List of North Carolina state parks explained

The State of North Carolina has a group of protected areas known as the North Carolina State Park System, which is managed by the North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation (NCDPR), an agency of the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (NCDNCR). Units of the system can only be established by an act of the General Assembly of North Carolina. The park system began in 1916 when the summit of Mount Mitchell became first state park in the Southeastern United States. According to the Division of Parks & Recreation, "the State Parks Act of 1987 lists six types of units included in the NC State Parks System." These are State Parks, State Recreation Areas, State Natural Areas, State Lakes, State Trails, and State Rivers. All units of the system are owned and/or managed by the division, and the division leases some of the units to other agencies for operation. Most units of the park system are also components of State Nature and Historic Preserve.

State Parks

State Parks are the principle unit of the state park system. The NC Division of Parks & Recreation describes its parks as follows:

Generally, State Parks are expected to possess both significant natural resource values and significant recreational values. State Parks are expected to accommodate the development of facilities, but may vary in the extent of development depending upon what can be provided without damage to the scenic or natural features. Facilities are planned and constructed to keep disturbance of natural resources to a minimum and to leave a "liberal portion" of each park undisturbed and free from improvements and structures, except for trails.

Several of the State Parks are new and are still being planned and developed. A few of the older state parks were greatly expanded in size in the 2000s adding trails and bike paths open to the public.

