Ranger Workshop - Black Bears
December 16, 2026, 2pm - 3:30pm
Become more Bear Wise and learn all about black bears’ physical features, behavioral patterns, and how they change with age. We will also learn about prevention methods for both backcountry and rural settings, alongside what to do if you encounter a bear in either setting.
Ranger Workshop - Campfire Baking
November 10, 2026, 2pm - 3:30pm
Ranger Workshop - Haunted High Country
October 28, 2026, 2pm - 3:30pm
The High Country is filled with ghost stories and unexplained encounters. What stories have you been told? Come carve some Jack-o-Lanterns and share some spooky high country stories with us. This program will be at The Park at Seven Devils. This is a Ranger Workshop with The Town of Seven Devils.
Ranger Workshop - Fall Color Walk
September 30, 2026, 2pm - 3:30pm
Ranger Workshop - Backyard Birding
August 12, 2026, 9am - 10:30am
Join us at The Park at Seven Devils for some backyard birding! Birding is an activity that can be done by anyone at any age. Most birders start out by identifying common birds found at their backyard bird feeders.
Ranger Workshop - Stream Ecology
Join us as we hike down to Otter Falls (1.2 miles round trip) to learn about how living and non-living things interact in mountain streams. What are all of those insects and other critters swimming and crawling through the creek? We will catch and identify what type of creature they are and what these species could tell us about water quality. Nets will be provided.
All North Carolina state parks west of Interstate 77 are closed through at least Oct. 31.
Crowders Mountain, Gorges, Grandfather Mountain and Lake Norman state parks, as well as Rendezvous Mountain, will reopen at least partially on Nov. 1.
Elk Knob, Lake James, New River, and Stone Mountain state parks will reopen at least partially on Nov. 15; three parks will remain closed until further notice and face long-term closures: Chimney Rock, Mount Mitchell, and South Mountains.
Joseph Hiatt has been promoted to park superintendent of Yellow Mountain State Natural Area in Avery and Mitchell counties.