Press Releases

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.

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.
Hanging Rock State Park
Maggie Miller has been promoted to a park superintendent at Hanging Rock State Park in Stokes County.
Jordan Lake State Recreation Area
Bryan Cox returns to be a park superintendent at Jordan Lake State Recreation Area in Chatham County.
Kerr Lake State Recreation Area
Kecia Perkinson has been promoted to be a park superintendent at Kerr Lake State Recreation Area in Vance and Warren counties.
Today, Governor Josh Stein announced that the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources has awarded nearly $11 million to trail development and restoration projects in the Piedmont. The General Assembly authorized these funds as part of the Great Trails State Program.
Today, Governor Josh Stein announced that the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources has awarded more than $2.6 million to trail development and restoration projects in eastern North Carolina. These funds were authorized by the General Assembly as part of the Great Trails State Program.
Today, Governor Josh Stein announced that the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources has awarded more than $11 million authorized by the General Assembly in grants to communities and nonprofits in western North Carolina from Great Trails State Program funding. This announcement comes during Governor and First Lady Stein’s week exploring the unforgettable mountains of western North Carolina, supporting small businesses, and showcasing all that the region has to offer travelers.
Chimney Rock State Park
The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources and N.C. State Parks announced today that Chimney Rock State Park and the Chimney Rock attraction will reopen to visitors on Friday, June 27, exactly nine months after Hurricane Helene devastated the surrounding communities.
Planning, Trails Program
The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources’ Division of Parks and Recreation is seeking input on the Equine State Trail Master Plan. The master plan will be a 20-year plan that identifies a 10-mile-wide corridor for the trail.