Park NameWeb-
site
RegionCounty or CountiesSizeYear EstablishedStatusRemarks
Carolina Beach State Parkhttps://www.ncparks.gov/state-parks/carolina-beach-state-parkCoastNew Hanover761acres1969OpenNamed not for a beach, rather the Town of Carolina Beach, the park is located along the banks of the Cape Fear River and Snow's Cut (part of the Intracoastal Waterway). The park is best known for its variety of wild carnivorous plants, including the Venus Flytrap.
Carvers Creek State Parkhttps://www.ncparks.gov/state-parks/carvers-creek-state-parkCoastal PlainCumberland4530acres2005OpenUnder development;
Interim facilities are open at the park's historic Long Valley Farm Access.
Chimney Rock State Parkhttps://www.ncparks.gov/state-parks/chimney-rock-state-parkMountainsRutherford, Polk, Buncombe, Henderson8014acres2005OpenUnder development;
The park protects the landscape of Hickory Nut Gorge, including its most well known feature, Chimney Rock.
Cliffs of the Neuse State Parkhttps://www.ncparks.gov/state-parks/cliffs-neuse-state-parkCoastal PlainWayne1097acres1945OpenThe park protects ancient cliff faces located along the banks of the Neuse River.
Crowders Mountain State Parkhttps://www.ncparks.gov/state-parks/crowders-mountain-state-parkPiedmontGaston5217acres1973OpenThe park protects the Kings Mountain Ridgeline in North Carolina, including its highest peaks Crowder's Mountain and King's Pinnacle. The park is also adjacent to Kings Mountain State Park in South Carolina, which in turn is adjacent to Kings Mountain National Military Park. All three parks are connected via the Kings Mountain Ridgeline Trail.
Dismal Swamp State Parkhttps://www.ncparks.gov/state-parks/dismal-swamp-state-parkCoastal PlainCamden14432acres1974OpenUnder development;
The park protects large part of the Great Dismal Swamp, and it is adjacent to Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. It is bounded on the east by the Dismal Swamp Canal.
Elk Knob State Parkhttps://www.ncparks.gov/state-parks/elk-knob-state-parkMountainsWatauga, Ashe4423acres2002OpenUnder development;
The park preserves some of the highest peaks in Ashe and Watauga Counties, and it protects headwaters of the North Fork New River.
Eno River State Parkhttps://www.ncparks.gov/state-parks/eno-river-state-parkPiedmontDurham, Orange4319acres1973OpenThe park protects the banks of the Eno River and surrounding lands.
Fort Macon State Parkhttps://www.ncparks.gov/state-parks/fort-macon-state-parkCoastCarteret424acres1924OpenThe first North Carolina State Park to open to the public. It protects the historic Fort Macon and the eastern end of Bogue Banks.
Goose Creek State Parkhttps://www.ncparks.gov/state-parks/goose-creek-state-parkCoastal PlainBeaufort1672acres1974OpenThe park protects part of the landscape along the Pamlico Sound.
Gorges State Parkhttps://www.ncparks.gov/state-parks/gorges-state-parkMountainsTransylvania7709acres1999OpenUnder development;
North Carolina's westernmost state park; it is located along the steep Blue Ridge Escarpment. The park is best known for the many waterfalls it provides access to, both inside the park and on adjacent public lands.
Grandfather Mountain State Parkhttps://www.ncparks.gov/state-parks/grandfather-mountain-state-parkMountainsAvery, Watauga, Caldwell3647acres2009OpenUnder development;
Adjacent to the Blue Ridge Parkway, the park protects the highest peak located along the Blue Ridge Escarpment. The park consists of lands formerly known as the "backcountry area" when it was privately owned nature preserve.
Hammocks Beach State Parkhttps://www.ncparks.gov/state-parks/hammocks-beach-state-parkCoastOnslow1611acres1961OpenWhile protecting a variety of maritime habitats, the park is most known for its four-mile (4miles) long barrier island, Bear Island. The park operates a passenger ferry service between the mainland and island in the warmer months.
Hanging Rock State Parkhttps://www.ncparks.gov/state-parks/hanging-rock-state-parkPiedmontStokes9011acres1935OpenThe park encompasses the eastern end of the Sauratown Mountain range, including a geologic feature known as Hanging Rock. It also protects a segment of the Dan River.
Haw River State Parkhttps://www.ncparks.gov/state-parks/haw-river-state-parkPiedmontRockingham, Guilford1485acres2003OpenUnder development;
This park preserves large wetlands along the Haw River.
Jockey's Ridge State Parkhttps://www.ncparks.gov/state-parks/jockeys-ridge-state-parkCoastDare427acres1975OpenThe park protects the tallest sand dune system on the East Coast of the United States.
Jones Lake State Parkhttps://www.ncparks.gov/state-parks/jones-lake-state-parkCoastal PlainBladen1669acres1939OpenThe park surrounds Jones State Lake and Salters State Lake, both of which are largely undeveloped Carolina Bay lakes. Until 1965, it was one of two parks open to Black people.
Lake James State Parkhttps://www.ncparks.gov/state-parks/lake-james-state-parkMountainsMcDowell, Burke3743acres1987OpenUnder redevelopment;
Located near the base of Linville Gorge, the park encompasses large parts of the Lake James shoreline. In 2004, the park nearly octupled in size after a land deal with Crescent Resources.
Lake Norman State Parkhttps://www.ncparks.gov/state-parks/lake-norman-state-parkPiedmontIredell1942acres1962OpenFormerly known as Duke Power State Park, most of this park consists of lands donated by Duke Power along the shores of Lake Norman, the largest manmade body of fresh water in North Carolina.
Lake Waccamaw State Parkhttps://www.ncparks.gov/state-parks/lake-waccamaw-state-parkCoastal PlainColumbus2398acres1976OpenThis park is along the shoreline of Lake Waccamaw, the largest natural Carolina Bay lake.
Lumber River State Parkhttps://www.ncparks.gov/state-parks/lumber-river-state-parkCoastal PlainScotland, Hoke, Robeson, Columbus13695acres1989OpenThe State Park with the greatest geographic expanse, it preserves the banks of the black water Lumber River, which is Wild and Scenic River and a State River.
Mayo River State Parkhttps://www.ncparks.gov/state-parks/mayo-river-state-parkPiedmontRockingham2778acres2003OpenUnder development;
This new, still growing park is located along the Mayo River.
Medoc Mountain State Parkhttps://www.ncparks.gov/state-parks/medoc-mountain-state-parkPiedmontHalifax3893acres1973OpenAt 325foot, Medoc Mountain isn't a true mountain but rather the remnant of a former mountain range which eroded long ago. The park preserves the land around the Medoc, as well as the banks of nearby Little Fishing Creek.
Merchants Millpond State Parkhttps://www.ncparks.gov/state-parks/merchants-millpond-state-parkCoastal PlainGates3520acres1973OpenThe park protects a unique, cypress filled millpond and the Lassiter Swamp.
Morrow Mountain State Parkhttps://www.ncparks.gov/state-parks/morrow-mountain-state-parkPiedmontStanly5702acres1935OpenAt 936foot, Morrow Mountain is the fourth tallest peak of the Uwharrie Mountains, and the park encompasses several peaks of the range, just west of the Yadkin / Pee Dee River.
Mount Mitchell State Parkhttps://www.ncparks.gov/state-parks/mount-mitchell-state-parkMountainsYancey4789acres1916OpenThe first North Carolina State Park, it protects the summit of Mount Mitchell the highest point in the eastern United States.
New River State Parkhttps://www.ncparks.gov/state-parks/new-river-state-parkMountainsAlleghany, Ashe3323acres1975OpenThis park preserves the landscape along the New River, which is Wild and Scenic River and a State River.
Pettigrew State Parkhttps://www.ncparks.gov/state-parks/pettigrew-state-parkCoastal PlainTyrrell, Washington5951acres1936OpenThe park protects the banks of Lake Phelps, the state's second largest natural lake, and the Scuppernong River.
Pilot Mountain State Parkhttps://www.ncparks.gov/state-parks/pilot-mountain-state-parkPiedmontSurry, Yadkin3872acres1968OpenThe park encompasses the western end of the Sauratown Mountain range, including Pilot Mountain, as well as an island filled segment of the Yadkin River.
Pisgah View State Parkhttps://www.ncparks.gov/state-parks/pisgah-view-state-parkMountainsBuncombe, Haywood205acres2019ClosedPlanned State Park on the property of Pisgah View Ranch, near Mount Pisgah and Pisgah National Forest.
Raven Rock State Parkhttps://www.ncparks.gov/state-parks/raven-rock-state-parkPiedmontHarnett4810acres1970OpenLocated along both banks of the Cape Fear River, the park encompasses a rock outcropping where the river crosses the Fall Line.
Rendezvous Mountain State Parkhttps://www.ncparks.gov/state-parks/rendezvous-mountain-state-parkMountainsWilkes1800acres1926OpenPopularly rumored to have been an assembly point for the Overmountain Men during the Revolutionary War.
Singletary Lake State Parkhttps://www.ncparks.gov/state-parks/singletary-lake-state-parkCoastal PlainBladen649acres1939LimitedThe park surrounds Singletary Lake, which is a State Lake and a Carolina Bay lake. The park's facilities are usually reserved for registered group campers, but limited day use may be allowed while the camps are unoccupied.
South Mountains State Parkhttps://www.ncparks.gov/state-parks/south-mountains-state-parkMountainsBurke20949acres1978OpenUnder redevelopment;
The largest unit of the state park system, it encompasses a large part of the South Mountains range, which is a branch of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Stone Mountain State Parkhttps://www.ncparks.gov/state-parks/stone-mountain-state-parkMountainsAlleghany, Wilkes14353acres1969OpenAdjacent to the Blue Ridge Parkway, this large park's centerpiece is a granite dome named Stone Mountain.
William B. Umstead State Parkhttps://www.ncparks.gov/state-parks/william-b-umstead-state-parkPiedmontWake5599acres1945OpenThis large, forested park is in the heart of the Research Triangle. It was originally known as Crabtree Creek State Park. In 1950, the 1234acres southern section was carved out for a Blacks-only park. In 1955, the Crabtree Creek section was renamed Willium B. Umstead. It was desegregated in 1965.

