The best state parks in NC, ranked by Southern Living (some are near the Triangle)
Southern Living Magazine highlighted 13 state parks out of North Carolina’s 41 total.
“From the mountains to the sea, North Carolina state parks bless nature lovers with everything from mountain cliffs to sand dunes,” the magazine wrote.
“Here, scenic variety satisfies even the most seasoned travelers. Whether you’ve got your sights set on mountaintop hikes or you’re hoping to cool off by the water, there’s an ideal place for everyone among the state’s 41 total parks.”
Southern Living named Chimney Rock as the best among them all, citing its “majestic views” on the western end of the state.
Here’s what Southern Living said about North Carolina’s best state parks, which was published in March.
You can see the full list at southernliving.com.
Best state park in North Carolina, says Southern Living
Chimney Rock: “Southeast of Asheville along the Blue Ridge Mountains, the 315-foot spire of Chimney Rock is the main draw for this hiker’s paradise. An elevator offers an accessible option to reach the summit of this ancient rock formation, though visitors are welcome to climb the 500 steps to the top and make their fitness trackers proud.
“After seeing the 75-mile views to Lake Lure and Hickory Nut Gorge, hikers can set off on one of the many trails around the Rock, including Hickory Nut Falls, where ‘The Last of the Mohicans’ was filmed, and catch a glimpse of the area’s peregrine falcons.”
Peruse the list of best state parks per southern state at southernliving.com/souths-best/state-parks.
Best state parks at the NC coast
Jockey’s Ridge State Park:
Highlights: Hang gliding is this park’s hallmark activity, and a private concessionaire offers lessons, NC Parks says. A second access area takes visitors through wetland habitats and allows for swimming, paddling, kiteboarding and windsurfing.
Distance from Raleigh: Under 200 miles, taking under three and a half hours by car.
Southern Living says: “Towering sand dunes are the draw of Jockey’s Ridge State Park. The dunes here are always changing as storms push sand inland. Named from lore about the wild ponies and their riders a century ago, the park offers activities on both land and sea. The Tracks in the Sand nature trail leads visitors over the sand dunes to the Roanoke Sound and back. After hang gliding lessons with Kitty Hawk Kites, visit the Wright Brothers National Memorial where the dream of taking flight was simply a matter of wind, sand, and perseverance.”
Learn more: ncparks.gov/state-parks/jockeys-ridge-state-park
Hammock Beach State Park:
Highlights: A passenger ferry transports visitors for an opportunity to camp oceanside, NC Park says. Visitors can rent or bring their own kayak or canoe to explore the island’s surrounding marshlands.
Distance from Raleigh: 140 miles, taking two and a half hours by car.
Southern Living says: “[The] park’s Bear Island is one of the state’s most breathtaking locations. Accessible only by ferry, boat, or kayak, this leave-no-trace island has a storied history. The park’s visitor’s center takes you through the area’s past while tour boats will zig-zag you through the marshlands. Enjoy an afternoon of solitude along the four-mile beach at Shell Rock Landing Pack a picnic, grab a blanket, and search for shells.”
Learn more: ncparks.gov/state-parks/hammocks-beach-state-park
Carolina Beach State Park:
Highlights: Sugarloaf Dune is a 50-foot dune that once served as a navigational marker for river pilots, NC Parks says. The park also has three limesink ponds that each have a unique plant community.
Distance from Raleigh: 140 miles, taking under two and a half hours by car.
Southern Living says: “[The] park is a boater and angler’s paradise. Just south of Wilmington, the park is known for naturally-growing Venus flytraps. These prickly creatures fill the landscape in May and June, especially along the Flytrap Trail, an easy half-mile loop through the wetlands. The park also has nine miles of hiking trails as well as camper cabins, tent sites, and a marina for access to the Cape Fear River and the Intracoastal Waterway.”
Learn more: ncparks.gov/state-parks/carolina-beach-state-park
Fort Macon State Park:
Highlights: The park is centered on a pre-Civil War fort that offers daily guided tours and frequent cannon and musket demonstrations. Extensive exhibits educate visitors on fort history and the natural surroundings, NC Parks says. From the beach, you can even spot dolphins.
Distance from Raleigh: More than 150 miles, taking under three hours by car.
Southern Living says: “Built in the early 1800s, the pre-Civil War fort transports visitors to the nineteenth-century. Seized by Confederate troops at the outbreak of the Civil War, the immaculately restored fort is the centerpiece of Fort Macon State Park. The park is situated along a skinny barrier island with trails through dunes, forests, and marshes. Take in the history then take a dip along the lovely Crystal Coast beach.”
Learn more: ncparks.gov/state-parks/fort-macon-state-park
Dismal Swamp State Park:
Highlights: This park provides access to the Great Dismal Swamp, the largest remaining swamp in the eastern United States that has a rich history that intertwines with George Washington, the Underground Railroad and Prohibition, says NC Parks. The 22-mile Dismal Swamp Canal is a popular paddling destination and hosts the annual Paddle for the Border event.
Distance from Raleigh: 180 miles, taking under three hours by car.
