North Carolina has 9 National Parks:
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park:
- Blue Ridge Parkway
- Cape Hatteras National Seashore
- Cape Lookout National Seashore
- Moores Creek National Battlefield
- Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site
- Guilford Courthouse National Military Park
- Fort Raleigh National Historic Site
- Wright Brothers National Memorial
In this article I will write about these National Parks. I also add North Carolina National Parks map at the end of the article.
List of National Parks in North Carolina
1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, straddling the border between North Carolina and Tennessee, is renowned for its diverse ecosystems, abundant wildlife, and beautiful scenery. It’s the most visited national park in the United States, offering a wide range of recreational activities including hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. The park features extensive trails, historic buildings, and rich cultural history, providing visitors with opportunities to explore the natural beauty and heritage of the Southern Appalachian Mountains.
Contact Details
- Address: 107 Park Headquarters Road, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
- Website: Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- Phone: +1 865-436-1200
2. Blue Ridge Parkway
Blue Ridge Parkway is a scenic highway that stretches 469 miles through the Appalachian Mountains, connecting Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina to Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. Known as “America’s Favorite Drive,” the parkway offers stunning vistas, diverse flora and fauna, and numerous recreational opportunities such as hiking, camping, and picnicking. Visitors can explore cultural sites, historic landmarks, and a variety of natural habitats along this picturesque route.
Contact Details
- Address: Blue Ridge Pkwy, North Carolina 28713
3. Cape Hatteras National Seashore
Cape Hatteras National Seashore, located on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, is the nation’s first national seashore. The park encompasses miles of undeveloped beaches, dynamic dune systems, and rich maritime history. Visitors can engage in activities such as swimming, fishing, surfing, and bird watching. The iconic Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, which protects one of the most hazardous sections of the Atlantic Coast, is a must-see landmark within the seashore.
Contact Details
- Address: 46375 Lighthouse Road, Cape Hatteras Light Station, Buxton, NC 27920
- Website: Cape Hatteras National Seashore
- Phone: +1 252-473-2111
4. Cape Lookout National Seashore
Cape Lookout National Seashore offers 56 miles of undeveloped beach along the Southern Outer Banks of North Carolina. This remote and pristine area is known for its wild beauty, including the famous Cape Lookout Lighthouse, barrier islands, and diverse wildlife. Visitors can enjoy activities like camping, fishing, shelling, and observing wild horses on Shackleford Banks. The seashore provides a unique opportunity to experience a natural coastal environment.
- Address: 131 Charles Street, Harkers Island, NC 28531
- Website: Cape Lookout National Seashore
- Phone: +1 252-728-2250
5. Moores Creek National Battlefield
Moores Creek National Battlefield, located in Currie, North Carolina, preserves the site of a significant Revolutionary War battle. On February 27, 1776, Patriot forces defeated Loyalist troops, effectively ending British authority in North Carolina. The park offers a visitor center, museum exhibits, and walking trails that provide insights into the battle and its impact on American history. Living history demonstrations and reenactments are also held to educate visitors about the Revolutionary War era.
Contact Details
- Address: 40 Patriots Hall Drive, Currie, NC 28435
- Website: Moores Creek National Battlefield
- Phone: +1 910-283-5591
6. Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site
Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site in Flat Rock, North Carolina, honors the life and work of Carl Sandburg, the acclaimed poet, biographer, and social activist. The site includes Sandburg’s home, Connemara, where he lived and worked for the last 22 years of his life. Visitors can tour the historic home, explore the extensive goat farm, hike the trails, and enjoy the beautiful landscapes that inspired Sandburg’s writings.
Contact Details
- Address: 81 Carl Sandburg Lane, Flat Rock, NC 28731
- Website: Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site
- Phone: +1 828-693-4178
7. Guilford Courthouse National Military Park
Guilford Courthouse National Military Park in Greensboro, North Carolina, commemorates the Battle of Guilford Courthouse, a pivotal engagement during the American Revolutionary War on March 15, 1781. The park preserves the battlefield and offers visitors a chance to learn about the strategies and significance of the battle through interpretive programs, exhibits, and reenactments. Walking trails and monuments throughout the park provide a reflective experience on this crucial moment in American history.
Contact Details
- Address: 2332 New Garden Road, Greensboro, NC 27410
- Website: Guilford Courthouse National Military Park
- Phone: +1 336-288-1776
8. Fort Raleigh National Historic Site
Fort Raleigh National Historic Site on Roanoke Island, North Carolina, protects and interprets the site of England’s first attempt at colonization in the New World. The site commemorates the mysterious disappearance of the Roanoke Colony, also known as the Lost Colony, which was established in 1587. Visitors can explore the reconstructed earthwork fort, the visitor center with exhibits on the colony’s history, and the beautiful grounds. The site also includes the Waterside Theatre, home to the outdoor drama “The Lost Colony.”
Contact Details
- Address: 1401 National Park Drive, Manteo, NC 27954
- Website: Fort Raleigh National Historic Site
- Phone: +1 252-473-2111
9. Wright Brothers National Memorial
Wright Brothers National Memorial, located in Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina, commemorates the achievements of Wilbur and Orville Wright and their first successful powered flight on December 17, 1903. The site includes a visitor center with exhibits on the Wright brothers’ lives, their experiments, and the development of aviation technology. Visitors can explore the reconstructed 1903 camp buildings, the flight paths, and the impressive granite monument atop Big Kill Devil Hill. The memorial offers a deep dive into the history of aviation and celebrates the spirit of innovation and perseverance that led to the birth of modern flight.
Contact Details
- Address: 1000 N Croatan Highway, Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948
- Website: Wright Brothers National Memorial
- Phone: +1 252-473-2111
North Carolina National Parks map
Now you can answer the question: “how many national parks are in North Carolina?” It’s 9 national parks
Tag: List of National Parks in North Carolina, national parks in North Carolina map, national parks in North Carolina
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