State Recreation Areas

State Recreation Areas are more intensely developed units than State Parks, and they largely encompass lands less sensitive to human activities than State Parks. According to the NC Division of Parks & Recreation:

State Recreation Areas are sites where the primary purpose is outdoor recreation, rather than preservation. More intensive development of facilities is provided than in State Parks. Protection and enjoyment of the natural resources are still important, and the sites are expected to contain scenic and attractive natural features. Development is planned and constructed to keep a "reasonable amount" of each area undisturbed and free from improvements and structures.

State Recreation AreaWeb-
site
RegionCountiesSizeEstablishedStatusRemarks
Falls Lake State Recreation Areahttps://www.ncparks.gov/state-parks/falls-lake-state-recreation-areaPiedmontWake, Durham5035acres1982OpenThis recreation area is located along the shores of Falls Lake, a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers built reservoir.
Fort Fisher State Recreation Areahttps://www.ncparks.gov/state-parks/fort-fisher-state-recreation-areaCoastNew Hanover287acres1986OpenThis recreation area is known for its long, sandy beach between the Cape Fear River and the Atlantic Ocean. This is the only unit of the park system that allows four-wheel drive vehicles off-road.
Jordan Lake State Recreation Areahttps://www.ncparks.gov/state-parks/jordan-lake-state-recreation-areaPiedmontChatham4558acres1981OpenThis recreation area is located along the shores of Jordan Lake, a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers built reservoir.
Kerr Lake State Recreation Areahttps://www.ncparks.gov/state-parks/kerr-lake-state-recreation-areaPiedmontVance, Warren3376acres1952OpenThis recreation area is located along the North Carolinian shores of Kerr Lake, a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers built reservoir, which is along the border of North Carolina and Virginia.

