Topics Related to Paddling

Dismal Swamp State Park

Location: Camden County, at North Carolina's northeast border with Virginia

You can find: the Great Dismal Swamp and Canal, Atlantic white cedar trees, Hessel's hairstreak

Highlights: flat, easy trails for hiking and biking; bike rentals; unique swamp environment

Crowders Mountain State Park – Sparrow Springs Access

Location: Gaston County, 32 miles west of Charlotte

At the park, you can find: a wide variety of bird species from small songbirds to red-tailed hawks and turkey vultures

Highlights at this access: the Pinnacle overlook; easy to strenuous hikes; lake; visitor center; backpack camping

Cliffs of the Neuse State Park

Location: Wayne County, 15 miles southeast of Goldsboro

You can find: the 90-foot bluffs rising above the Neuse River and eastern fox squirrels

Highlights: hiking through longleaf restoration areas and along creeks; swimming lake with boat rentals; full hook-up RV camping; paddling on the Neuse River

Carolina Beach State Park

Location: New Hanover County, 12 miles south of Wilmington

You can find: Sugarloaf Dune, Venus flytraps, brown pelicans, and river otters

Highlights: full-service marina; full-hookup RV camping; easy trails; boating and fishing on Intracoastal Waterway and Cape Fear River