Along the Atlantic coast, you’ll discover the wonders of North Carolina. The state is filled with wet marshlands, impressive wildlife, and many lakes. Are you planning a move to the Tar Heel State? With beautiful natural landscapes and miles of coastline, it’s an outdoor explorer’s dream.
There’s no lack of state parks to discover in North Carolina. Ahead are the 10 best state park picks.
South Mountains State Park
Google Rating: 4.9
Drive 70 miles from Asheville and enter a picture-perfect, 20,000+ acre sanctuary. Located at the intersection of the Appalachian Mountains and the Foothills, South Mountains State Park is a premiere spot for hiking, fishing, bicycling, paddling, picnicking, and horseback riding. With campsites (and equestrian camping too), an amphitheater, education classrooms, and exhibits, this state park has no shortage of activities. Make it a point to see High Shoal Falls, one of the park’s most visited attractions.
Mount Jefferson State Park
Google Rating: 4.7
Next stop? Go to Ashe County for the marvelous sights at Mount Jefferson State Park. Surrounded by lush natural plants, rare wildlife (like the swallowtail butterfly), and mountains, this area is equally picturesque and environmentally diverse. And, if hiking is one of your favorite pastimes, this is the place to be. Pack a picnic lunch and hike the five-mile trails for a day filled with nature watching and gorgeous nature. To note, camping is not available at Mount Jefferson State Park.
Elk Knob State Park
Google Rating: 4.8
Give a warm welcome to Elk Knob State Park, which was established in 2003 to conserve natural land. Whether you’re camping or day hiking, the state park is filled with many spoils of nature. From rare plants and mineral rocks to hardwood forests and wildlife (think ravens, bears, deer, and turkeys), there’s so much to observe. And in the winter season, visitors can enjoy cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Pilot Mountain State Park
Google Rating: 4.8
Adventurers take note: Pilot Mountain State Park will satisfy your curiosity quest. Spanning a full spectrum of activities, visitors can enjoy experiences such as camping, trails, horseback riding, and rock climbing. With 49 campsites and impressive wildlife and plant life, visitors can spy stunning Catawba rhododendron, mountain laurel, and forests rich with chestnut oak and pine trees.
Hanging Rock State Park
Google Rating: 4.8
Located in Danbury, North Carolina, Hanging Rock State Park beams with majestic views and sights. With the Sauratown Mountain Range lining the park, prominent peaks are part of the park’s main attraction. And given the state park’s location, it’s no surprise that Hanging Rock is jam-packed with unique fauna, florals, and wildlife. Visitors can spot salamanders, white-tail deer, falcons, and wild turkeys. Be careful, two species of venomous snakes—rattlesnakes and copperheads—also call this state park home, and while these snakes tend not to bother people, be careful and respectful while on the trails. Whether you’re camping or visiting for the day, there are 48 miles of trails to take in, biking opportunities, swimming, horseback riding, fishing, rock climbing, and more.
Grandfather Mountain State Park
Google Rating: 4.8
Ready to explore a mountain? Plan a trip to Grandfather Mountain State Park, just 13 miles from Boone, North Carolina. For experienced hikers, this state park has it all. Start the day (or camping trip), by bird watching and marveling at the park’s biodiversity. And then descend into one of the park’s many trails, where visitors can hike along the base of a stunning mountain and take in views from rocky cliffs.
Fort Macon State Park
Google Rating: 4.8
Wander right into history at Fort Macon State Park, which features a restored pre-Civil War fort. With detailed exhibits for education and historical context, the state park is a treasure trove of knowledge and learning. The natural surroundings are unparalleled with beaches, four miles of hiking and biking trails, swimming, paddling, and picnicking. There is no camping available at this state park.
Crowders Mountain State Park
Google Rating: 4.8
Discover not one, but two mountain peaks at Crowders Mountain State Park. The 5,000+ acre state park lets visitors get lost in the wonder of a natural landscape with 30 miles of hiking trails, group, and solo camping sites, plus sites for bouldering, rock climbing, fishing, and more. Take part in impressive views from towering cliffs for picture-perfect moments.
Jockeys Ridge State Park
Google Rating: 4.8
See the living dune sand system on the Atlantic coast for yourself at Jockeys Ridge State Park. Open year-round, the state park is dotted with tall grass and temporary ponds in the dunes when it rains. Hang gliding is one of the most popular activities at the park, but this remarkable atmosphere with the dunes also produces stunning sunsets and viewing spots on short hiking trails (only two that are a mile or less). Spend the rest of your day swimming, sandboarding, picnicking, kiteboarding, and windsurfing.
Mount Mitchell State Park
Google Rating: 4.8
At just about 55 miles northeast of Asheville, you’ll uncover Mount Mitchell State Park. Year after year, many folks flock to Mount Mitchell, and the mountain itself is the highest peak east of the Mississippi River. Exploring the mountain is a day trip unto itself: take in show-stopping views from overlook spots and 40 miles of hiking trails leading to some observation decks with photo-worthy opportunities. Camping, hiking, and picnicking are the main activities here, but seasonal offerings include concession stands, a restaurant, and educational experiences.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Google Rating: 4.9
While you’re exploring all the great and breathtaking state parks in North Carolina, don’t pass up the chance to check out the state’s national park, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The awe-inducing park encompasses dense and green forests, full spreads of wildflowers, and diverse wildlife (like black bears). Visitors can step into miles of hiking trails that open to rivers and streams and enjoy lookout points to view epic waterfalls. Spend the day in Cades Cove, an 11-mile loop, that includes historical homes, churches, and wildlife viewing as well.
The Tar Heel State
Considering a move to North Carolina? Check out our other articles on the best places to live and notable safe cities to call your next home. And when you’re ready to find your new home, discover new listings every day at NewHomeSource.com.
*All parks have been ranked based on the criteria of popularity, distance from the closest major cities, violent crime, property crime, google ratings, and the number of google reviews.
Stephanie Valente is a Content Director and Editor in Brooklyn, NY. She’s previously held writing and social media positions at Barkbox, Men’s Journal, and currently works at a full-service advertising agency. She’s a self-confessed home and design enthusiast. Stephanie is an award-winning poet and fiction writer. When she’s offline, you can find her taking a yoga class, running, hanging out with her rescue dog Pepper. Find her on stephanievalente.com.
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