State Natural Areas

State Natural Areas protect areas more sensitive to human activities than State Parks. Most of the State Natural Areas are undeveloped and have limited to no facilities, and some of them are closed to the general public to protect rare, fragile ecosystems. A few have developed facilities for low intensity, passive recreation, as well as facilities for public interpretation and education of the natural area. The NC Division of Parks & Recreation states:

The purpose of State Natural Areas is focused on preserving and protecting areas of scientific, aesthetic, or ecological value. Facilities are limited to those needed for interpretation, protection, and minimum maintenance. Generally, recreational and public use facilities such as camping, swimming, picnicking, and the like are not provided in State Natural Areas.

State Natural AreaWeb-
site
RegionCountiesSizeEstablishedPublic AccessRemarks
Bakers Lake State Natural AreaCoastal PlainBladen0acres2021UndevelopedEstablished to protect an undeveloped, 75acres natural lake.
Baldhead Island State Natural AreaCoastBrunswick1260acres1979UndevelopedContiguous to Fort Fisher State Recreation Area, this undeveloped natural area preserves a large portion of the Smith Island Complex, which consists of barrier islands, salt marshes, bays, tidal creeks and estuarine islands.
Bay Tree State Natural AreaCoastal PlainBladen609acres1979UndevelopedFormer State Park which was never developed. It consists of lands adjacent to Bay Tree State Lake.
Bear Paw State Natural AreaMountainsAvery384acres2008UndevelopedThe natural area is located just north of Grandfather Mountain State Park, and it protects Hanging Rock Ridge and the headwaters of Dutch Creek. The Cherokee name for the site is "Yonah‑wayah", which means "Bear's Paw". It is managed by Elk Knob State Park.
Beech Creek Bog State Natural AreaMountainsWatauga295acres2002The natural area protects a southern Appalachian bog.
Bobs Creek State Natural Areahttps://www.ncparks.gov/state-parks/bobs-creek-state-natural-areaMountainsMcDowell6000acres2017ClosedHistorically known as Bob's Pocket Wilderness, the natural area conserves high quality, rare natural communities.
Bullhead Mountain State Natural AreaMountainsAlleghany442acres2000LimitedThis natural area is adjacent to the Blue Ridge Parkway and just north of Stone Mountain State Park.
Bushy Lake State Natural AreaCoastal PlainCumberland6396acres1977UndevelopedManaged by Jones Lake State Park, the natural area protects an area of wet pocosin and carolina bay forest.
Chowan Swamp State Natural AreaCoastal PlainGates6066acres1973OpenLocated along the northern shores of the Chowan River, this natural area is leased by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission for management as part of the larger Chowan Swamp Game Land.
Hemlock Bluffs State Natural Areahttp://www.hemlockbluffs.org/PiedmontWake97acres1976OpenThe natural area is leased by the Town of Cary for operation as Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve.
Lea Island State Natural AreaCoastPender25acres2000LimitedThe natural area preserves a largely undeveloped barrier island.
Lower Haw River State Natural AreaPiedmontChatham1025acres2003OpenUnder development;
This natural area is adjacent to and managed by Jordan Lake State Recreation Area, and it has one 2miles hiking trail along the Haw River.
Masonboro Island State Natural Areahttp://portal.ncdenr.org/web/crp/masonboro-islandCoastNew Hanover106acres1976UndevelopedManaged by the North Carolina Division of Coastal Management, this natural area preserves an undeveloped barrier island, near Wilmington, North Carolina. The island is only accessible by boat.
Mitchells Millpond State Natural AreaPiedmontWake93acres1976ClosedThe natural area protects granitic flatrock outcrops. The ecosystem of the flatrocks is unique and fragile.
Mount Jefferson State Natural Areahttps://www.ncparks.gov/state-parks/mount-jefferson-state-natural-areaMountainsAshe1188acres1956OpenFormerly a State Park, this natural area is managed as a satellite of New River State Park, and it preserves the prominent peak of Mount Jefferson.
Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Areahttps://www.ncparks.gov/state-parks/occoneechee-mountain-state-natural-areaPiedmontOrange221acres1997OpenManaged as a satellite of Eno River State Park, this natural area preserves the highest point in Orange County.
Pineola Bog State Natural AreaMountainsAvery91acres2006The natural area protects a southern Appalachian bog.
Run Hill State Natural AreaCoastDare123acres1995UndevelopedManaged as a satellite of Jockey's Ridge State Park, the natural area preserves Run Hill, a large sand dune north of Jockey's Ridge.
Salmon Creek State Natural AreaCoastal PlainBertie1002acres2017ClosedThe natural area contains high-quality natural communities, and important archaeological sites.
Sandy Run Savannas State Natural AreaCoastal PlainPender, Onslow3133acres2006ClosedThe natural area preserves southern pine savannas.
Sugar Mountain Bog State Natural AreaMountainsAvery102acres2006The natural area protects a southern Appalachian bog.
Theodore Roosevelt State Natural Areahttp://www.ncaquariums.com/pine-knoll-shores/plan-your-visit/helpful-hints/theodore-roosevelt-natural-area-nature-trailsCoastCarteret265acres1971OpenJointly managed by Fort Macon State Park and the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores, the natural area preserves Bogue Banks' only intact maritime forest.
Warwick Mill Bay State Natural AreaCoastal PlainRobeson976acres2017ClosedThe natural area protects an undisturbed Carolina Bay, which is an important nesting site for birds. Audubon North Carolina assists with the management of the property.
Weymouth Woods-Sandhills Nature Preservehttps://www.ncparks.gov/state-parks/weymouth-woods-sandhills-nature-preserveCoastal PlainMoore915acres1963OpenThe first North Carolina State Natural Area, it preserves strands of longleaf pine forests in Sandhills region.
Yellow Mountain State Natural AreaMountainsMitchell, Avery3809acres2008LimitedThe natural area protects a Grassy Bald in the Roan Highlands range. The natural area is adjacent to the Pisgah National Forest.

