The 6 Most Scenic NC State Parks to Visit

Dec 17, 2015

Part of the allure of living in the South is that the weather stays comfortable for a good part of the year. Even fall and winter are temperate compared to many other parts of the country. What better way to get out and enjoy North Carolina’s beautiful weather than to visit one of the beautiful state parks? North Carolina is home to many scenic state parks filled with activities and unique views.

Here are 6 of the most beautiful state parks in North Carolina:

Carolina Beach

If you enjoy fishing, this is the perfect park to spend a day. There is camping available on site, as well as a marina with access to some of the best fishing on the coast. If you enjoy rare finds, take a look at the Venus flytrap, the world’s most well-known carnivorous plant, in its natural state. In fact, there is a trail, aptly named Flytrap Trail, that takes hikers to the location of this amazing plant species. This park is located at 1010 B Rd, Carolina Beach, NC 28428.

Pilot Mountain

This park is well known for its amazing pinnacles that rise high about the horizon, signaling the park’s location from miles away. The Knob, the largest of the pinnacles, rises an impressive 2,400 ft. Rock climbing and rappelling are popular activities at this park, but so are the water and camping activities along Yadkin River. The views from the pinnacles are amazing; you can see Piedmont and the Blue Ridge Mountains. This park is located at 1792 Pilot Knob Park Rd, Pinnacle, NC 27043.

Grandfather Mountain

This park has some of the most unique terrain in all of North Carolina. The rock faces, chiseled by wind, sand, and time, have formed into the most amazing facades in the area. You can hike on 12 miles of trails and backpack in the 2,456-acre park as well. This park is located at 2050 Blowing Rock Highway, Linville, NC 28646.

Dismal Swamp

This park was part of historical major moments in time including the Underground Railroad and George Washington’s explorations. Whether you kayak in the Dismal Swamp Canal, explore the wetlands, or enjoy part of the 20 miles of trails, the Dismal Swamp State Park is sure to please. This park is located at 2294 US-17, South Mills, NC 27976.

South Mountains

The hike is worth the pay-off at this rugged state park. An 80-ft waterfall awaits you if you keep going, and it is an amazing sight to behold. This park offers 40 miles of hiking trails, a 17-mile loop for mountain bikers, 33 miles of bridle trails available for equestrian visitors, mountain streams, and camping at six different locations. There are also picnic areas. This park is located at 3001 S Mountain Park, Connelly Springs, NC 28612.

Gorges

This 7,500-acre park is home to rugged gorges, sheer rock walls, and waterfalls. If you enjoy backpacking, hiking, mountain biking, and picnicking, this is the perfect park for an excursion. This park is located at 976 Grassy Ridge Rd, Sapphire, NC 28874.

Pack the car with everything you might need to enjoy a few days in the great outdoors!