At the top of the loftiest lighthouse, on sugar-sand beaches, beneath ancient live oaks twisting their knobby arms toward the sun, and from coastal cottages perched in the dunes, the North Carolina coast offers endless beauty on the edge of the earth.
state park
Beyond Bluegrass in Wilkesboro
Sing a different tune in the foothills of the Brushy Mountains, where you’ll find hiking and mountain biking, apple orchards, famous festivals, and artisan craft trails.
Hidden Gems and Local Secrets: Welcome to the High Country
Just off the beaten path, you’ll find mountain scenery, shops, adventures, and restaurants worthy of being the main attraction.
Two State Park Adventures in Columbus County
Want to make a dent in your state park bucket list? Visit two in one trip: kayak beneath Spanish moss and pitch your tent at a paddle-in campsite along a blackwater river, then watch sailboats glide across the water from the peaceful, sandy shoreline of a Carolina bay.
6 Ways to Enjoy the Water in Halifax County
This summer, swim, fish, wake-surf, paddle, and explore the creeks, lakes, rivers, and rapids of Halifax County. Plus, a few favorite spots to grab a bite after your outdoor adventure.
Bragging Rights: 10 Lesser-Known Reasons We’re Proud to Call North Carolina Home
Explore some of the state’s finest cultural superlatives — from founding the nation’s first state-supported symphony to building its first miniature golf course.
Natural Wonder in North Carolina’s State Parks
From a 6,684-foot peak in the west to a shape-shifting sand dune in the east, our state parks hold the best of what North Carolina has to offer. Together, they tell the story of the place we call home.
The Safest Place: The Stewards of Jones Lake State Park
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.
Ants Go Marching at Cliffs of the Neuse State Park
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.