State Lakes

State Lakes are all large, naturally formed bodies of water in the state's Coastal Plain. Most of the lakes are Carolina Bays. The NC Division of Parks & Recreation describes its State Lakes as follows:

Chapter 165 of the Laws of 1929 specified that "all lakes now belonging to the State having an area of 50 acres or more" should be "administered as provided for other recreational areas now owned by the State." This allowed the then-Department of Conservation and Development to assume management authority for seven Coastal Plain lakes that became units of the State Parks System known as State Lakes. Most of these are administratively included as part of an adjoining State Park, but one of the lakes (White Lake) has no public ownership on its shoreline.

State LakeAdjoining State ParkCountiesSizeRemarks
Bay Tree State LakeBay Tree State ParkBladen1418acresBay Tree Lake was formerly known as Black Lake.
Jones State LakeJones Lake State ParkBladen224acresThe shore line of Jones Lake is entirely owned by the state.
Phelps State LakePettigrew State ParkWashington, Tyrrell16600acresPhelps is North Carolina's second largest natural lake.
Salters State LakeJones Lake State ParkBladen315acresSalters is the only State Lake without development along its shores.
Singletary State LakeSingletary Lake State ParkBladen572acresThe shore line of Singletary Lake is entirely owned by the state.
Waccamaw State LakeLake Waccamaw State ParkColumbus8938acresLake Waccamaw is the largest natural Carolina Bay lake.
White State LakeNoneBladen1068acresThis is the only State Lake without public lands along its shores.

State Trails

State Trails are one of the principal components of the State Trail System. State Trails may be either long-distance, hiking trails or paddle trails. State Trails may have land components for providing a trail corridor or for protecting significant features or resources along the trail. Most of these lands are leased to other land management agencies. All of the State Trails are joint projects with other government agencies and nonprofit organizations. The following is the NC Division of Parks & Recreation description of State Trails:

The North Carolina Trails System Act was passed in 1973 to help provide for the state's outdoor recreation needs and to promote public access to natural and scenic areas. The act prescribed methods for establishing a statewide system of scenic trails, recreation trails, and connecting or side trails. The Trails System includes "park trails", which are designated and managed as units of the State Parks System known as State Trails, and "designated trails", which are managed by other governmental agencies or corporations.

