North Carolina State Parks and Recreation

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

06/03/2026

Tick season is in full swing across North Carolina, and if you’re heading outdoors this summer, it’s important to stay prepared. Ticks can carry illnesses such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and Alpha-gal syndrome, and they’re commonly found in tall grass, leaf litter, wooded areas, and along trails.

Before you head out:
• Wear light-colored clothing to spot ticks more easily
• Use EPA-approved insect repellent
• Stay on designated trails when possible
• Tuck pants into socks during hikes or field work

When you get home:
• Check yourself, children, and pets carefully for ticks
• Shower soon after being outdoors
• Wash and dry clothing on high heat

Enjoy North Carolina’s incredible outdoors, but remember to stay aware, stay protected, and check for ticks after every adventure!

Photo: American dog tick
📸 DPR Photo (K. Bischof)

06/02/2026

06/01/2026

Hello, June! 🌞 Summer is just around the corner, and our parks are buzzing with activities for all ages. Here's what's happening across North Carolina State Parks this week:

Wednesday, June 3
- Hammocks Beach: Kayak with a Ranger
- Hammocks Beach: Wilderness Workout
- Gorges: Upper Bearwallow Falls Guided Hike
- Hanging Rock: Awesome Opossum

Thursday, June 4
- Pilot Mountain: Pilot Creek Exploration

Friday, June 5
- Carolina Beach: Flytrap Hike
- Fort Macon: Turtle Talk
- Hanging Rock: Vultures - Nature's Cleanup Crew
- Lower Haw SNA: Tubing Lazy Float Down the Haw River
- Fort Macon: Summer Concerts in the Fort - Salty Bones

Saturday, June 6 - National Trails Day
- Jordan Lake: Jordan Lake Trail Day
- Grandfather Mountain: National Trails Day Scavenger Hunt
- Mayo River: Family Fishing Day
- Hammocks Beach: Military Appreciation Day
- Medoc Mountain: National Trails Day
- Chimney Rock: National Trails Day Volunteer Day
- Salmon Creek SNA: Family Fun Day at Salmon Creek

Sunday, June 7
- Haw River: Learn to Fish - Introductory Workshop
- Hammocks Beach: Shell'n Sundays

Monday, June 8
- Occoneechee Mountain SNA: Bark - Tree Identification
- Pilot Mountain: Beginner Bird Walk
- Raven Rock: Summer Sweep (NC the Beautiful)
- Merchants Millpond: Ranger Katie's Cool Compass Course
- Hammocks Beach: Bear Island Beach Clean-Up
- Hammocks Beach: Eco Cruise

More info here: https://www.ncparks.gov/localist-events-calendar

05/22/2026

Memorial Day weekend means many folks are heading to the coast, so remember to stay alert for rip currents if you’re swimming at the beach. Always swim near a lifeguard and be sure to watch for signs of changing water!

05/21/2026

✔️ 11 days off
✔️ 4 parks visited
✔️ Refreshed and ready for the ECF

Our state. Our team. Go Canes! 🏒

05/20/2026

Looking for a meaningful way to spend part of the holiday weekend? Join us for the launch of the Summer Sweep Volunteer Series at ’s Sandling Swim Beach on Sunday, May 24, or Monday, May 25, from 8-11 a.m.

Volunteers will help park staff during one of the busiest weekends of the year by picking up litter and replacing trash can liners to help keep this popular recreation area clean and welcoming for everyone.

Please come prepared for the weather, wear closed-toed shoes, and bring water and snacks. We hope to see you there helping support our state parks this summer!

Info: https://bit.ly/49IqbVy

05/20/2026

⚠️ Reports of black bear activity are increasing across North Carolina, which means it’s a good time to brush up on bear safety before heading outdoors this weekend and throughout the summer:

• Keep a clean campsite. Food scraps and trash can attract bears.
• Store food, toiletries, and cooking clothes outside your tent in a locked vehicle or approved bear-resistant container.
• Make noise while hiking so bears have a chance to avoid you.
• Keep dogs leashed at all times on trails. Loose pets can trigger defensive behavior from bears.
• Pack out all food and trash, even “harmless” scraps like apple cores.
• Stay alert while cycling or jogging. Moving quickly and quietly can surprise bears.
• Carry bear spray and know how to use it before heading outdoors.
• If you see a bear, never run. Slowly back away and give it space.
• If a bear approaches, stand your ground, make yourself look big, and yell “Hey Bear!”
• If a black bear attacks, do not play dead. Fight back aggressively.

Most black bears want to avoid people, and giving them space helps keep both visitors and wildlife safe. Whether you’re hiking, camping, or enjoying a picnic, always recreate responsibly and stay aware of your surroundings.

For more bear safety resources, visit BearWise: https://bearwise.org/