Due to declared state of emergency in various counties, beach closures and continued crowding that does not adhere to social distancing guidelines, the following parks are closed (underlined parks are newly closed as of Monday, March 30):
Carvers Creek State Park
Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park (Eagle Rock and Rumbling Bald accesses are open)
Cliffs of the Neuse State Park
Crowders Mountain State Park
Dismal Swamp State Park
Elk Knob State Park
Eno River State Park
Falls Lake State Recreation Area
Fort Fisher State Recreation Area
Fort Macon State Park
Gorges State Park
Grandfather Mountain State Park
Hanging Rock State Park
Lake James State Park
Lake Waccamaw State Park
Lumber River State Park
Morrow Mountain State Park
Mount Jefferson State Natural Area
Mount Mitchell State Park
New River State Park
Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area
Pilot Mountain State Park
Raven Rock State Park
South Mountains State Park
Stone Mountain State Park
William B. Umstead State Park
Day-use
Most trails at the parks not listed above are open. All restrooms are CLOSED. Most boat ramps and fishing are open, at the discretion of park staff. Visitor centers, park offices, picnic shelters, and community buildings are closed. Some parks may also limit parking areas and access to typically crowded areas. All state parks will close at sunset every day.
All events and programs at state parks have been canceled until further notice.
Camping
All campgrounds are closed until at least April 30. Reservation system staff will contact campers with existing reservations to issue full refunds in the order of their reservation date. Please be patient; campers are advised not to call the reservations number at this time, as staff are currently inundated with phone calls.
A message from the Director of State Parks
North Carolina State Parks are part of the fabric of North Carolina, preserving some of the most iconic features of our state. We have made the closures listed above with the safety and well-being of our visitors and staff in mind.
If you are sick or experiencing symptoms consistent with the COVID-19 virus, please postpone your visit to North Carolina state parks.
We will continue to monitor the situation with COVID-19 in North Carolina and worldwide to ensure we are following the best protocols for the safety of those who visit our parks. We will update our website when new information becomes available. If you visit a park, please follow social distancing guidelines by keeping a distance of 6 feet or more between you and other visitors.
Tips for visiting parks:
Use the restroom prior to coming to the park. All restrooms at parks are closed.
Do not take group pictures that violate social distancing guidelines.
Do not share your camera with others to take pictures.
Dogs MUST be kept on a leash — violators will be cited.
Do not touch other visitors' pets or allow yours to be touched.
Employ social distancing when enjoying scenic venues.
Come to the park early or in the middle of the week to avoid the largest crowds.
Do not enter areas or parks that have been closed.
What you can do:
Avoid touching your face and putting your hands near your eyes, nose, or mouth.
If you're sick, stay home. If you feel well, avoid close contact with people who are sick.
When visiting state parks and everywhere else, maintain a social distance of at least 6 feet.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw it away. If you don't have a tissue, use your elbow.
Thoroughly clean surfaces you touch regularly, especially your phone and/or tablet.
Due to declared state of emergency in Stokes County and continued crowding at parks that does not adhere to social distancing guidelines, Hanging Rock State Park will be closed until further notice. This means all trails and accesses are closed and entry is prohibited at this time.
Last updated on: Thursday, March 26, 2020
Scheduled events
Hanging Rock State Park offers a variety of learning opportunities for all ages. Typically led by park rangers, these interpretive programs allow the public to gain perspective into what makes North Carolina state parks naturally wonderful.
Most of the events are free, though some require pre-registration. All give park visitors deeper insight into the natural world. Call the park office for more information.
Join the Piedmont Astronomy Club and Hanging Rock State Park for a night of stargazing, as we explore the universe through telescopic observation and kid-friendly activities! The park gate will close at 9:00pm in April. If you wish to stay later, you can but you must stay till 10:00pm. The gate will be reopened one time, so the entire group can exit as a whole. Please feel free to make reservations in our cabins or campgrounds for an overnight experience at www.ncparks.gov. In the event of cloud cover or rain, Saturday, April 25th we will be set up again! Same place and time.
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Join the Friends Of Sauratown Mountains as they host Our State Magazine at the Vade Mecum area of Hanging Rock State Park. Our State will be on site to showcase their latest March edition featuring articles about Vade Mecum and Pilot Mountain. Come by and get your FREE copy! If you fill out an application on site to get a magazine subscription, a donation is made to the Friends! The trails will be open and volunteers will be on site for exploration of this historic site. For more info contact Friends Of Sauratown Mountains president debbie.vaden@sauratownfriends.org
Date of Event:
Sat, 05/02/2020 - 9:00am
Start Location:
Vade Mecum 1105 Camp Sertoma Dr. Westfield NC 27053
Friends Of Sauratown Mountains volunteers will be on site at Vade Mecum. Trails will be open from 9-5. For more info contact FSM president debbie.vaden@sauratownfriends.org
Date of Event:
Sun, 05/03/2020 - 9:00am
Start Location:
Vade Mecum 1105 Camp Sertoma Dr. Westfield, NC 27053
