North Carolina State Parks offer hiking, boating, fishing, camping, paddling, picnicking and much more. We’re lucky in the Triangle that there are so many close by. Many also offer free guided hikes and nature programs.
We’ve put together a photo guide to hiking 12 North Carolina State Parks, as well as a guide to some amazing North Carolina waterfalls.
Read on for a list of North Carolina State Parks in and near the Triangle, as well as a list of events coming up at these parks. Make sure to follow the links to register and for more information.
North Carolina State Parks In or Near the Triangle
Please note that most of the parks have more than one entrance. To see all of the access points, follow the links to the official pages of the parks.
Also, follow each link to see what amenities and activities each park has to offer.
Jordan Lake State Park
280 State Park Road, Apex, NC 27523
919-362-0586
Falls Lake State Recreation Area
13304 Creedmoor Road, Wake Forest, NC 27587
919-676-1027
Eno River State Park
6101 Cole Mill Road, Durham, NC 27705
919-383-1686
William B. Umstead State Park
8801 Glenwood Avenue, Raleigh, NC 27617
919-571-4170
Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area
625 Virginia Cates Road, Hillsborough, NC 27278
919-383-1686
Haw River State Park
339 Conference Center Drive, Browns Summit, NC 27214
Mayo River State Park
500 Old Mayo Park Road, Mayodan, NC 27027
Pilot Mountain State Park
1792 Pilot Knob Park Road, Pinnacle, NC 27043
Hanging Rock State Park
1790 Hanging Rock Park Road, Danbury, NC 27016
Raven Rock State Park
3009 Raven Rock Road, Lillington, NC 27546
Upcoming Events at North Carolina State Parks
Here’s a list of events coming up at North Carolina State Parks in or near the Triangle. All are free, unless otherwise noted. Schedule is subject to change.
Registration is required for most of these events. Follow each link for complete information and call the park to find out about registering.
Bird Walk
Friday, September 9th, 2022
8:30 to 10 a.m.
Pilot Mountain State Park
Pilot Creek Access
382 Boyd Nelson Road, Pinnacle, NC
Free
Meet at the Pilot Creek access of the park to take a hike and learn about what birds can be found at Pilot Mountain. Bring binoculars if you have them. If not, a few loaner pairs are available.
Change in the Air
Saturday, September 10th, 2022
2 to 3 p.m.
Pilot Mountain State Park
Visitor Center
1792 Pilot Knob Park Road, Pinnacle, NC
Free
Join a ranger to learn about how animals get ready for the upcoming winter during the fall (migration, food storage, etc.) This program also takes place on Sunday, September 11th, also at 2 p.m. Sign up here for Sunday.
