Chimney Rock State Park, Crowders Mountain State Park, Elk Knob State Park, Gorges State Park, Grandfather Mountain State Park, Lake James State Park, Lake Norman State Park, Mount Jefferson State Natural Area, Mount Mitchell State Park, New River State Park, Rendezvous Mountain, South Mountains State Park, Stone Mountain State Park, Piedmont Region, Mountain Region, Various State Parks, Raleigh Office, Marketing and Communications, Operations
Most western North Carolina state parks have reopened at least partially as of Nov. 15, 2024. Three parks are slated for long-term closure: Chimney Rock, Mount Mitchell, and South Mountains state parks.
Hammocks Beach State Park
Ferry service, campsites, and all facilities at Bear Island are closed, mainland access remains open. The Simmons Mainland Campground is open for reservations. There is no public docking on Bear Island and there is no beach access on the mainland.
Bobs Creek State Natural Area, Chimney Rock State Park, Crowders Mountain State Park, Elk Knob State Park, Gorges State Park, Grandfather Mountain State Park, Lake James State Park, Lake Norman State Park, Mount Jefferson State Natural Area, Mount Mitchell State Park, New River State Park, Pisgah View State Park, Rendezvous Mountain, South Mountains State Park, Stone Mountain State Park, Mountain Region, Marketing and Communications, Office of the Director, Operations
State Parks Director Brian Strong provides additional information on post-Helene rescue and recovery efforts and the status of western state parks.
William B Umstead State Park, Piedmont Region, Marketing and Communications, Engineering and Construction, Operations, Trails Program
The bridge over Crabtree Creek at William B. Umstead State Park has been removed and will need to be replaced. Hikers, mountain bicyclists, and equestrians should not utilize Ebenezer Church Road bridge due to motor vehicle traffic.
Mountain Region, Operations
The North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation is providing an opportunity for public comment on a collaboration with the U.S. Department of Defense.
Recreation Grants and Outreach
Save the dates! This is the meeting schedule for the Parks and Recreation Authority in 2024.
Pilot Mountain State Park
The road to the summit will be open daily, depending on available parking space and road conditions. Expect delays on weekends and holidays. To avoid this, plan to visit the park during the week or early in the morning or later in the evening.
Carolina Beach State Park, Natural Resources, Operations
The annual award was presented at the North Carolina Prescribed Fire Council annual conference in Wilmington.
Gorges State Park, Interpretation and Education, Natural Resources
The state park is in the migratory path of the butterfly's annual migration to Mexico.
Jockeys Ridge State Park
Bowman was selected by a unanimous vote of the friends group's board of directors.
Hammocks Beach State Park, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, And Access, Interpretation and Education, Land Protection and Acquisition, Natural Resources
The Office of State Archaeology is holding a town hall meeting to discuss a federally funded project that will conduct survey and research at Hammocks Beach State Park.
Hammocks Beach State Park, Interpretation and Education
Ranger Jake Vitak at Hammocks Beach State Park was recognized by the Division for his exemplary efforts in providing a kayak safety course as part of a partnership with the American Canoe Association and several other agencies.
Eno River State Park, Engineering and Construction, Interpretation and Education
Funded by the NC Connect Bond, the new visitor center at Fews Ford Access offers engaging exhibits, electric vehicle charging, and a gorgeous back deck overlooking the riverine environment.
Operations
Two state parks veterans were promoted, and a new staff member has joined the North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation's operations section. Kristen Woodruff has been named as the parks chief ranger and John Privette as the law enforcement specialist, while the division recently welcomed Jenn Steele as the safety consultant.
Raleigh Office, Administration, Marketing and Communications, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, And Access, Operations, Various State Parks
Interns are making the most of their internship experience at the NC Division of Parks and Recreation.
