Topics Related to Park Features

Hanging Rock State Park – Main Access

Location: Stokes County, 32 miles north of Winston-Salem

At this park, you can find: rock outcroppings with scenic vistas, Schweinitz's sunflower, and Wehrle's salamander

Highlights at this access: hiking to Hanging Rock, Wolf Rock, Moore's Knob and three waterfalls; CCC structures; park lake; camping; cabins; visitor center

Hammocks Beach State Park

Location: Onslow County, 19 miles east of Jacksonville

You can find: Bear Island, a 4-mile-long, undeveloped barrier island, and sea turtle nests, including loggerhead turtles, who nest above the high tide line at the island

Highlights: Beach camping (backpack via ferry or paddle-in); seasonal ferry; paddle trails

Grandfather Mountain State Park

Location: Avery County, 13 miles southwest of Boone

You can find: over 70 species of rare, threatened and endangered plants and animals

Highlights: Grandfather Profile; backcountry camping; free hiking access to more than 13 miles of trail

Gorges State Park – Frozen Creek Access

Location: Transylvania County, near the NC/SC/GA tripoint

At this park, you can find: 26 remote waterfalls and over 8,000 acres of temperate rainforest that host extraordinary biodiversity

Highlights at this access: free backcountry camping; multiuse trails; access to the Foothills Trail and Lake Jocassee

Gorges State Park – Grassy Ridge Access

Location: Transylvania County, near the NC/SC/GA tripoint

At this park, you can find: 26 remote waterfalls and over 8,000 acres of temperate rainforest that host extraordinary biodiversity

Highlights at this access: Upper Bearwallow Falls; visitor center; modern family campground

Goose Creek State Park

Location: Beaufort County, 34 miles southeast of Greenville

You can find: a large live oak tree with branches hanging over the Pamlico River, great blue herons, and green tree frogs

Highlights: Pamlico River and Goose Creek; full hook-up RV camping; camper cabins; swamp boardwalk; butterfly garden

Fort Macon State Park

Location: Carteret County, 39 miles southeast of New Bern

You can find: a restored 19th century-era fort, diverse barrier island habitat, and birds such as the painted bunting

Highlights: daily tours; cannon and musket demonstrations; exhibits; beach access

Fort Fisher State Recreation Area

Location: New Hanover County, 18 miles south of Wilmington

You can find: loggerhead sea turtles, salt marsh, and an observation deck with views of Zeke's Island

Highlights: four-wheel-drive beach; surf fishing; 24-hour pedestrian beach access; nearby boat ramp

Falls Lake State Recreation Area – Shinleaf Campground

Location: Wake County, 17 miles north of downtown Raleigh

At the park, you can find: 12,000-acre Falls Lake reservoir and monarch butterflies in the spring and fall

Highlights at this access: backpack camping with access to Falls Lake Trail (Mountains-to-Sea State Trail); drive-in group camping

Falls Lake State Recreation Area – Holly Point Campground

Location: Wake County, 18 miles north of Raleigh

At the park, you can find: 12,000-acre Falls Lake reservoir and monarch butterflies in the spring and fall

Highlights at this access: tent, trailer and RV camping; campers-only boat ramp, swim beach and hiking trail