeing 11 parks in the North Carolina state parks system.

State Parks Prescribed Burner of the Year Awarded to Ranger Anderson, Carolina Beach State Park Staff

Carolina Beach State Park, Natural Resources, Operations
The annual award was presented at the North Carolina Prescribed Fire Council annual conference in Wilmington.