The Best State Parks to Visit in North Carolina

North Carolina is one of the most beautiful (and perhaps most underrated too) destinations for nature lovers. From its coastal lowlands along the Atlantic Ocean to its rugged, forested interior that features some of the tallest mountains in the eastern United States, the state is also home to numerous national and state parks.

With national parks like Great Smoky Mountains and the Blue Ridge Parkway already being fairly well known across the nation, we will instead focus on some of North Carolina's top state-run parks. From mountain hikes to boating in vast, lively swamps and beyond, let's dive into what makes these protected areas worth visiting.

Jockey’s Ridge State Park

Jockey’s Ridge State Park protects the tallest sand dunes on the East Coast of the United States, with peaks reaching up to 100 feet! The constantly shifting sands make it one of North Carolina’s most unique natural areas and a spot you can hike extensively in to gain views over the Atlantic Ocean and Roanoke Sound. Be sure to take a stroll along the 360-foot boardwalk, which provides an easily accessible route through the park’s maritime forest and sandy terrain.

This region is also a prime location for hang gliding, with consistent winds and ideal launch points atop the lofty dunes, making it one of the best training sites in the country. Kite flying is popular, too, and enthusiasts take advantage of the open space and coastal breezes.

An on-site visitor center (with the adjacent Kitty Hawk Kites Hang Gliding School too) provides you information on how the park’s dunes were originally formed and its role in North Carolina's Outer Banks history. With free admission and easy access from the town beachside town of Nags Head, Jockey’s Ridge is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring North Carolina’s barrier islands.

Gorges State Park

In the far southwestern corner of North Carolina, Gorges State Park features some of the state’s best and most underrated waterfalls, backcountry terrain, and other beautiful natural features.

This state-run park sits at the edge of the Blue Ridge Escarpment, a region that is exemplified by its steep, forested cliffs and deep river gorges, which create a perfect landscape for landscape photographers and those simply looking to escape into the wilderness for some time.

Over 26 miles of hiking and biking trails wind through the park, ranging from short walks to backcountry routes. Anglers can fish for trout in the park’s clear mountain streams while paddlers navigate the challenging waters of the Toxaway River.

Rainbow Falls, a 150-foot cascade along the Horsepasture River, is the park’s most well-known feature, with a moderately steep trail leading to multiple viewpoints along the way. The same path can lead you to Turtleback Falls and Drift Falls, and both are worth the extra steps for sure.

Gorges State Park is also notable for its high rainfall, which is among the highest in the eastern U.S. at over 90 inches per year! Considered a temperate rainforest because of this, the park supports a lush ecosystem full of rare plant species, including Oconee bells and even some carnivorous plants.

Lake James State Park

Lake James State Park surrounds the pristine waters of its 6,812-acre reservoir. This lake provides over 150 miles of shoreline access, making it a prime destination for boating, fishing, and beachgoing in its sandy areas.

Visiting fishermen can catch a variety of game species, like largemouth and smallmouth bass, walleye, and catfish in the lake’s deep, cool waters, and several boat ramps and a canoe launch allow for easy water access.

On the other hand, hiking and biking are popular activities on land, with trails that wind through the park’s verdant, hilly terrain. The Lake Channel Overlook Trail draws many sightseers, as it features a number of viewpoints over the water and toward the surrounding mountains. Moreover, the Fonta Flora State Trail, a multi-use path, passes near the park and conveniently connects the cities of Asheville and Morganton.

Another worthwhile spot to visit nearby is the Paddy’s Creek area, a greenspace that includes a sandy swimming beach, picnic areas, and family-friendly trails through pine and hardwood forests.

If you're a nature lover, keep your eyes peeled as wildlife within the park is abundant, with deer, wild turkeys, and bald eagles frequently seen along more secluded parts of the shoreline.

Raven Rock State Park

Raven Rock State Park rests along the Cape Fear River and is best known for the massive, 150-foot-high rock formation that stretches for more than a mile along the riverbank. The park’s main loop trail leads to an overlook where visitors can see the river flowing below the Raven Rock and its adjacent bluffs that rise above the water’s edge. Other trails wind through hardwood forests, past small streams, and to Lanier Falls, a series of river rapids.

Raven Rock’s unique geology, shaped by centuries of erosion, makes it one of the most unique-looking state parks in the region. About an hour south of Raleigh, it serves as an easy way for hikers and nature enthusiasts alike in need of an afternoon escape from city life.

The Cape Fear River itself is a renowned destination in the central part of the state for fishing and paddling, with a designated canoe and kayak launch that you can find near the park’s entrance. Raven Rock State Park also features a network of horseback riding trails and backcountry campsites, offering a more remote experience if you're looking to explore the park's more remote reaches.

