Ascend the ridge and take in the scenery. Learn more about dune life and just how unique the park really is. The panoramic view will be memorable.
New N.C. State Parks website launches on August 30
Posted on: Monday, August 15, 2022 - 3:26pm |
Take A Hike

Take A Hike
Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. - John Muir
I have two doctors, my left leg and my right. - G.M. Trevelyan
Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting. So...get on your way. - Dr. Suess
Backpack Tips
According to an REI article, packing can be broken down into three zones, plus peripheral storage:
Visualize stacking cordwood. You’re laying down rows, not building columns: Fill nooks and crannies until you have a solid, stable load—and be sure weight is equally balanced on each side. Tighten compression straps to streamline your load and prevent it from shifting as you hike.
Guided Hikes
Join a Park Ranger at the Flytrap Trail for a hike along the trails. We will discuss the different types of carnivorous plants we have including the Venus Flytrap. Also, learn about different habitats that exist within Carolina Beach State Park and how each habitat affects the plants and animals that call the park home.
Join park staff on a moderate 0.75 mile hike along the Balsam Nature Trail to learn about the ecology and natural history of the unique spruce-fir forest ecology specific to Mt. Mitchell, the highest peak in the East and North Carolina's first state park.
Come see what is blooming late summer in the mountains. Meet at the park office.
Join a ranger for a hike at the Sandhills access to learn more about this valuable ecosystem. Walk 1.5 miles around the wiregrass loop and learn more about what keeps this landscape thriving and its importance. Please register in advance. Sandhills Address: 995 McCloskey Road, Fayetteville, NC 28390
Come join Ranger Hill on a guided hike to upper bear wallow falls. We will be talking about the important historic achievements that lead to creation of Gorges State Park. Be prepared for a .8-mile hike!
Join park staff on a moderate 0.75 mile hike along the Balsam Nature Trail to learn about the ecology and natural history of the unique spruce-fir forest ecology specific to Mt. Mitchell, the highest peak in the East and North Carolina's first state park.
World honeybee day is this weekend! Come out and learn about the vital role that honeybees and other pollinators play in our ecosystem. We will be doing a short hike and seeing if we can spot some honeybees or any other pollinators.
Put your knowledge of local flora to the test! Join park staff for a tree and plant ID hike along the Three Rivers Trail. The floodplain habitat along Lake Tillery is an excellent area for all kinds of vegetation and wildlife too.
Join a Park Ranger and learn about the invasive plants that can be found at Eno River. We’ll hike a trail to identify them, discuss their origins and discover their negative impacts on the ecosystem. Limit 15