Location: Ashe County, 26 miles northeast of Boone
You can find: Luther Rock and over 700 species of plants
Highlights: drive-up overlooks along the park road, showcasing great views; annual downhill skateboarding event; moderate to strenuous hikes
Location: Burke County, 50 miles east of Asheville
At the park, you can find: Lake James and its resident bald eagles
Highlights at this access: 24-hour boat ramp; easy put-in access to paddle-in campsites (reservations required) on Long Arm peninsula
Location: McDowell County, 50 miles east of Asheville
At the park, you can find: Lake James and its resident bald eagles
Highlights at this access: boat ramp
Location: McDowell County, 50 miles east of Asheville
At the park, you can find: Lake James and its resident bald eagles
Highlights at this access: Sandy Cliff and Lake Channel overlooks; walk-in backpack camping; large group rental that includes picnic shelter and swimming area
Location: Burke County, 50 miles east of Asheville
At the park, you can find: Lake James and its resident bald eagles
Highlights at this access: wooden bridge; bike trails; swim beach; boat rentals; drive-in camping; paddle-in camping to Long Arm peninsula; access to Fonta Flora and Overmountain Victory state trails
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
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
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
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: 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