Topics Related to North Carolina State Parks
Effective May 1, 2025, reservation fees at campgrounds and vehicle entrance fees at reservoirs will increase across the state parks system, the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources’ Division of Parks and Recreation announced. This marks the first major fee change for state park facilities since 2019. While some fees are increasing, most state parks are and will continue to be free to access for day-use year-round.
The North Carolina Trails Program has released the fiscal year 2025-26 grant cycle for the federal Recreational Trails Program, the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation announced. Eligible applicants can apply for grants from $10,000 to $100,000 to fund trail development projects across the state. In addition, the spring 2025 grant round for the Recreational Trails Program (RTP) Safety and Education Grant (SEG), each up to $5,000, has also opened.
South Mountains State Park in Burke County is partially reopening its main access at Jacob Fork on April 10, the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation announced. For the first time since Hurricane Helene, the visitor center will reopen to the public and camping will be permitted in the park.The park's Clear Creek Access in Morganton reopened for day use March 17.
South Mountains State Park in Burke County is partially reopening March 17, the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation announced. The park has been closed since last fall due to widespread damage after Hurricane Helene.Clear Creek Access in Morganton will reopen March 17 for day use. Visitors will be able to utilize both Clear Creek and Lake View trails for hiking and horseback riding. Picnic facilities and fishing will be available at the lake.The park’s main access is slated to partially reopen in April.
Joseph Hiatt has been promoted to park superintendent of Yellow Mountain State Natural Area in Avery and Mitchell counties, the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation announced. Hiatt is serving as the first park superintendent of the state natural area, which was previously managed by staff at Grandfather Mountain State Park.
March 21, 2025, 9:30am - 4:30pm
Quarterly meeting for the Parks and Recreation Authority.
Pilot Mountain State Park’s Bean Shoals Access, located along the north side of the Yadkin River, has reopened following a construction project in 2024, the North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation announced.The project included building three arched culverts over Horne Creek, a scenic overlook pavilion and parking area, and a stream restoration.
A long-awaited acquisition of over 200 acres of land that includes the Historic Occoneechee Speedway to add to Eno River State Park has been finalized, the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) announced. The acquisition process, which began in 2021, was facilitated by the Eno River Association, which worked with the previous landowner, the Richard Hampton Jenrette Foundation (formerly the Classical American Homes Preservation Trust).
At its December meeting, the North Carolina Trails Committee selected 13 trail development projects and five safety and education projects to receive matching federal grants, the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation announced. In addition, the committee recommended the official designation of the first access points on the new Haw River State Trail and four accesses on the Yadkin River State Trail.