North Carolina Parks - Fort Macon State Park

The state of North Carolina must have been very thankful with Nature as it has been blessed with the best looking beaches and rivers and other majestic mountains and other land wonders. In this article features some of North Carolina's natural beauties which have been a favorite spot for tourists and locals alike.

Enjoy hiking, picnicking, fishing in the undisturbed beauty of Fort Macon State Park in Atlantic Beach. This historic landmark is surrounded by three bodies of water: the Atlantic Ocean, Beaufort Inlet and the Bogue Sound. It has been one of the places recommended for attaining escape and rediscovering salt marches and other wonders of the ecosystem. Aside from being haven for beach lovers, the park also houses a variety of plant and animal life. But what has been the most popular site is none other than the five-sided brink and stone construction which has been rich with history, as it has become a federal prison in the mid-1800s, home to a Civil War fort, and has been sold out as a military property in the 1920s. The park is open from one Monday to Friday but is closed during holidays.

Be amazed with Stone Mountain State Park, a 600-foot granite dome in Roaring Gap, in the Wilkes and Alleghany counties. Although a lot of people may complain to their journey to the Stone Mountain, it's definitely worth the effort once they set afoot in the magnificent beauty. The dome is actually a part of a 25-square mile igneous rock which has been exposed by forces of nature such as water and wind. The park was established in 1969 and catapulted itself as a National Natural Landmark in 1975. Visitors will find the place an interesting venue for camping, exhibits, picnicking and rock climbing. The park also serves as house to these trails: Stone Mountain Loop Trail, Cedar Rock Trail, Wolf Rock Trail, Black Jack Ridge Trail, Middle Falls Trail, Widow's Creek Trail and Bridle Trail. It is open daily except for weekends.

Whether one visits Jockey's Ridge State Park as the tallest natural sand dune system in the Eastern United States or for its spectacular sunsets, he/she will find himself/herself torn from one setting to another and might end up enjoying both features. The park actually resembles a desert, with an spectacular view of the winds, shifting sands and high temperatures. This landmark located in Nags Head has been a popular place for sand boarding, kite boarding, hang gliding and hiking.

Other notable parks in North Carolina are Cliffs of the Neuse State Park in Seven Springs, Falls Lake State Recreation Area in Wake Forest, Jordan Lake State Recreation Area in Apex and Pettigrew State Park in Creswell.