Merchants Millpond State Park

Merchants Millpond State Park is set within a scenic and equally fascinating coastal swamp ecosystem. The park’s centerpiece is a 760-acre millpond, surrounded by ancient bald cypress and tupelo gum trees, many of which are draped in Spanish moss.

Unlike most state parks in North Carolina, it is best explored by canoe or kayak, with a marked paddling trail leading through its still waters. Keep an eye on the sky or the trees above the swamp, as visitors often see great blue herons or look down to hopefully catch a glimpse of river otters or even the occasional alligator.

For those preferring to stay on land, several hiking trails wind through the surrounding forests, too. The Lassiter Trail, for example, is a 7-mile loop through hardwood swamplands and pine forests, while shorter trails you can choose from provide access to various scenic overlooks along the pond’s edge. Camping is also available, including paddle-in sites that allow you to camp along the water for a night or two.

The park is a favorite spot for birdwatching and photography, with species like the above-mentioned blue herons, green herons, and wood ducks a common sight.

Stone Mountain State Park

Stone Mountain State Park is the site of a massive 600-foot granite dome that rises above the surrounding forests. This park’s signature hike, the nearly 5-mile Stone Mountain Loop Trail, leads to the summit of this massive landmark, where you can take in wide-ranging views of the Blue Ridge foothills. Along the way, the trail passes through dense woodlands, past Hutchinson Homestead, a restored 19th-century farm, and alongside the 200-foot Stone Mountain Falls. The area is particularly beautiful in the fall season, as its dense foliage explodes with hues of yellow, orange, and red before it's time to renew again next spring.

The park is also a major destination for rock climbers, with designated routes on the exposed granite face. Trout fishing is another key attraction, with over 20 miles of designated trout streams, including the headwaters of the Roaring River. Anglers often catch brook, brown, and rainbow trout in the park’s impressively clean waters.

The park’s mix of uneven terrain, scenic waterfalls, and historical sites makes it a well-rounded spot for travelers of all kinds who want a less crowded alternative to the nearby Blue Ridge Parkway. For those staying overnight, Stone Mountain also offers family campgrounds as well as backcountry sites.

Pilot Mountain State Park

Pilot Mountain State Park is centered around its namesake peak, a 2,421-foot monadnock that rises abruptly from the surrounding Piedmont landscape. The mountain’s distinctive, rounded summit has served as a navigational landmark for centuries and remains one of North Carolina’s most recognizable natural features.

Now a major tourist attraction, the park’s trails provide multiple ways to explore the area, with the Jomeokee Trail offering a short but scenic loop around the base of the mountain’s summit pinnacle. The more challenging Ledge Spring and Grindstone trails connect to the lower slopes, passing through hardwood forests and rock outcroppings. The park’s network of bridle trails also attracts horseback riders.

The park is a top destination for rock climbing too, with designated climbing and rappelling areas on the mountain’s steep cliffs. On the other hand, the Yadkin River section of the park allows for canoeing and kayaking, with a gentle flow that suits paddlers of all skill levels.

Located near the community of Pinnacle and the aptly named town of Pilot Mountain, this exciting state offers easy access year-round to some of North Carolina’s best hiking, climbing, and scenic viewpoints.

Hanging Rock State Park

Hanging Rock State Park spans over 9,000 acres near the Sauratown Mountains, allowing you to gaze upon vast sections of steep quartzite cliffs, waterfalls, and over 20 miles of hiking trails.

The Hanging Rock Trail leads to the park’s namesake, a sheer rock outcrop that provides wide-ranging views of the surrounding foothills. Other trails will take you past must-see cascades, such as Lower Cascades Falls and Hidden Falls, each surrounded by lush hardwood forests full of wildlife, with white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and sometimes even bobcats roaming the park’s terrain.

Rock climbing is also permitted in designated areas, attracting climbers to the park’s rugged cliffs. Mountain bikers can explore a network of single-track trails, too, while paddlers can take to the Dan River, which borders the park. For something a bit more laid back, Hanging Rock Lake is the place to go for swimming, fishing, and even seasonal boat rentals.

North of Winston-Salem, Hanging Rock is a popular destination for both day trips from the city and extended stays in its local cabins and campgrounds.

Explore the Wilds of North Carolina Today

If you're looking for something new to explore this year, definitely give any of the above-mentioned parks a try. Whether you are into rock climbing, backcountry hiking, boating, or just want somewhere serene to escape the city for a day, you can't go wrong with any of these destinations.

As always, try to come prepared for your trip, as these wildlands are quite rugged and sometimes dangerous. Bring proper footwear, lots of water, and warmer clothing for some of the higher elevation areas we discussed, especially in North Carolina's western mountain ranges along the Appalachians.