North Carolina State Parks and Recreation

North Carolina State Parks and Recreation The official Facebook account of the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources – Division of Parks and Recreation.

At North Carolina State Parks, we know that some of the most meaningful moments happen when a child discovers they bel...
06/23/2026

At North Carolina State Parks, we know that some of the most meaningful moments happen when a child discovers they belong in the outdoors!

Recently, a young visitor completed the final requirement for her Junior Ranger badge just as the was closing. Unsure if she'd be able to finish the program that day, she was thrilled when Ranger Schafer took the time to meet with her, swear her in, and even help her earn "Expert" status.

According to her family, she spent the entire two-hour drive home talking about the experience and couldn't wait to show off her badge, patch, and certificate at school the next day.

What may have seemed like a small act became a lasting memory for a future park steward. Thank you, Ranger Schafer, for going above and beyond to make a young park enthusiast feel seen, celebrated, and excited about the outdoors. Moments like these help create lifelong park lovers!

Want to experience the magic of the Junior Ranger program with your children? Learn more here: https://www.ncparks.gov/education/junior-ranger-program

It's and parks across North Carolina are buzzing with opportunities to learn about the bees, butterflies, moths, bee...
06/22/2026

It's and parks across North Carolina are buzzing with opportunities to learn about the bees, butterflies, moths, beetles, and other pollinators that keep our ecosystems thriving. Other events include bird cruises, camping education, and more: https://www.ncparks.gov/localist-events-calendar

Tuesday, June 23
- Hammocks Beach: Box Turtle Talk
- Hanging Rock: Wellness Paddle with a Ranger
- Hanging Rock: Vultures - Nature's Cleanup Crew
- Medic Mountain: Astronomy Event

Wednesday, June 24
- Carolina Beach: Bring Your Own Kayak - Paddle with a Ranger
- Eno River: Basics of Rock Identification
- Pilot Mountain: Intro to Camping
- Grandfather Mountain: Wildflower & Pollinator ID Hike

Thursday, June 25
- Hanging Rock: Canids of the Carolinas
- Jockey's Ridge: Soundside Explorers
- Eno River: The Power of Pollinators
- Pilot Mountain: Nature Journaling
- Pilot Mountain: Spoken Word Night

Friday, June 26
- Carolina Beach: Flytrap Hike
- Eno River: Moonshine in the Morning
- Jones Lake: Guided Bark Ranger Hike
- Fort Macon: Turtle Talk
- Fort Macon: Summer Concerts in the Fort

Saturday, June 27
- Lake Norman: Project Learning Tree
- Medoc Mountain: Tap the Map at Medoc Mountain
- Jones Lake: Discovery Hike
- Chimney Rock: Bear Basics
- Jockey's Ridge: Feathers of Freedom A250 Activity for Kids
- Stone Mountain: Cedar Rock Romp

Sunday, June 28
- Hammocks Beach: Shell'n Sundays

Monday, June 29
- Hanging Rock: Whose Paws & Claws?
- Elk K**b: Junior Ranger Hike
- Mayo River: Strawberry Moon Night Hike

Today, we honor Juneteenth and reflect on the enduring pursuit of freedom, resilience, and hope.At , we commemorated th...
06/19/2026

Today, we honor Juneteenth and reflect on the enduring pursuit of freedom, resilience, and hope.

At , we commemorated the day with a special presentation by Dr. Latif Tarik, Associate Professor of History at Elizabeth City State University, who shared insights on marronage and the role of the Great Dismal Swamp as a refuge for freedom seekers. Following the presentation, participants joined park staff for a walk along the boardwalk to explore the unique ecology of this remarkable landscape and its connection to the stories shared.

Thank you to Dr. Tarik for sharing his expertise and to everyone who joined us to learn, reflect, and honor this important chapter of our shared history.

Explore more of the outdoors with our ZOOM All-Terrain Mobility Chairs at !Made possible through a grant from the Chris...
06/18/2026

Explore more of the outdoors with our ZOOM All-Terrain Mobility Chairs at !

