Still closed: boat docks, beaches, Hidden Cove, the Paddy's Creek day-use area (incl. picnic areas, bathrooms, and trailheads), Long Arm camping , and Mill's Creek & Wimba trails.
Winter Hours for Lake James State Park Visitor Center
Winter hours are now in effect for the Paddy's Creek Visitor Center. The new hours are now 9 am to 4:30 pm daily.
Lake James State Park is looking for campground hosts!
Most state parks in western North Carolina have reopened at least partially.
Chimney Rock, Mount Mitchell, and South Mountains are closed long-term until further notice. Check park pages for the most up-to-date status of facilities.
Donate to Hurricane Recovery
Please give to the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund to help communities recover from Helene
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Information and Resources on Hurricane Helene
For North Carolina residents and visitors impacted by Hurricane Helene
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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.
Carolina Beach State Park, Falls Lake State Recreation Area, Fort Fisher State Recreation Area, Hammocks Beach State Park, Hanging Rock State Park, Jones Lake State Park, Jordan Lake State Recreation Area, Kerr Lake State Recreation Area, Lake James State Park, Lake Norman State Park, Merchants Millpond State Park, Morrow Mountain State Park, William B Umstead State Park, Marketing and Communications, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, And Access, Operations
Veterans with service-related disabilities are now eligible to apply to receive a free Annual Pass to North Carolina State Parks.
Carolina Beach State Park, Falls Lake State Recreation Area, Hammocks Beach State Park, Hanging Rock State Park, Jockeys Ridge State Park, Jones Lake State Park, Lake James State Park, Lake Norman State Park, Merchants Millpond State Park, Morrow Mountain State Park, Pilot Mountain State Park, Raleigh Office, Marketing and Communications, Interpretation and Education
Carolina Beach, Hammocks Beach, Hanging Rock, Jockey's Ridge, Jones Lake, Lake James, Lake Norman, Morrow Mountain, and Pilot Mountain state parks; Falls Lake State Recreation Area; and Salmon Creek State Natural Area are hosting the paddling instruction events for National Safe Boating Week 2024.