In Bladen County, before integration, a former military man and his family were stewards of the first North Carolina state park open to Black families. There, amid acres of longleaf pines and a sprawling lake, families and friends gathered to eat, play, and pray.
In Wayne County, the effects of time and nature are visible at Cliffs of the Neuse State Park, where, for millions of years, the river has carved a winding path to the sea. A closer look at some of the park’s tiniest residents provides insight and answers to questions great and small.
Within this 5,000-acre respite from urban life in Raleigh, when you get off the map, you might just find yourself.
This rugged area of rivers, canyons, and waterfalls still holds mysteries.
As he looks to the future of North Carolina’s protected natural areas, the director of the State Parks system draws inspiration from his youth growing up in Kinston, and from his wide-ranging experience listening to children.
Two North Carolina State Parks rangers met while working a wildfire in Rutherford County. They got to chatting and realized that they didn’t want to stop. Now, the duo hosts a podcast that answers all kinds of questions about the great outdoors.
Grab your crew and hit the road! From hands-on museums and pint-size roller coasters to majestic raptors and sky-high ziplines, the Queen City offers up fun for children and adults alike.
In his new travelogue, Chapel Hill author Bland Simpson tells stories of North Carolina through nature’s lens.
Snuggle up with a stuffed bear and a furry throw from this Blowing Rock staple — because long winters are more relaxing in a mountain cabin.
