North Carolina Treasures

The state of North Carolina has been my home for the past 22+ years.  Covering an area 53,819 square miles t is the 28^th largest state and with a population of 10.3it is the 9^th most populous.  And while I find those stats rather impressive, those are not the things that make North Carolina so special.  Despite living here for the over two decades now, I admit that I am just beginning to discover the real treasure of the state…its land and beauty. 

If you are not familiar with North Carolina, it is bordered to the North by Virginia, the West by Tennessee, the south by Georgia and South Carolina, and to the east by the Atlantic Ocean.  Within its borders are 14 National Park Service sites…10 National Parks and 4 associated sites.  But what has really been capturing my attention lately is the North Carolina State Park system.

In March of 1915 the North Carolina General Assembly approved a bill enabling the state to buy land for a state park…in 1916 the first State Park in North Carolina became a reality and was named Mount Mitchell State Park.  Now there are 41 places which are part of the North Carolina State Park system…34 parks, 4 recreation areas, and 3 staffed state natural areas.  The stated purpose of the North Carolina State Parks system is “to inspire all of its citizens and visitors through conversation, recreation and education.”  And what areas are included in the State Park system?  Well, as they put it, “The parks offer compelling diversity, from high-elevation and spruce-fir forests, to placid lakes and wetlands, to scenic rivers, long leaf pine expanses and rambling piedmont hills, all the way to the pristine beaches.”

Here is a link to a very interesting article, written by a friend, that shares his experience of visiting all of North Carolina's 41 State Parks...in ONE year... with his family and the lessons he learned.  "I Visited every N.S. state park in 2017; here's what I learned".

And to help people towards this goal, I believe they offer a great program to encourage folk to visit any, or all, of the 41 State Park sites…the North Carolina State Park Passport program.  So, I thought I would take this opportunity to introduce you to this incentive program offered by the North Carolina State Park system.

The simple explanation of the North Carolina State Park Passport is that it is a guide to all of the sites within the State Park system.  As you visit the various parks you collect stamps to commemorate your visit.  As you do you can earn prizes for every 10 parks you visit…a small incentive meant to encourage people to get out and visit these treasures of North Carolina.

When you open the Passport you will find a map that shows the locations of all the sites in the system, and then a icon legend.  This legend shows the various icons used throughout the guide.  These icons are divided into four sections: Camping, Activities, Amenities, and State Trail Access.  As you go through the Passport these icons will display what things are available at each site.

The main section of the Passport guide, a page for each State Park Site, are all laid out in a similar fashion.  Each site has its own page…icons are displayed indicating what things are available…basic contact information…the physical address…and a brief description of the site.

Once you visit a State Park site, you can the page for that site stamped with a stamp unique for that State Park.  Besides the stamp, there is a place to put the date of your visit…just another way to remember your trip.

If you wish to take part in the State Park challenge by claiming your incentive prize, they really make it easy.  Every time you visit 10 parks, find someone with the park staff and have them sign in the appropriate place on the Prize Redemption page.  Then, take a picture of the redemption page and email it to the State park offices. 

Passport can be picked up, for free, at any State Park.  Now, while I think the Passport Program is a pretty good thing, it is simply a tool…a tool to help people get outside and enjoy the many natural resources North Carolina has to offer.  When you visit state parks in North Carolina there are a variety of ways to enjoy them.  You can camp (either in a tent, a trailer, an RV, etc…), or there are cabins available.  There are drive-up campsites, paddle-in campsites, and equestrian camping.  Activities you can enjoy include, biking, fishing, hiking, equestrian trails, paddling, picnicking, rock climbing, and swimming.  And depending on the site you are visiting you will find a boat ramp, boat rentals, concessions, visitor center, and exhibits or discovery trails.  There are so many ways to enjoy the outdoors…and enjoy the State Parks this state offers.

Whether you use a North Carolina State Parks Passport or not, I hope you will get out and enjoy the outdoors…get out and enjoy the lands that North Carolina (or any other state for that matter) or our national government, has set aside to preserve and enjoy.  Besides the Passport program there are other programs and challenges for kids and people of all ages...all with the one shared goal of encouraging people to step outside their normal, everyday, routines and enjoy the beautiful outdoors.  For more information on the North Carolina State Parks system and programs, visit NC State Parks.

I'll also share another great program to help people enjoy recreation that someone tole me about, www.kidsinparks.com.

 See You Soon!

- PJ