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.
Mill History Hike
Thursday, December 14, 2023
1 to 4:30 p.m.
Eno River State Park Visitor Center
6101 Cole Mill Road, Durham, NC
Free
Have you ever hiked Holden Mill Trail and been curious to know more about the historical ruin within? Join a ranger to hike 5 miles to learn about the history of the site, the families who worked here, and milling and pioneer life on the Eno River.
Winter Stargazing: The Geminids
Thursday, December 14, 2023
7:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Eno River State Park – Fews Ford Access
6101 Cole Mill Road, Durham NC
Free
Every year, the Earth travels through a debris field left behind by a sun-orbiting asteroid, resulting in an amazing meteor shower that lights up the mid-December skies. Join a ranger to learn about these and other fiery space objects, then enjoy the show!
Bring chairs and blankets and dress warmly!
Meet at the Fews Ford Access parking loop.
Resolution Hike
December 22, 2023
Friday, December 22, 2023
1 to 2:30 p.m.
Eno River State Park – Fews Ford Access Picnic Shelter
6101 Cole Mill Road, Durham, NC
Free
Time is running out to meet your 2023 New Year’s resolution of getting outside more often! Join a ranger for a 3-mile guided hike to learn about different New Year’s celebrations and all that the Eno River has to offer.
Wear hiking shoes and bring water!
Incredible, Edible Pine Tree
Friday, December 22, 2023
2 to 3 p.m.
Eno River State Park – Fews Ford Access Picnic Shelter
6101 Cole Mill Road, Durham, NC
Free
Have you ever wondered how much of a pine tree you can eat? It may be more than you can imagine! Join a ranger to learn how healthy some pine trees can be and how much you can eat off of one!
Early Birds
Thursday, December 28, 2023
8:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Eno River State Park – Fews Ford Access Picnic Shelter
6101 Cole Mill Road, Durham, NC
Free
Do you love watching and listening to birds? Have you always wanted to pick up birdwatching as a hobby? Or were you looking to participate in a birdwatch group and learn? Join a ranger to birdwatch along 1 mile of trail.
All children must be accompanied by an adult. Bring water and wear hiking shoes. Don’t forget your binoculars!
Resolution Hike
December 29, 2023
Friday, December 29, 2023
2 to 3:30 p.m.
Eno River State Park – Fews Ford Access Picnic Shelter
6101 Cole Mill Road, Durham, NC
Free
Time is running out to meet your 2023 New Year’s resolution of getting outside more often! Join a ranger for a 3-mile guided hike to learn about different New Year’s celebrations and all that the Eno River has to offer.
Wear hiking shoes and bring water!
