North Carolina’s National Parks

Moving to North Carolina has been a good overall. We’re still learning a lot about our new state with all its parks, lakes, and landmarks.

Once my brother in law and friend’s wedding happens, we’re going to relax and spend some time exploring some of the parks around the state. 

I was searching around About.com and  the National Park Service’s site and I found a lists of national parks in my state. Here are some that look pretty interesting and I may want to visit in the next year or so. 

Appalachian National Scenic Trail
This 2,158-mile footpath runs from Mount Katahdin in Maine to Springer Mountain in Georgia, traversing 14 states. The 88-mile portion of the AT in North Carolina includes the Stecoah-Cheoah Mountain area and the Nantahala section, with 4,000-foot gaps and 5,000-foot peaks.

Blue Ridge Parkway
Most visited site in the NPS system extends 469 miles through the southern Appalachians of VA and NC, following the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Cape Hatteras National Seashore
Beaches, migratory waterfowl, and the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse are special features of the first national seashore.

Cape Lookout National Seashore
Three undeveloped barrier islands extend 55 miles along the lower Outer Banks and feature beaches, dunes, historic Portsmouth Village, and Cape Lookout Lighthouse.

Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site
Connemara was the farm home of the noted poet-author for the last 22 years of his life.

Fort Raleigh National Historic Site
The first English settlement in North America was attempted here (1585-87). The fate of Sir Walter Raleigh’s “Lost Colony” remains a mystery to this day.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Encompassing portions of NC and TN, park features a diversified plant and animal life, and preserves structures representing southern Appalachian mountain culture. Here you’ll find all the information you need to plan your trip to the park or surrounding area.

Guilford Courthouse National Military Park
The battle fought here on March 15, 1781, was the largest action of the Revolutionary War’s climatic Southern Campaign.

Moores Creek National Battlefield
Commemorates the February 27, 1776, Battle of Moores Creek Bridge, the first decisive Patriot victory of the Revolutionary War.

Wright Brothers National Memorial
The first successful sustained powered flights in a heavier-than- air machine were made here at Kill Devil Hills by Wilbur and Orville Wright on December 17, 1903.

Have you been to these places? Which ones do you recommend?

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