Press Releases
First Day Hikes Break State Park Records
First Day Hikes offered at all of North Carolina’s state parks on New Year’s Day brought a record 3,859 people to join 57 guided hikes across the state.
State Parks to Ring in New Year with First Day Hikes
North Carolina’s New Year tradition of family adventure, exercise and reconnection with nature continues in 2019 with First Day Hikes throughout the state parks system on Jan. 1.
Master Plan Finalized for Hanging Rock State Park
A master plan for the expansion and future management of Hanging Rock State Park has been approved by the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation. The master plan was developed with extensive public input from local businesses, citizens and park staff as well as conservation partners the Friends of Sauratown Mountains and the Piedmont Land Conservancy. The result is a vision for the park that balances cultural history, outdoor recreation and natural resources stewardship.
Morrow Mountain State Park Adds 45 Acres at Mountain Creek
Morrow Mountain State Park added 45 acres of land south of Mountain Creek to its holdings this summer. The new property includes more than 3,000 linear feet of frontage on Mountain Creek, a pristine stream home to rare mussels.
Pilot Mountain State Park to Celebrate 50 Years
Pilot Mountain State Park in Surry and Yadkin counties will celebrate its 50th anniversary this month with a day full of events at the park. The area near the big and little pinnacles in the Sauratown Mountains became a state park in 1968. The park now consists of more than 3,800 acres and includes a section along the Yadkin River.
Dwayne Patterson Named Director of N.C. State Parks
Dwayne Patterson, currently chief financial officer of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, has been named director of the state Division of Parks and Recreation.
Grandfather Mountain State Park trails closed due to rain and storm damage
Two trails at Grandfather Mountain State Park in Avery, Watauga, and Caldwell counties are closed to visitors due to damage sustained from heavy rains May 17-20, according to the N.C.
State Parks, Anderson Real Estate to Exchange Raleigh Properties for Increased Safety, Access
The N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation has reached an agreement with Anderson Real Estate #4, LLC and its affiliates to exchange parcels of land near William B. Umstead State Park’s Crabtree entrance in Raleigh.
Explore Archaeology at Lumber River State Park April 28
The North Carolina Office of State Archaeology will hold a Public Archaeology Day at the Wire Pasture Access of Lumber River State Park on Saturday, April 28, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Privette is New Superintendent at Raven Rock State Park
John Privette, a veteran park ranger, has been promoted to superintendent of Raven Rock State Park in Harnett County, according to the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation.