State TrailWeb-
site
RegionDesignated LengthSizeEstablishedRemarks
Dan River State Trailhttps://trails.nc.gov/state-trails/dan-river-state-trailPiedmont0miles0acres2021A paddle trail on the Dan River in Stokes and Rockingham Counties.
Deep River State Trailhttps://trails.nc.gov/state-trails/deep-river-state-trailPiedmont0miles1274acres2007Planned hiking and paddle trail along the Deep River.
East Coast Greenway State Trailhttps://trails.nc.gov/state-trails/east-coast-greenway-state-trailCoastal Plain0miles0acres2021North Carolina's section of a developing bikeway spanning the East Coast of the United States.
Equine State Trailhttps://trails.nc.gov/state-trails/equine-state-trailPiedmont0miles0acres2023A bridle path in North Carolina's Sandhills region.
Fonta Flora State Trailhttps://trails.nc.gov/state-trails/fonta-flora-state-trailMountains19miles203acres2015Planned hiking and bicycling trail that will encircle the eastern half of Lake James.
French Broad River State Trailhttps://trails.nc.gov/state-trails/french-broad-river-state-trailMountains117miles0acres1987A paddle trail extending from the beginning of the French Broad River in Rosman, to I-40 in Asheville.
Haw River State Trailhttps://trails.nc.gov/state-trails/haw-river-state-trailPiedmont0miles0acres2023A paddle and hiking trail connecting Haw River State Park and Jordan Lake State Recreation Area.
Hickory Nut Gorge State Trailhttps://trails.nc.gov/state-trails/hickory-nut-gorge-state-trailMountains0miles0acres2017A trail planned to encircle Hickory Nut Gorge and Lake Lure.
Mountains-to-Sea State Park Trailhttps://trails.nc.gov/state-trails/mountains-sea-state-trailState669miles778acres2000The Mountains-to-Sea Trail (MST) is a Long-distance, hiking trail, which runs across North Carolina from the Great Smoky Mountains to the Outer Banks. Still a work in progress, the trail will be approximately a 1000miles long when completed.
Northern Peaks State Trailhttps://trails.nc.gov/state-trails/northern-peaks-state-trailMountains0miles0acres2019A hiking trail planned to go over several mountain peaks from Rivers Park in Boone to Mount Jefferson State Natural Area.
Overmountain Victory State Trailhttps://trails.nc.gov/state-trails/overmountain-victory-state-trailMountains49.5miles0acres2019The Overmountain Victory Trail roughly follows the historic route of the Overmountain Men on their march to the Battle of Kings Mountain.
Roanoke River State Trailhttps://trails.nc.gov/state-trails/roanoke-river-state-trailCoastal Plain0miles0acres2021A paddle trail on the Roanoke River from Roanoke Rapids to the Albemarle Sound.
Saluda Grade State Trailhttps://trails.nc.gov/state-trails/saluda-grade-state-trailMountains0miles0acres2023A planned rail trail along Norfolk Southern Railway's W Line, from Zirconia to the North Carolina-South Carolina state line.
Wilderness Gateway State Trailhttps://trails.nc.gov/state-trails/wilderness-gateway-state-trailMountains0miles1474acres2019Proposed trail to connect the Overmountain Victory Trail, South Mountains State Park, Valdese, and Hickory.
Yadkin River State Trailhttps://trails.nc.gov/state-trails/yadkin-river-state-trailPiedmont130miles0acres1987This paddle trail is along a mostly free-flowing stretch of the Yadkin River between the W. Kerr Scott Dam and the beginning of High Rock Lake. There are only two small impoundments along the trail, and neither one creates a large reservoir.

State Rivers

State Rivers are components of the state's Natural and Scenic Rivers System, which is the state's equivalent to the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. Most of the state's National Wild and Scenic Rivers, are also State Rivers and vice versa. The NC Division of Parks & Recreation states that:

The Natural and Scenic Rivers System was created by the 1971 General Assembly to preserve and protect certain free flowing rivers, their water quality and their adjacent lands for the benefit of present and future generations. The Natural and Scenic Rivers Act established criteria and methods for inclusion of components to the system. Components of the Natural and Scenic Rivers System are State Rivers, and are also units of the State Parks System.

