North Carolina Parks and Recreation Areas

Stretched over 70 miles of barrier islands, Cape Hatteras National Seashore is a fascinating combination of natural and cultural resources, and provides a wide variety of recreational opportunities. Once dubbed the Graveyard of the Atlantic for its treacherous currents, shoals, and storms, Cape Hatteras has a wealth of history relating to shipwrecks, lighthouses, and the U.S. Lifesaving Service. read more...

Phone: 252-473-2111   Price Range: $0 - $20   Open Season: N/A   Camping: Yes
Nearest Popular City: Manteo   Nearest Lake or River: N/A   Park Type: National Park   Activities: Biking / Bicycling, Birding, Boating and Watercraft, Fishing, Hiking, Hunting and Shooting, Kayaking, Swimming, Wildlife Watching, Auto Touring, Nature Walks, Star Gazing   Details Provided By: Cape Hatteras

The first successful sustained powered flights in a heavier-than-air machine were made here by Wilbur and Orville Wright on December 17, 1903. A 60-foot granite monument dedicated in 1932, is perched atop 90-foot tall Kill Devil Hill commemorating the achievement of these two visionaries from Dayton, Ohio. read more...

Phone: 252 441 7430   Price Range: $3 - $20   Open Season: N/A   Camping: No
Nearest Popular City: Manteo   Nearest Lake or River: N/A   Park Type: National Park   Activities: Birding, Auto Touring, Interpretive Programs   Details Provided By: Wright Brothers National Memorial

The Blue Ridge Parkway, sometimes called America's Favorite Drive, provides both stunning scenery and close-up looks at the natural and cultural history of the southern Appalachian mountains. It is designed as a drive-awhile and stop-awhile experience, so please don't be in a hurry. read more...

Phone: 828 298 0398   Price Range: $0 - $14   Open Season: N/A   Camping: Yes
Nearest Popular City: Asheville   Nearest Lake or River: N/A   Park Type: National Park   Activities: Backpacking, Biking / Bicycling, Birding, Boating and Watercraft, Cross Country Skiing, Fishing, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Wildlife Watching, Auto Touring, Nature Walks, Interpretive Programs, Snowshoeing, Star Gazing   Details Provided By: Blue Ridge

Carl Sandburg, nationally renowned poet, biographer, lecturer, newspaper columnist, folksinger, author of American fairytales, and winner of two Pulitzer Prizes, provided broad and enduring 20th century insight into the circumstances, worth and spirit of the American people. read more...

Phone: (828) 693-4178   Price Range: $0 - $5   Open Season: N/A   Camping: No
Nearest Popular City: Flat Rock   Nearest Lake or River: N/A   Park Type: National Historic Site   Activities: Birding, Hiking, Wildlife Watching, Interpretive Programs   Details Provided By: Carl Sandburg

The first English attempts at colonization in the New World 1585-1587 are commemorated here. These efforts, sponsored by Sir Walter Raleigh, ended with the disappearance of 116 men, women and children (including two that were born in the New World). The fate of this lost colony remains a mystery to this day. read more...

Phone: 252.473.5772   Price Range: N/A   Open Season: N/A   Camping: No
Nearest Popular City: Manteo   Nearest Lake or River: N/A   Park Type: National Historic Site   Activities: Birding, Hiking, Wildlife Watching, Nature Walks, Star Gazing   Details Provided By: Fort Raleigh National Historic Site

King George and Broadswords, shouted loyalists as they charged across partially dismantled Moores Creek bridge on February 27, 1776. Just beyond the bridge nearly a thousand North Carolina patriots waited quietly with cannons and muskets poised to fire. read more...

Phone: 910-283-5591   Price Range: N/A   Open Season: N/A   Camping: No
Nearest Popular City: Currie   Nearest Lake or River: N/A   Park Type: National Battlefield   Activities: Birding, Fishing, Wildlife Watching, Nature Walks, Interpretive Programs   Details Provided By: Moores Creek National Battlefield

The seashore is a 56 mile long section of the Outer Banks of North Carolina running from Ocracoke Inlet on the northeast to Beaufort Inlet on the southeast. The three undeveloped barrier islands which make up the seashore - North Core Banks, South Core Banks and Shackleford Banks - may seem barren and isolated but they offer many natural and historical features that can make a visit very rewarding. read more...

Phone: (252) 728-2250   Price Range: N/A   Open Season: N/A   Camping: Yes
Nearest Popular City: Harkers Island   Nearest Lake or River: N/A   Park Type: National Park   Activities: Birding, Boating and Watercraft, Fishing, Hiking, Hunting and Shooting, Kayaking, Swimming, Wildlife Watching, Nature Walks, Interpretive Programs, Star Gazing   Details Provided By: Cape Lookout

The battle fought at the small North Carolina backcounty hamlet of Guilford Courthouse on March 15, 1781, was the largest, most hotly-contested action of the Revolutionary War's climactic Southern Campaign. read more...

Phone: 336-288-1776   Price Range: N/A   Open Season: N/A   Camping: No
Nearest Popular City: Greensboro   Nearest Lake or River: N/A   Park Type: National Military Park   Activities: Biking / Bicycling, Birding, Wildlife Watching, Auto Touring, Interpretive Programs   Details Provided By: Guilford Courthouse National Military Park