North Carolina State Parks and Recreation

10/22/2026

Fall is a busy time for North Carolina's black bears, and as temperatures cool, they increase their feeding activity to prepare for winter. During this time, bears can spend up to 20 hours a day searching for food and gain as much as 2-3 pounds per day!

With bears on the move, visitors to North Carolina's state parks should take a few simple precautions to keep themselves and wildlife safe:

🐻 Secure food, trash and scented items when camping.

🐻 Stay alert on trails and keep pets leashed.

🐻 Never approach or feed a bear.

🐻 If you encounter a bear, give it plenty of space and never run.

Black bears are rarely aggressive toward people, and a little preparation can go a long way toward keeping both visitors and bears safe.

🔗 Read our latest blog post for more tips on staying safe in bear country this fall! https://www.ncparks.gov/blog/2026/09/29/bear-aware-staying-safe-black-bear-activity-increases-fall

10/21/2026

Happy !

From turtles and snakes to lizards and alligators, reptiles play an important role in North Carolina’s ecosystems. These often misunderstood animals help maintain healthy habitats by controlling prey populations, serving as food for other wildlife and contributing to the balance of our natural communities.

This alligator was spotted at , where these prehistoric-looking predators are an important part of the park’s unique ecosystem. Did you know? North Carolina is at the northernmost edge of the American alligator’s natural range!

10/20/2026

Michael has been a dedicated volunteer for since 2019! Michael contributes in many ways, including clearing brush, serving as a trail steward, participating in parades, and assisting with events such as the Trick or Treat Trail or Party for the Pine. These events are especially meaningful to him because they increase awareness of the park, attract visitors, and inspire future volunteers.

Michael first became involved with Weymouth Woods after attending a program on turpentine history. Inspired by the park's unique blend of natural beauty and cultural history, he was motivated to help preserve and enhance it. One moment that stuck with Michael was helping remove years of invasive plant growth at the Boyd Tract and later returning to see native plants thriving and visitors enjoying the restored area.

Outside of the park, Michael has volunteered with animal rescue groups and packs food for families in need. He also enjoys staying active outdoors. What began as a hiking trip to Death Valley grew into a long-term commitment to fitness, helping him continue exploring and appreciating the great outdoors.

Interested in volunteering at one of our state parks? Visit our website: https://www.ncparks.gov/about-us/volunteer

10/19/2026

Looking for a spooktacular way to celebrate Halloween? 🎃👻 We have plenty of fun and festive events happening this week! From spooky adventures to fall festivities, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Check out what's happening at a state park near you! More info: https://www.ncparks.gov/localist-events-calendar

Tuesday, October 20
- Mount Mitchell: History Hike
- Hanging Rock: The Old Settler's Trail
- Eno River: Ecology Hike
- Hammocks Beach: History Hike

Wednesday, October 21
- Carolina Beach: Bird Hike
- Gorges: 10 Hiking Essentials
- Fort Macon: Small Arms Demonstration

Thursday, October 22
- Eno River: Holden Mill Settlement Hike

Friday, October 23
- Eno River: Changing Leaves Tree ID Hike
- Hammocks Beach: Reading with a Ranger
- Pilot Mountain: Animal Murder Mysteries
- Eno River: Ghosts and Gristmills of Cabelands
- Fort Macon: Fear at the Fort (PG-13)
- Lake Norman: LANO's Slightly Haunted Hike
- Hammocks Beach: Nocturnal Hike

Saturday, October 24
- Fort Macon: Carolina Kite Festival
- Dismal Swamp: Dismal Day
- Mayo River: Byrd's Ledge History Hike
- Elk K**b: Fall Celebration
- Jones Lake: Animals of Jones Lake
- Hanging Rock: Junior Ranger Hike
- Falls Lake: Howl at the View

Sunday, October 25
- Gorges: Fall Colors Hike
- Elk K**b: DIY Suncatchers
- Jockey's Ridge: Super-NATURAL Creature Feature
- Weymouth Woods: Trick or Treat Trail
- Hammocks Beach: Trunk or Treat
- Chimney Rock: Silent Hike
- Rendezvous Mountain: Night Hike

Monday, October 26
- Eno River: Salamander Survival
- Hammocks: Eco Cruise
- Eno River: Fish Dam Road Hike
- Hanging Rock: Hunter's Moon Paddle

10/16/2026

BEAR ISLAND FERRY AND CAMPING CANCELLATIONS

Due to high winds from a strong cold front moving through the area, the Bear Island ferry will not be operating Saturday October 17 & Sunday October 18. Camping on Bear Island will also be closed. Affected campers will be contacted by park staff today.

10/15/2026

10/14/2026

70 years looks good on you, Mount Jefferson! 🍂

Join us at this Saturday as we celebrate the park's 70th birthday with a day of fall festivities!

🎃 Pick out a pumpkin at the pumpkin patch
🎨 Get creative with fall-themed arts and crafts
🍰 Enjoy some birthday cake
🍁 Take in the autumn colors on a guided fall foliage hike

Come celebrate 70 years of protecting this beautiful corner of North Carolina and make some fall memories with us! More info: https://events.dncr.nc.gov/event/parks-70th-birthday

10/09/2026

Over the past few months, Jeff Corwin has been traveling through some of our beloved state parks, filming for his new show, Southern Wild. On this weekend’s episode, learn more about the important research being done on various bat species in the Blue Ridge Mountains. 🦇

Corwin’s Wild Adventures on ABC Jeff Corwin Lees-McRae College