Press Releases

William B Umstead State Park, Piedmont Region, Land Protection and Acquisition
A unique land exchange agreement between the State of North Carolina and Anderson Automotive Group is set to bring much needed improvements to William B. Umstead State Park.
Recreation Grants and Outreach
The Land and Water Conservation Fund, a program under the federal Department of the Interior, has awarded over $26.5 million in matching grants to support outdoor recreation projects across North Carolina.

North Carolina State Parks, part of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, announced that Mount Mitchell State Park has reopened as of Sept. 15, 2025, for the first time since Hurricane Helene.

Haw River State Park
Zachary Lunn has been promoted to be the new park superintendent at Haw River State Park in Rockingham and Guilford counties.
Hanging Rock State Park
Maggie Miller has been promoted to a park superintendent at Hanging Rock State Park in Stokes County.
Jordan Lake State Recreation Area
Bryan Cox returns to be a park superintendent at Jordan Lake State Recreation Area in Chatham County.
Kerr Lake State Recreation Area
Kecia Perkinson has been promoted to be a park superintendent at Kerr Lake State Recreation Area in Vance and Warren counties.
Today, Governor Josh Stein announced that the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources has awarded nearly $11 million to trail development and restoration projects in the Piedmont. The General Assembly authorized these funds as part of the Great Trails State Program.
Today, Governor Josh Stein announced that the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources has awarded more than $2.6 million to trail development and restoration projects in eastern North Carolina. These funds were authorized by the General Assembly as part of the Great Trails State Program.
Today, Governor Josh Stein announced that the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources has awarded more than $11 million authorized by the General Assembly in grants to communities and nonprofits in western North Carolina from Great Trails State Program funding. This announcement comes during Governor and First Lady Stein’s week exploring the unforgettable mountains of western North Carolina, supporting small businesses, and showcasing all that the region has to offer travelers.