Made possible through a grant from the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, these high-performance electric wheelchairs are designed to help visitors navigate rugged outdoor environments with greater ease. Featuring 4-wheel drive, long-lasting dual lithium batteries, and even integrated fishing rod holders, ZOOM chairs make it easier to experience nature on your terms.

ZOOM chairs are available at William B. Umstead State Park and on select greenways. Interested in reserving one? Fill out the interest form on our website, and our staff will contact you to schedule your session: https://trails.nc.gov/nc-trails-program/adaptive-trails-program

📸 DPR Photos

While many visitors are enjoying North Carolina's outdoors this summer, our Natural Resource Section’s Fire Management...
06/16/2026

While many visitors are enjoying North Carolina's outdoors this summer, our Natural Resource Section’s Fire Management Team is on the front lines assisting the N.C. Forest Service and N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission in fighting the Rose Bay Canal Wildfire in the eastern part of the state.

These agencies work closely together throughout fire season to help contain wildfires and protect North Carolina's communities, natural resources, and public lands. Since the beginning of 2026, nearly 5,000 wildfires have started across the state, and fire danger is expected to remain high as summer continues.

We're incredibly proud of our fire team and the critical work they do across North Carolina. As you head outdoors this summer, please be fire-wise: follow local burn restrictions, never leave a fire unattended, and make sure all fires are completely extinguished before you leave. Fires are allowed only in designated areas (grills and fire rings) at state parks.

We have a full lineup of events at parks this week, from a wildflower and sunset photography workshop with parks photo...
06/15/2026

We have a full lineup of events at parks this week, from a wildflower and sunset photography workshop with parks photographer Craig Marimpietri to a special Juneteenth program at exploring the history of marronage and the swamp's role as a refuge for freedom seekers. Check out this week's events and find your next adventure: https://www.ncparks.gov/localist-events-calendar

Tuesday, June 16
- Hanging Rock: Earning the Sunrise
- Gorges: 10 Essentials
- Hammocks Beach: Sea Turtles
- Elk K**b: Bug Hunt
- Mount Jefferson SNA: Wildflower & Sunset Photography Hike

Wednesday, June 17
- Carolina Beach: Bird Hike
- Hammocks Beach: Kayak with a Ranger
- Hanging Rock: Corn Snake Encounter
- Pilot Mountain: Talking Trees

Thursday, June 18
- Hammocks Beach: Bird Hike
- Fort Macon: Natural Side of Fort Macon
- Carvers Creek: Pollywogs Storytime
- Hanging Rock: Beat the Heat and Keep it Cool!
- Eno River: Tree ID Hike

Friday, June 19
- Carolina Beach: Flytrap Hike
- Hammocks Beach: Forest Bathing
- Fort Macon: Carolina Seashells
- Dismal Swamp: Freedom Seeking and Dismal Swamp
- Hanging Rock: Awesome Opossum
- Chimney Rock: Juneteenth Freedom Flags
- Stone Mountain: Skins and Skulls
- Pilot Mountain: Father's Day Hike and Dad Olympics
- Elk K**b: Stories Around the Campfire
- Fort Macon: Summer Concerts in the Fort

Saturday, June 20
- Merchants Millpond: Birding with Merlin
- Fort Macon: Cannon Day
- Chimney Rock: Major Battles of North Carolina - America 250

Sunday, June 21
- Medoc Mountain: Build a Kite
- Mayo River: Discovery Hike with a Ranger
- Lake Norman: Father's Day Fishing
- Hammocks Beach: Shell'n Sundays
- Chimney Rock: The Need for Trees
- Raven Rock: Summer Sweep - NC the Beautiful

Monday, June 22
- Raven Rock: Summer Sweep - NC the Beautiful
- Eno River: A River Runs Through Here
- Merchants Millpond: Ranger Jeffrey's Camping 101
- Hammocks Beach: Bird Cruise

Summer in North Carolina means more time outside, but it also means higher temperatures and an increased risk of heat-...
06/11/2026

Summer in North Carolina means more time outside, but it also means higher temperatures and an increased risk of heat-related illness.

