North Carolina Parks
According to the North Carolina Park Service, forty-one places comprise the park system including thirty-four parks, four recreation areas and three natural areas.
Chimney Rock State Park
Chimney Rock features the Outcropping Trail, aka The Ultimate Stairmaster, with 494 steps to the top. The short trail to Hickory Nut Falls that was featured in the movie "The Last of the Mohicans" is 1.4 miles roundtrip. The movie "Dirty Dancing" was filmed in nearby Lake Lure.
Grandfather Mountain State Park
As with any park that sits atop a mountain, you have the opportunity to be socked in with fog....as we did. We still had fun going around the park, but didn't get much in the form of photos. The park sits between the Blue Ridge Parkway and the (admission fee) Grandfather Mountain attraction.
Gorges State Park
Gorges State Park features several waterfall trails and is known for backcountry adventures. If you don't have a lot time try Upper Bearwallow Falls Trail to the observation deck.
