North Carolina's National Parks
by Laura Martinez | Health and Exercise | 4 comments
Moving to North Carolina has been a good overall. We're still learning a lot about our new state with all its parks, lakes, and landmarks.
Once my brother in law and friend's wedding happens, we're going to relax and spend some time exploring some of the parks around the state.
I was searching around About.com and the National Park Service's site and I found a lists of national parks in my state. Here are some that look pretty interesting and I may want to visit in the next year or so.
This 2,158-mile footpath runs from Mount Katahdin in Maine to Springer Mountain in Georgia, traversing 14 states. The 88-mile portion of the AT in North Carolina includes the Stecoah-Cheoah Mountain area and the Nantahala section, with 4,000-foot gaps and 5,000-foot peaks.
Most visited site in the NPS system extends 469 miles through the southern Appalachians of VA and NC, following the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore
Beaches, migratory waterfowl, and the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse are special features of the first national seashore.
Cape Lookout National Seashore
Three undeveloped barrier islands extend 55 miles along the lower Outer Banks and feature beaches, dunes, historic Portsmouth Village, and Cape Lookout Lighthouse.
Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site
Connemara was the farm home of the noted poet-author for the last 22 years of his life.
Fort Raleigh National Historic Site
The first English settlement in North America was attempted here (1585-87). The fate of Sir Walter Raleigh's "Lost Colony" remains a mystery to this day.
Encompassing portions of NC and TN, park features a diversified plant and animal life, and preserves structures representing southern Appalachian mountain culture. Here you'll find all the information you need to plan your trip to the park or surrounding area.
The battle fought here on March 15, 1781, was the largest action of the Revolutionary War's climatic Southern Campaign.
Moores Creek National Battlefield
Commemorates the February 27, 1776, Battle of Moores Creek Bridge, the first decisive Patriot victory of the Revolutionary War.
Wright Brothers National Memorial
The first successful sustained powered flights in a heavier-than- air machine were made here at Kill Devil Hills by Wilbur and Orville Wright on December 17, 1903.
Have you been to these places? Which ones do you recommend?
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Keith Morris on July 22, 2009 at 10:02 am
I haven't visited many of those parks, but my wife and I had our honeymoon at Fearrington Village in Pittsboro. Beautiful little place with one of the top rated restaurants in the state. (http://www.fearrington.com/)
Where did you move here from? Seems like everyone I meet around the Triangle is from out of state these days, including my wife, who is from New York. The cost of living is very attractive here. We were paying $1700/mo for a crappy two-bedroom condo in Suffern. For half the price, we were able to rent a very nice apartment full of amenities. We even have a racquetball court in our gym here, which has been a great way to kill time and burn calories without burning cash.
Green Panda on July 22, 2009 at 4:22 pm
We're from Hampton Roads, VA area. I lived on the East Coast my entire life and hope to visit the West Coast soon. You play racquetball? I played back in VA and loved it.
Keith Morris on July 22, 2009 at 4:34 pm
I've been playing with some friends every week since I started taking advantage of our court here about a year ago. We usually play on Mondays at 6:30, but I'm available to play anytime. If you're in the Raleigh area and interested in picking it back up, you're welcome to join us! It's always fun to play someone new. There's no cost to use the court.
Thanks Keith! I might take you up on that next month, once my brother in law's wedding is over.