Thirteen national parks are spread across the state. From scenic trails to historical sites, families can find an adventure around just about any corner. For maps, fees, facilities and hours of operation for North Carolina National Parks, visit nps.gov/state/nc.

The National Parks Service website has online resources for teachers and kids. As web rangers your kids can learn about American history, nature, science, animals and more. Check out nps.gov/learn.

  • Appalachian National Scenic Trail – Approximately 88 miles of trails run along the Tennessee border side of North Carolina. The entire trail extends from Maine to Georgia. For more information, visit www.appalachiantrail.org.
  • Blue Ridge National Heritage Area (Fletcher)
  • Cape Hatteras National Seashore (Nags Head, Buxton and Ocracoke)
  • Cape Lookout National Seashore (Harkers Island)
  • Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site (Flat Rock)
  • Fort Raleigh National Historic Site (Manteo)
  • Great Smoky Mountains National Park (located along the border of Tennessee and North Carolina)
  • Guilford Courthouse National Military Park (Greensboro)
  • Moores Creek National Battlefield (Currie)
  • Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail – The trail travels through Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina and South Carolina, retracing the route of patriot militia as they tracked down the British.
  • Trail Of Tears National Historic Trail – This trail commemorates the survival of the Cherokee people, despite their forced removal from their homelands in the Southeastern United States in the 1840s and winds through parts of North Carolina and nine other states.
  • Wright Brothers National Memorial (Kill Devil Hills)
  • Blue Ridge Parkway – The Parkway meanders 469 miles between Shenandoah and Great Smoky Mountains National Parks. This scenic drive is dotted with small towns, restaurants and beautiful sites.