State RiverRegionDesignated LengthSizeEstablishedRemarks
Horsepasture State Natural RiverMountains4.5miles0acres1985The river is located in the Pisgah National Forest, within a moderate 1.75miles hike of Gorges State Park, via the Rainbow Falls Trail.
Linville State Natural RiverMountains13miles0acres1975The river is located in the middle of the Linville Gorge Wilderness.
Lumber State Natural RiverCoastal Plain34.5miles0acres1989Lumber River State Park is along portions of the adjacent river banks.
Lumber State Scenic RiverCoastal Plain52miles0acres1989Lumber River State Park is along portions of the adjacent river banks.
Lumber State Recreational RiverCoastal Plain15.5miles0acres1989Lumber River State Park is along portions of the adjacent river banks.
New State Scenic RiverMountains26.5miles0acres1975New River State Park is along portions of the adjacent river banks.

Former units

Some units have been formally removed from the NC State Park System and transferred to other agencies for management.

When the State Historic Site system was established in 1955, the system's first six components were historic properties transferred from the State Park System.

One unit, Rendezvous Mountain, was transferred back to the park system, after 66 years in the state forest system.

Former unitWeb-
site
RegionCountiesSize †EstablishedRemovedStatusRemarks
Battle of Alamancehttps://web.archive.org/web/20150905151835/http://www.nchistoricsites.org/alamance/alamanc.htmPiedmontAlamance40acres19531955OpenThe park was transferred as one of the initial components of the State Historic Site system.
Boone's Cave State Parkhttps://web.archive.org/web/20121231165454/http://www.co.davidson.nc.us/ParksAndRecreation/Boone%60sCaveParkInformation.aspxPiedmontDavidson110acres19712002OpenFormerly managed by Morrow Mountain State Park, Boone's Cave is now a Davidson County Park.
Brunswick Townhttps://web.archive.org/web/20090321001517/http://www.nchistoricsites.org/brunswic/brunswic.htmCoastBrunswick119acres19521955OpenThe park was transferred as one of the initial components of the State Historic Site system.
Cape Hatteras State Parkhttp://www.nps.gov/caha/index.htmCoastDare1200acres19351952OpenCape Hatteras State Park was located adjacent to Cape Hatteras Light, and it was transferred to the larger Cape Hatteras National Seashore.
Charles B. Aycock Birthplacehttps://web.archive.org/web/20150905132624/http://www.nchistoricsites.org/aycock/aycock.htmCoastal PlainWayne1acres19511955OpenThe park was transferred as one of the initial components of the State Historic Site system.
Frutchey State Parkhttps://web.archive.org/web/20110727113801/http://www.nchistoricsites.org/town/town.htmPiedmontMontgomery53acres19371955OpenThe park was named after L. D. Frutchey, who donated the core property to the state, and it was later renamed "Town Creek State Park". The park was transferred as one of the initial components of the State Historic Site system, becoming known as Town Creek Indian Mound.
Hiwassee Lake State ParkMountainsCherokee834acres19481952The state leased land around Hiwassee Lake from the Tennessee Valley Authority for a few years.
James Iredell Househttps://web.archive.org/web/20090615051123/http://www.nchistoricsites.org/iredell/Coastal PlainChowan2acres19511955OpenThe park was transferred as one of the initial components of the State Historic Site system.
Reedy Creek State Parkhttps://www.ncparks.gov/state-parks/william-b-umstead-state-parkPiedmontWake1234acres19501966OpenFormed as a segregated park for black citizens, it was merged with William B. Umstead State Park during desegregation.
Sandhills State Recreation Areahttp://www.ncwildlife.org/Portals/0/Hunting/GameLand_Maps/Piedmont/Sandhills.pdfCoastal PlainRichmond19391941OpenTransferred to Wildlife Resources Commission. Now part of the Sandhills Game Land.
Tryon Palacehttp://www.tryonpalace.org/Coastal PlainCraven2acres19521955OpenThe park was transferred as one of the initial components of the State Historic Site system.
Waynesborough State Parkhttp://www.oldwaynesborough.org/Coastal PlainWayne130acres19792003OpenFormerly managed by Cliffs of the Neuse State Park, the park is now owned and managed by the Old Waynesborough Commission, a non-profit corporation.
† Size while the unit was part of the park system

See also

External links