News

State Parks Celebrate Centennial

By Liz Houde

If you’re an adventurer seeking to explore the scenic state parks of North Carolina, you’ll be excited to know there’s now a way to keep track of those adventures. This year marks the centennial for NC State Parks and to celebrate, the State Parks have released a passport to help track your visits to various parks. Visit the information center at any state park, and they’ll stamp your passport and send you on your way towards boating, swimming and fishing adventures throughout the state.

The State Parks of North Carolina are diverse and plentiful and with over 50 parks throughout the state; your biggest challenge might be deciding which park to visit first. With 34 counties contained within the Tar-Pamlico and Neuse River basins, we hope you’ll be doing some of your adventuring near these rivers.

Cliffs of the Neuse

Cliffs of the Neuse State Park has extensive hiking trails which offer impressive views of the Neuse River. Follow these trails and you’ll find quiet, uncrowded, fishing spots. The 11-acre lake on site is a great summer swimming spot and a perfect place to rent a boat for an afternoon’s paddle. The park is located near Seven Springs in Wayne County.

Medoc Mountain

Medoc Mountain State Park is a peaceful escape and a perfect place for a picnic, a paddle or a fishing trip.  Little Fishing Creek gently flows through the park and is considered to be one of the cleanest streams in the region. An abundance of fish call Little Fishing Creek home, including redbreast sunfish, bluegill, warmouth bass, largemouth bass and chain pickerel. The gentle, flowing waters of Little Fishing Creek flow slowly with few obstacles along the way, a perfect place for novice paddlers or for expert paddlers looking to glide easily through the water. Medoc Mountain State Park is located in Halifax County.

These two state parks are great places to check if you’re swimming, fishing or paddling this summer. But with any adventure near the Neuse or Tar-Pamlico Rivers, you’re sure to have great sites (and sights) to see.