Our research is editorially independent but we may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.

9 Best State and National Parks to Visit in North Carolina

The “Tar Heel” state of North Carolina is overflowing with beautiful parks to visit. In fact, it is home to over forty state parks alone, plus two national seashores, a national park and several national historic trails. From the mountains of Western North Carolina to the beaches of the east, there are numerous places to enjoy the outdoors and take in the beautiful scenery, while either getting in a little exercise or some relaxation. Here are just a few that you’ll definitely want to check out.

Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Manteo The Cape Hatteras National Seashore protects three of NC's barrier islands.
Credit: The Cape Hatteras National Seashore protects three of NC's barrier islands. by www.facebook.com

Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Manteo

The Cape Hatteras National Seashore in Manteo protects parts of three of NC’s barrier islands – Bodie Island, Hatteras Island and Ocracoke Island. In addition to beautiful beach and sound accesses, the Seashore is also home to lots of nature trails, a campground and of course, the famous Outer Banks lighthouses, which can be climbed all the way to the top!

Chimney Rock State Park, Chimney Rock Chimney Rock State Park is home to a 404-foot waterfall.
Credit: Chimney Rock State Park is home to a 404-foot waterfall. by www.facebook.com

Chimney Rock State Park, Chimney Rock

Chimney Rock State Park, which is located in the town by the same name, is best known for the 315-foot overlook that provides breathtaking 75-mile views of Lake Lure and the Hickory Nut Gorge. The park also offers a 404-foot waterfall, six trails for hiking, fishing, picnic areas, concessions and a gift shop.

Crowders Mountain State Park, Kings Mountain The pinnacle at Crowders Mountain offers 25-mile views.
Credit: The pinnacle at Crowders Mountain offers 25-mile views. by www.facebook.com

Crowders Mountain State Park, Kings Mountain

Crowders Mountain State Park in Kings Mountain is a hiker and climber’s dream. There are eleven different trails for hiking, ranging in ability from beginner to strenuous, that also link up to Kings Mountain State Park and Kings Mountain National Military Park. If you feel adventurous and want to climb to one of the park’s two pinnacles, you’ll enjoy 25-mile views of the surrounding scenery. Plus, there’s a nine-acre lake for fishing and canoeing, as well as rock climbing, bouldering and backcountry camping.

Fort Macon State Park, Atlantic Beach Fort Macon, Atlantic Beach, North Carolina
Credit: Fort Macon, Atlantic Beach, North Carolina by Sara Kendall/shutterstock.com

Fort Macon State Park, Atlantic Beach

Fort Macon State Park, located in Atlantic Beach, NC, is a unique destination spot since it is both a beautiful waterfront park, as well as a historical site. In addition to a pristine shoreline for fishing, swimming and sunbathing, the park also features a coastal education center and a fully-restored, Civil War era fort that offers guided tours and cannon and musket demonstrations.

Grandfather Mountain State Park, Banner Elk Grandfather Mountain is home to some of the most challenging terrain in the area.
Credit: Grandfather Mountain is home to some of the most challenging terrain in the area. by www.facebook.com

Grandfather Mountain State Park, Banner Elk

Grandfather Mountain is one of the most iconic places to visit in North Carolina. The massive 2,456 acre park is home to twelve different trails and numerous backpack camping sites, but is also some of the most challenging terrain as well. The area is also home to the popular tourist spot, the Mile High Swinging Bridge.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Bryson City The Great Smoky Mountains National Park spreads across both NC and TN.
Credit: The Great Smoky Mountains National Park spreads across both NC and TN. by www.facebook.com

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Bryson City

Although the Great Smoky Mountains National Park actually spreads across both North Carolina and Tennessee, there’s plenty to be seen on the NC side. First, there’s the beautiful six-mile Lakeview Drive, which begins just outside of Bryson City and offers breathtaking views of the area. There are also plenty of trails for hiking and biking, several impressive waterfalls, picnicking, fishing, camping and the Mingus Mill Mountain and Farm Museum to explore.

Jockey's Ridge State Park, Nag's Head Jockey’s Ridge State Park – Nags Head, North Carolina, U.S.A.
Credit: Jockey’s Ridge State Park – Nags Head, North Carolina, U.S.A. by bigstock.com

Jockey's Ridge State Park, Nag's Head

Jockey’s Ridge State Park is another unique park in that it’s mostly made up of a giant sand dune. The infamous dune is the tallest on the East Coast and can reach up to 100 feet tall, depending on the winds. The massive park covers 426-acres and offers plenty of space for climbing the dune, flying a kite, going sandboarding, taking off on a hang glider or just enjoying the view from the top. There is also plenty of wildlife to enjoy including swans, osprey, deer and foxes.

Lake Norman State Park, Troutman Lake Norman State Park in Troutman
Credit: Lake Norman State Park in Troutman by www.facebook.com

Lake Norman State Park, Troutman

Lake Norman is the largest man-made lake in North Carolina. And the state park built around it not only offers beautiful views of the water, but also some of the area’s most popular trails for mountain biking. The 30.5 miles of trails are also open to hikers. In addition, there is a 125-yard beach area, picnic shelters, a boat ramp, a 32-site family campground and bathhouse and lots of opportunities for fishing. There are also several educational exhibits located in the on-site visitor center and along some of the shorter trails.

Mount Mitchell State Park, Burnsville Mount Mitchell
Credit: Mount Mitchell by Kolin Toney via Flickr

Mount Mitchell State Park, Burnsville

The summit at Mount Mitchell State Park is the highest point east of the Mississippi, at a whopping 6,684 feet. Take in the amazing views from the park’s observation deck, then visit the on-site museum to learn about the cultural and natural history of the area. There is also a large network of hiking trails that range in difficulty, a nine-site tent campground, and a concession area and restaurant that are open during the summer and early fall.

Travel Deals

5-Day Taste of Ireland Tour | BOGO 50% Off Airfare

$1356+

14-Day Ireland Castles & Coastlines Tour

$5486+

New England Cruises Up to 45% Off + Up to $300 Credit

$529+

7-Nt Celebrity Alaska Cruise: Balcony & Ship Credit

$599+

Up to 77% Off R/T Business Class Flights to Europe

$1425+

6-Nt Halloween Spectacular Escorted Tour of Ireland

$1959+

$1500 Air Credit at BRAND NEW Sandals Saint Vincent

$489+ pp/pn

Up to 20% Off | Air & 14-Day Ireland Wild Atlantic Way Tour

$2239+

9-Day Private Chauffeur Ireland Vacation

$3555+

All-Inclusive Beaches Turks & Caicos

$424+ pp/pn

6-Nt Spooktacular Irish Getaway | Save $50

$1959+

Non-Stop Business Class Fare Sale | Up To 70% Off

$2125+

Hotel Zena Washington DC w/ Tea Ceremony Cocktail

$237+

15-Day Europe River Cruise | 2 For 1 Fares

$4595+

Discover Ireland | 7-Day Guided Tour w/ Airfare

$1699+