Topics Related to Park Features

Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area

Location: Orange County, 15 miles northwest of downtown Durham

You can find: mountain laurel; the rare brown elfin butterfly

Highlights: hiking through quiet forests; Occoneechee Mountain overlooks with great views of sunsets and the Eno River; fishing ponds; picnic areas; geologic formations, including a rock quarry

New River State Park – Elk Shoals Access

Location: Ashe County, 27 miles northeast of BooneAt the park, you can find: 26.5 miles of the New River; the hellbender salamander; 14 rare and threatened species of floraHighlights at this access: Chapel on the New facility rental; southernmost access of the state park

New River State Park – Kings Creek Access

Location: Alleghany County, 39 miles northeast of Boone

At the park, you can find: 26.5 miles of the New River; the hellbender salamander; 14 rare and threatened species of flora

Highlights at this access: closest paddling access to Alleghany paddle-in campsites; northernmost parking area of the state park; picnicking

New River State Park – Wagoner Access

Location: Ashe County, 31 miles northeast of Boone

At the park, you can find: 26.5 miles of the New River; the hellbender salamander; 14 rare and threatened species of flora

Highlights at this access: backpack or paddle-in camping to Riverbend/Peaks area; also has walk-in or paddle-in campsites at the access

New River State Park – U.S. 221 Access

Location: Ashe County, 36 miles northeast of Boone

At the park, you can find: 26.5 miles of the New River; the hellbender salamander; 14 rare and threatened species of flora

Highlights at this access: full hook-up RV camping; walk-in or paddle-in backpack camping; visitor center; easy to moderate hiking; community building

Mount Mitchell State Park

Location: Yancey County, 32 miles northeast of AshevilleYou can find: the tallest mountain on the East Coast and fraser firsHighlights: the observation deck, with unmatched views on a clear day; backpacking and hiking access into Pisgah and other peaks in the Black Mountains

Mount Jefferson State Natural Area

Location: Ashe County, 26 miles northeast of Boone

You can find: Luther Rock and over 700 species of plants

Highlights: drive-up overlooks along the park road, showcasing great views; annual downhill skateboarding event; moderate to strenuous hikes

Morrow Mountain State Park

Location: Stanly County, 51 miles north of Charlotte

You can find: Morrow Mountain, one of the highest peak in the Uwharries, and bald eagles spotted from Lake Tillery

Highlights: hiking and bridle trails; Lake Tillery and the Yadkin River; Kron House; CCC structures, including the poolhouse; boat rentals

Mayo River State Park – Mayodan Access

Location: Rockingham County, 35 miles north of Greensboro

At the park, you can find: the Mayo River and the great blue heron

Highlights at this access: fishing; paddling into the Dan River

Mayo River State Park – Hickory Creek Access

Location: Rockingham County, 45 miles north of Greensboro

At the park, you can find: the Mayo River and the great blue heron

Highlights at this access: Hickory Creek; fishing; hiking