Topics Related to Mountain Region

With Fall approaching, now is a great time to learn about the changing of seasons and LEAVES!

Join a Park Ranger for a guided evening hike to the Raymond Fisher Pond. Once at the pond and half way through our hike, we will take a 10-15 minute break to nature journal (materials provided) or just to enjoy the serenity of the pond. Bring suitable shoes for a moderate walk and your own water.
We will meet at the Rainbow Falls Trailhead.

With Fall approaching, now is a great time to learn about the changing of seasons and the science of leaves. Come join Ranger Hill for a guided hike at the White Pines picnic area to explore the early colors of the forest.

Join a park naturalist for a hike to celebrate National Public Lands Day, followed by a fun, outdoor craft. Be prepared to hike about 4 miles to Rainbow Falls. Please bring water and proper footwear.

Hike with a Ranger! Join us for a short 0.4-mile round trip to one of Gorges State Park’s waterfalls. We will learn about the formation of waterfalls and the two primary types of waterfalls. Please bring proper footwear and water.

The N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation announced today that six division sites are celebrating their 50th anniversary as National Natural Landmarks (NNL) as designated by the Secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior.

The North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation announced a new partnership with Waypoint Adventure, based in Black Mountain, N.C., to provide adaptive recreation programs for visitors with disabilities.

Due to expected impacts of Hurricane Helene, Gorges State Park and Mount Mitchell State Park will be closed Thursday and Friday, Sept. 26-27. The Mountain Monarch Festival at Gorges, scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 28, has been cancelled.

Elk Knob, Lake James, New River, and Stone Mountain state parks will reopen at least partially on Nov. 15; three parks will remain closed until further notice and face long-term closures: Chimney Rock, Mount Mitchell, and South Mountains.

The N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation announced that the Parks and Recreation Authority has awarded over $7.6 million from the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund for state parks projects for fiscal year 2024-25.