The Top 5 State Parks in North Carolina

Jun 23, 2016

State-Park Summer is here, the kids are out of school, and it’s time to get out and enjoy the natural world. We’ve included our list of top state parks for you to enjoy.

Jockey’s Ridge State Park

With more than 1.3 million annual visitors, Jockey’s Ridge State Park is a must-see for the adventure seeker. Jockey’s Ridge is located in Nag’s Head and is the largest active sand dune formation in the eastern U.S. For those ready for an adrenaline rush, sign up for hanggliding, sandboarding or kiteboarding. If you’re not quite ready to make the leap, you can enjoy a hike up the dunes.

Hanging Rock State Park

Located in Danbury, North Carolina, Hanging Rock is great family getaway for the weekend. Be sure to pack everyone’s swimsuits to fully enjoy the five waterfalls. Cabins and shelters are available for rent, or you can do it the old-fashioned way and pitch your tent on one of the campsites for a weekend of s’mores and ghost stories. Be sure to check out the breathtaking rock outcroppings at more than 2,500 feet while hiking.

Chimney Rock State Park

Chimney Rock is best known for its famous boulder. You need to take an elevator to reach the top of it. Chimney Rock State Park is also a popular stop for avid rock climbers who want to scale Cook’s Wall and Moore’s Wall, which extend more than 400 feet in height and stretch nearly two miles long. If you stay the night, there are cabins and campsites to rent, lots of hiking trails and waterfalls to explore.

Hammocks Beach State Park

Located in Swansboro, North Carolina, it doesn’t get much better than camping on the beach. Falling asleep to the ocean waves while cradled by the sand underneath your tent. The park offers a seasonal ferry which takes visitors around to surrounding islands, and kids will enjoy exploring the wide range of landscapes, from tidal creeks to salt marshes. Hammocks Beach is secluded and free from commercial businesses, so you can really feel like you’re getting away from everything.

Fort Macon State Park

With more than 1.2 million annual visitors, the history at Fort Macon State Park is not to be missed. Fort Macon is a restored fort that makes a great day trip for the family to learn more about its role in the Civil War. There’s more than just history at this small state park; you can also take ranger guided tours, hike, swim, and fish, both on the surf and sound side. The park is open and free to the public year round, but the bathhouse and protected swimming area are only open during the summer.

No matter where you choose to go, we know you’ll enjoy the majesty of the North Carolina landscape. Enjoy your road trip and the great outdoors.

Image via Flickr by crescibene