Before you head out on the trail, remember to:

• Drink plenty of water before, during, and after your activity
• Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing
• Take breaks in the shade when possible
• Avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day
• Know the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke

Swipe for more outdoor safety tips for you and your four-legged hiking companions, and visit our safety page for more general information: https://www.ncparks.gov/about-us/park-safety-and-respect

📍 Carolina Beach State Park
📸 DPR Photo (C. Marimpietri)

⚠️ Friendly reminder as you plan your adventure: Most of High Shoals Falls Trail, including the waterfall viewing area...
06/10/2026

⚠️ Friendly reminder as you plan your adventure: Most of High Shoals Falls Trail, including the waterfall viewing areas, remains closed due to damage from Hurricane Helene. Debris removal was completed in spring 2026, and we are now in the planning and design stage of the recovery project.

Thank you for your patience as we work to complete this project, and for your safety and the safety of our staff please do not attempt to access the trails or the waterfall.

Another week means more opportunities to attend some very cool events happening around our state parks. For more infor...
06/09/2026

Another week means more opportunities to attend some very cool events happening around our state parks. For more information, visit our events page: https://www.ncparks.gov/localist-events-calendar

Wednesday, June 10
- Hammocks Beach: Marsh Explorers
- Grandfather Mountain: Ranger Workshop - Tree ID Hike
- Medoc Mountain: Reading with a Ranger (Scotland Neck Memorial Library)
- Carvers Creek: Canoe Hike
- Hanging Rock: Lake Night Hike

Thursday, June 11
- Haw River: Invasive Plant Purge - NC the Beautiful
- Hanging Rock: Whose Paws & Claws?
- Hammocks Beach: Can I Do That?

Friday, June 12
- Carolina Beach: Flytrap Hike
- Fort Macon: Beach Scavenger Hunt
- Pilot Mountain: Bark Ranger Hike
- Hanging Rock: First Aid & Hiking Preparation
- Stone Mountain: Homestead History
- Lake Norman: NC Emancipation Stories
- Carvers Creek: Canoe Hike
- Eno River: Trivia Night
- Fort Macon: Night Hike
- Medoc Mountain: Astronomy Event

Saturday, June 13
- Chimney Rock: National Get Outdoors Day
- Hanging Rock: Storms vs. Snakes - Which is more dangerous?
- Lake Norman: Allies of the Revolution - The Catawba Nation Story
- Jones Lake: Natural Crayon Making
- Goose Creek: Snakes of the Carolinas
- Stone Mountain: Black Bears

Sunday, June 14
- Hammocks Beach: Shell'n Sundays
- Chimney Rock: The North Carolina State Flag - First in Freedom
- Carvers Creek: Volunteer Day

Monday, June 15
- Fort Macon: Bird Hike
- Merchants Millpond: Ranger Cody's Marvelous Macroinvertebrates
- Hanging Rock: Nocturnal Animals
- Hanging Rock: Snorkel Quest - Hanging Rock Lake
- Hammocks Beach: Salt Marsh Science

Happy ! 🥾North Carolina’s state parks are home to hundreds of miles of trails that lead to breathtaking mountain vistas...
06/06/2026

Happy ! 🥾

North Carolina’s state parks are home to hundreds of miles of trails that lead to breathtaking mountain vistas, quiet forests, scenic rivers, coastal dunes, and everything in between. Whether you’re setting out for a challenging summit hike or a leisurely walk close to home, today is the perfect day to hit the trail and discover something new!

As you explore, remember to stay on designated trails, pack out what you pack in, and leave nature as you found it so future visitors can enjoy these special places too.

Where will your next trail take you? Let us know in the comments!

📍Carolina Beach State Park

Address

121 West Jones Street
Raleigh, NC
27601

Telephone

+19197079300

Website

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