Location: Orange County, 8 miles northwest of downtown Durham
At the park, you can find: a shallow, rocky river corridor combined with upland forests; the endangered Carolina madtom
Highlights at this access: remnants of the old Cabe Mill, quarry, rocky area of the river
Location: Watauga County, 11 miles north of Boone
You can find: Gray's lily, trailing wolfsbane, large purple-fringed orchid, and flame azalea
Highlights: the summit, offering views from one of the highest peaks in the high country; cross country skiing and snowshoeing on ungroomed trail; backpack and zone camping
Location: Camden County, at North Carolina's northeast border with Virginia
You can find: the Great Dismal Swamp and Canal, Atlantic white cedar trees, Hessel's hairstreak
Highlights: flat, easy trails for hiking and biking; unique swamp environment
Location: Cleveland County, 38 miles west of Charlotte
At the park, you can find: a wide variety of bird species from small songbirds to red-tailed hawks and turkey vultures
Highlights at this access: long hikes; bouldering; connects to Kings Mountain State Park and Kings Mountain National Military Park
Location: Rutherford County, 27 miles southeast of Asheville
At the park, you can find: peregrine falcons, rock gnome lichen, green salamanders, lampshade spiders, and white irisette
Highlights at this access: hiking through large boulder fields; bouldering and rock climbing; Rumbling Bald Mountain; free access
Location: Cumberland County, 10 miles north of Fayetteville
At the park, you can find: longleaf pine trees, red-cockaded woodpeckers, and Pine Barrens tree frogs
Highlights at this access: hiking, biking or horseback riding through longleaf pine forests; fishing at Carvers Creek and ponds
Location: Gaston County, 30 miles west of Charlotte
At the park, you can find: a wide variety of bird species from small songbirds to red-tailed hawks and turkey vultures
Highlights at this access: Crowders Mountain overlook; steep, challenging hikes; scenic views; rock climbing
Location: Gaston County, 32 miles west of Charlotte
At the park, you can find: a wide variety of bird species from small songbirds to red-tailed hawks and turkey vultures
Highlights at this access: the Pinnacle overlook; easy to strenuous hikes; lake; visitor center; backpack camping
Location: Wayne County, 15 miles southeast of Goldsboro
You can find: the 90-foot bluffs rising above the Neuse River and eastern fox squirrels
Highlights: hiking through longleaf restoration areas and along creeks; swimming lake with boat rentals; full hook-up RV camping; paddling on the Neuse River
Location: Rutherford County, 25 miles southeast of Asheville
At the park, you can find: peregrine falcons, rock gnome lichen, green salamanders, lampshade spiders, and white irisette
Highlights at this access: the Chimney; elevator inside a mountain; Hickory Nut Falls; scenic views along strenuous trails; paid admission