State Parks News

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

North Carolina State Parks Commemorates Juneteenth by Honoring Former Jones Lake State Park Superintendent

Jones Lake State Park, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, And Access, Operations
The Juneteenth 2023 celebration at Jones Lake State Park celebrated Dewitt Powell, the first Black superintendent of the park.

Jockey's Ridge State Park Reopens Visitor Center After Expansion, Renovations

Jockeys Ridge State Park, Engineering and Construction, Interpretation and Education, Recreation Grants and Outreach
The new visitor center at Jockey's Ridge State Park offers more space and state-of-the-art additions, after a renovation that expanded its size to 6,200 square feet.

Year of the Trail: Longleaf Pine Trail, Part 2

Carvers Creek State Park
In 2023, we will explore the trails you can find in Carvers Creek State Park, give you some tips for enjoying your hikes, and pass on some of the wisdom our ranger staff has accumulated over the years. For July, we will explore the rest of the Longleaf Pine Trail at Sandhills Access.

North Carolina Woman Who Saved Jockey's Ridge To Be Featured on Highway Historical Marker

Jockeys Ridge State Park, Interpretation and Education, Land Protection and Acquisition
Carolista Fletcher Baum, a fearless advocate for environmental preservation, will be recognized with a North Carolina Highway Historical Marker for her pivotal role in safeguarding the iconic Jockey's Ridge on the Outer Banks.

Year of the Trail: How To Stay Found in the Woods

Carvers Creek State Park
In 2023, we will explore the trails you can find in Carvers Creek State Park, give you some tips for enjoying your hikes, and pass on some of the wisdom our ranger staff has accumulated over the years. For June, we give you some tips on avoiding getting lost while hiking.

Year of the Trail: Longleaf Pine Trail

Carvers Creek State Park
In 2023, we will explore the trails you can find in Carvers Creek State Park, give you some tips for enjoying your hikes, and pass on some of the wisdom our ranger staff has accumulated over the years. For May, we will explore the Longleaf Pine Trail at Sandhills Access.

‘Kayaking 101’ Instruction to be Offered by North Carolina State Parks, American Canoe Association, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary

Carolina Beach State Park, Cliffs of the Neuse State Park, Falls Lake State Recreation Area, Hammocks Beach State Park, Hanging Rock State Park, Jockeys Ridge State Park, Jordan Lake State Recreation Area, Lake James State Park, Lake Norman State Park, Morrow Mountain State Park, Interpretation and Education, Operations

Several North Carolina state parks, in partnership with the North Carolina chapter of the American Canoe Association (ACA) and the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, will offer low-cost kayaking instruction at state parks statewide Saturday, May 20.

Year of the Trail: Wiregrass Loop Trail

Carvers Creek State Park
In 2023, we will explore the trails you can find in Carvers Creek State Park, give you some tips for enjoying your hikes, and pass on some of the wisdom our ranger staff has accumulated over the years. For April, we will explore the Wiregrass Loop Trail at the Sandhills Access.

An Update on the 100-Mile Challenge Website

A message from the North Carolina State Parks 100-Mile Challenge program

New Boat Cleaning Stations To Reduce Hydrilla Spread at Lake Waccamaw State Park

Lake Waccamaw State Park, Natural Resources
The NC Division of Parks and Recreation will now offer two boat cleaning stations at Lake Waccamaw State Park in Columbus County to hinder the spread of hydrilla and other highly invasive aquatic species.

About the Tackle Loaner Program

Cliffs of the Neuse State Park, Eno River State Park, Falls Lake State Recreation Area, Haw River State Park, Jones Lake State Park, Lumber River State Park, Mayo River State Park, Morrow Mountain State Park, New River State Park, South Mountains State Park, Stone Mountain State Park
N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission's Tackle Loaner Program allows new anglers to borrow rods, reels, and other fishing gear free of charge.

Year of the Trail: Cypress Point Loop Trail

Carvers Creek State Park
In 2023, we will explore the trails you can find in Carvers Creek State Park, give you some tips for enjoying your hikes, and pass on some of the wisdom our ranger staff has accumulated over the years. For March, we will explore the Cypress Loop Trail at the Long Valley Farm access.

Year of the Trail: Rockefeller Loop Trail

Carvers Creek State Park
In 2023, we will explore the trails you can find in Carvers Creek State Park, give you some tips for enjoying your hikes, and pass on some of the wisdom our ranger staff has accumulated over the years. Our first exploration will be the 2-mile-long Rockefeller Loop Trail at the Long Valley Farm Access.

N.C. Parks and Recreation Authority Approves $13.7 Million for State Parks Capital Improvement Projects Across North Carolina

Carolina Beach State Park, Carvers Creek State Park, Crowders Mountain State Park, Falls Lake State Recreation Area, Fort Fisher State Recreation Area, Hammocks Beach State Park, Hanging Rock State Park, Jordan Lake State Recreation Area, Mayo River State Park, Mount Jefferson State Natural Area, Mount Mitchell State Park, Recreation Grants and Outreach
The $13.7 million will fund capital improvements projects at 11 state parks.

Year of the Trail: Welcome to 2023!

Carvers Creek State Park
Carvers Creek State Park publishes a monthly newsletter centered around the year's annual theme. For the January edition, we discuss First Day Hikes and some hiking tips.