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Natural Heritage Trail

North Carolina State Parks and Forests

The six North Carolina State Parks, two State Forests and the vast Green River Game Lands in the North Carolina mountains protect spectacular natural landmarks and provide outstanding recreational opportunities. These North Carolina State Parks and forests are popular destinations for hiking, camping, picnicking, mountain biking, horseback riding, rock climbing, fishing, boating and swimming.

Many offer special events, including educational and interpretive programs, organized hikes, concerts, fishing lessons, and environmental workshops.

State Parks

Lake James State Park - near Marion, NC
Mount Jefferson State Park – between Jefferson and West Jefferson, NC
Mount Mitchell State Park – off the Blue Ridge Parkway near Burnsville, NC
New River State Park – near Jefferson, NC
Pilot Mountain State Park – Pinnacle, NC
South Mountains State Park – Connelly Springs, NC
Stone Mountain State Park – Roaring Gap, NC

State Forests

DuPont State Forest – between Hendersonville and Brevard, NC
Holmes Educational State Forest - Hendersonville, NC

Other State Lands

Green River Game Lands (Green River Gorge) – near Hendersonville, NC