Take A Hike

Click here to see full details on what is open at each park

Phase 2 has been extended in North Carolina until at least September 11, 2020.

Currently, most trails and restrooms are open. Several boat ramps are open. Most campsites, with the exception of group campsites and group camps, are open.

All camping reservations must be done online. There are no walk-up reservations. Visitors must book online by 9:00 p.m. the day of their reservation. (The only exceptions are backcountry campsites with self-registration boxes at trailheads. Please check the park pages regarding this for more information.)

All inland swim beaches and swim areas are CLOSED. This includes the swim beaches at: Cliffs of the Neuse, Goose Creek, Hanging Rock, Jones Lake, Lake James, and Lake Norman state parks; the swim piers at Lake Waccamaw, Pettigrew, and Singletary Lake state parks; and all swim areas at Falls Lake, Jordan Lake, and Kerr Lake state recreation areas.

Visitor centers, playgrounds, exhibits, meeting rooms, community buildings, and retail areas are also closed. There are no facility rentals available, including picnic shelters. There are no equipment rentals and concessions available.

When you're at the park:

Maintain a social distance of 6 feet, regardless of the behavior of others

Bring a mask or face covering; they are required to be worn when social distancing cannot be implemented

Share the trail — warn other trail users of your presence, step to the side or wait at the end of a bridge

Do not enter restrooms until others have cleared out and please be patient when staff is cleaning them

Touch as few surfaces as possible

Wash or sanitize your hands before, during, and after your visit

Do not share equipment like phones or cameras with other visitors

If the park seems crowded when you arrive, come back another time

Stay at home if you are exhibiting symptoms

Thank you for following these guidelines and helping us keep you, your fellow visitors and our staff safe as we open facilities at our parks.

Posted on: Thursday, August 13, 2020 - 9:24am

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.

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Click here to see full details on what is open at each park

When you're at the park:

Take A Hike

Take A Hike

Backpack Tips