Southern Living says: “On the border of Virginia, Dismal Swamp State Park is the largest remaining swamp in the eastern United States. You can’t camp here, but you can hike, bike, or paddle among the plants and wildlife. A huge paddle destination, put your oar in the water during the spring Annual Paddle for the Border, which steers a maximum of 375 paddlers through the Dismal Swamp Canal and the 7.5 mile North Carolina/Virginia border crossing.”
Learn more: ncparks.gov/state-parks/dismal-swamp-state-park
Best state parks in the middle(ish) of the state
Pilot Mountain State Park:
Highlights: The park centers around the geologic knob that serves as a beacon, says NC Parks.
Distance from Raleigh: 125 miles, taking under two hours by car.
Southern Living says: “People first learned about the fictional town of Mount Pilot from The Andy Griffith Show. Its inspiration, Pilot Mountain State Park, sits within the rugged mountains northwest of Winston-Salem. Here you can enjoy everything from hiking to horseback riding to rock climbing to camping. Part of the Mountains-to-Sea State Trail, the view from the iconic geologic knob known as Big Pinnacle, a 1,400-foot wall of bare rock, is outstanding.”
Learn more: ncparks.gov/state-parks/pilot-mountain-state-park
Lake Norman State Park:
Highlights: The park has a popular mountain biking trail system, the Itusi Trail, offering nearly 31 miles of single-track trail, NC Park says. The namesake lake is the largest manmade lake within the state, and the park covers about 17 miles of its northern shoreline
Distance from Raleigh: More than 150 miles, taking two and a half hours by car.
Southern Living says: “North of Charlotte, Lake Norman State Park is mountain biker’s heaven. The Itusi Trail offers 31-miles of single-track trails, featuring fast, backcountry loops that cater to the novice as well as the expert. Have fun in the woods or lounge by the largest manmade lake in the state. With more than 17 miles of shoreline, Lake Norman’s waters beckon for swimming, fishing, paddling, and boating.”
Learn more: ncparks.gov/state-parks/lake-norman-state-park
Crowders Mountain State Park in Kings Mountain:
Highlights: A wide variety of resident birds, ranging from songbirds to birds of prey, makes the spot a popular spot for birders, NC Parks says. Trials offer a unique opportunity to traverse through two states on the Ridgeline Trail, connecting North and South Carolina.
Distance from Raleigh: Not really in the NC mountains but also not really in the middle of the state, Kings Mountain is about 200 miles from Raleigh, taking under three hours by car.
Southern Living says: “[The] park elevates the senses with miles of hiking trails and ridges of rugged beauty. Bring your four-legged buddy (on a leash, of course) and follow the trail to the summit, or take it easy on the Sparrow Springs trail that travels along the lake and creek; stop for a picnic or cast your fishing line. You can be in two places at once along the Ridgeline Trail; it connects Kings Mountain State Park to Kings Mountain National Military Park in South Carolina. With over 5,000 acres in total, there’s a peak or valley suited just for you.”
Learn more: ncparks.gov/state-parks/crowders-mountain-state-park
Best state parks in NC mountains
Grandfather Mountain State Park:
Highlights: The park offers “a stunning mountain known for severe weather and challenging terrain that has hikers scrambling along cliffs, gripping cables and climbing up ladders,” NC Park says. The park’s ecological diversity has been recognized as a United Nations International Biosphere Reserve.
Distance from Raleigh: More than 200 miles, taking three and a half hours by car.
Southern Living says: “[The] park’s rugged terrain and ecological diversity is unique to this high-elevation stretch of the southern Appalachians. Adventure seekers can conquer some of the South’s most challenging hikes along 13 miles of trails and sleep under the stars. Those looking for a more leisurely experience can also buy tickets to the main attractions, like the Mile-High Swinging Bridge.”
Learn more: ncparks.gov/state-parks/grandfather-mountain-state-park
Mount Mitchell State Park:
Highlights: Mount Mitchell is the highest point east of the Mississippi River, NC Parks says. On a clear day, the observation deck provides unbeatable mountain views.
Distance from Raleigh: More than 240 miles, taking four hours by car.
Southern Living says: “The first of North Carolina’s state parks, Mount Mitchell State Park opened the Appalachian majesty to everyone in 1915. Not only does it sit at the highest elevation (6,684-feet) east of the Mississippi River but it also provides hiking trails for leisure hikes or challenging treks through the wilderness areas, including the Pisgah National Forest where overnight camping is available.”
Learn more: ncparks.gov/state-parks/mount-mitchell-state-park
Gorges State Park:
Highlights: The park has plunging waterfalls, rugged river gorges and sheer rock precipices, NC Parks says. Backpacking and horseback riding are popular within its backcountry-style recreation, a hallmark of the park.
Distance from Raleigh: 300 miles, taking five hours by car.
Southern Living says: “North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia merge in Transylvania County. Decorated with more than 26 waterfalls and framed with rugged gorges, Gorges State Park opens the backcountry for primitive camping, backpacking, and horseback riding. Pull your RV into the ideal spot for a weekend of exploration or pitch a tent along the banks of Lake Jocassee.”
Learn more: ncparks.gov/state-parks/gorges-state-park
(Source: southernliving.com/state-parks-north-carolina-7253671)
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