New River State Park is continuing recovery efforts post-Hurricane Helene. Some accesses and campsites are open while others remain closed.
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Lake James State Park has reopened most facilities, but there are some ongoing closures due to Hurricane Helene damage. Park staff are conducting assessments at the Paddy's Creek swim beach area to determine a reopening timeline.
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.
Hammocks Beach State Park
Ferry service, campsites, and all facilities at Bear Island will open on May 14, 2025. The mainland areas are open. The boat ramp is open, and the Simmons Mainland Campground is open for reservations. There is no public docking on Bear Island and there is no beach access on the mainland.
Recreation Grants and Outreach
Save the dates! This is the meeting schedule for the Parks and Recreation Authority in 2025.
Bobs Creek State Natural Area, Chimney Rock State Park, Crowders Mountain State Park, Elk Knob State Park, Gorges State Park, Grandfather Mountain State Park, Lake James State Park, Lake Norman State Park, Mount Jefferson State Natural Area, Mount Mitchell State Park, New River State Park, Pisgah View State Park, Rendezvous Mountain, South Mountains State Park, Stone Mountain State Park, Mountain Region, Marketing and Communications, Office of the Director, Operations
State Parks Director Brian Strong provides additional information on post-Helene rescue and recovery efforts and the status of western state parks.
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.
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.
Recreation Grants and Outreach
Save the dates! This is the meeting schedule for the Parks and Recreation Authority in 2024.
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.
Carolina Beach State Park, Natural Resources, Operations
The annual award was presented at the North Carolina Prescribed Fire Council annual conference in Wilmington.
Gorges State Park, Interpretation and Education, Natural Resources
The state park is in the migratory path of the butterfly's annual migration to Mexico.
Jockeys Ridge State Park
Bowman was selected by a unanimous vote of the friends group's board of directors.
Hammocks Beach State Park, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, And Access, Interpretation and Education, Land Protection and Acquisition, Natural Resources
The Office of State Archaeology is holding a town hall meeting to discuss a federally funded project that will conduct survey and research at Hammocks Beach State Park.
Hammocks Beach State Park, Interpretation and Education
Ranger Jake Vitak at Hammocks Beach State Park was recognized by the Division for his exemplary efforts in providing a kayak safety course as part of a partnership with the American Canoe Association and several other agencies.