NORTH CAROLINA STATE PARKS —

YOUR STATE PARKS

The State Parks described in this booklet portunities for economical vacations—either are the result of planning and development in the modern, fully equipped vacation cabins over a number of years. or in the campgrounds.

Endowed by nature with ideal sites that We sincerely believe that North Carolina's range from the shores of the Atlantic Ocean well planned, well located, well equipped and to the tops of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the well maintained State Parks are a matter of

State has located its State Parks for easy ac- justifiable pride in which every citizen has a cess as well as for varied appeal. They offer a share. This is earned by your cooperation in choice of homelike convenience and comfort observing the lenient rules and leaving the orderly. in sturdy, modern facilities . . . the hardy facilities and grounds clean and outdoor life of tenting and camp cooking . . . Keep this guide book for handy reference or the quick-and-easy freedom of a day's pic- use your State Parks year 'round for healthful nicking. The State Parks offer excellent op- recreation and relaxation!

CONTENTS Page General Information 3-7 Information Chart 18-19 Map-Location of State Parks 18-19

Cliffs of the Neuse 8-9 Fort Macon 10-11 Hammocks Beach 12-13 Hanging Rock 14-15 Jones Lake 16-17 Morrow Mountain 20-21 Mount Jefferson 22-23 Mount Mitchell 24-25 Pettigrew 26-27 Reedy Creek 28-29 Singletary Lake 30-31 William B. Umstead 32-33 2 ADMINISTRATION GENERAL INFORMATION The North Carolina State Parks are developed, operated, maintained and administered hy the De- partment of Conservation and Development through its Division of State Parks. LOCATION

The location of each North Carolina State Park is

shown on the map on pages 18 and 19 and is also ADMISSION AND PARKING shown on North Carolina State Highway Commission the North Carolina Admission to and parking in maps and on most of the highway maps issued hy oil State Parks are free. companies.

SEASON OF OPERATION RULES AND REGULATIONS North Carolina State Park Rules and Regulations North Carolina State Parks are open seven days a are posted at various places in each state park and week the year 'round for picnicking, hiking, nature are enforced by the park superintendents and park study, sightseeing and similar uses (except at Mount rangers. They include the usual provisions prohibiting Mitchell which is governed by weather conditions). trees or other vegetation, gathering of rocks, Swimming facilities are operated from about June 1 cutting of through Labor Day. Refreshment stands are operated minerals, arrowheads or other artifacts, damage to property, building of fires except in out- from about June 1 through Labor Day, except at state park Mount Mitchell State Park where they are operated door fireplaces, etc. from about May 15 to about October 15. Cabins are Speed limit in all state parks is 25 miles per hour. available for occupancy from about April 15 to about

November 1, depending on weather conditions. Tent and trailer campgrounds are operated from about

April 1 to about November 1, depending on weather conditions.

HOURS OF OPERATION

All North Carolina State Parks are open for public ingress and egress during the following hours:

November, December, January,

February .8:00 a.m. — 6:00 p.m.

March, April, September, October 8:00 a.m. — 8:00 p.m.

May, June, July, August 8:00 a.m. — 10:00 p.m.

Swimming facilities and refreshment stands open

at 9:00 a.m. and close at 6:00 p.m.

3 .

al 10:00 a.m. the following Monday for a minimum of one week and a maximum to two weeks (unless

a vacancy niak«s it possibh; to extend maximum

period )

From Labor Day to about Novemljcr I and from

about April 15 to the first Monday in .June, cabins may be rented either by the day or by the week.

Rental Rates: From the first Monday in June to Labor Day: $49.00 a week, plus 3% State Sales Tax. Rental covers electric current, water and free use

of swimming facilities.

From Labor Day to about November 1 and from about , April 15 to the first Monday in J une: $8.00 a day, plus 3% State Sales Tax, for one day and $6.00 GENERAL INFORMATION a day, plus 3% State Sales Tax, for two or more days. Rental covers electric current and water. CABINS RENTALS ARE MADE BY RESERVATION Location: Fully equipped vacation cat ins are avail- ONLY. able at Morrow Mountain State Park and Hanging When Rentals Are Payable: Cabin rental fees for Rock State Park. rental periods between the first Monday in June and Size: Each cabin has two bedrooms, bathroom, Labor Day are due in full thirty (30) days in advance living room, and kitchen with dining space. Each of date on which reservation begins. Cabin rental cabin accommodates up to six persons which is the fees for reservations made less than thirty days in maximum number of persons who may occupy one advance are due when reservation is made. Cabin cabin. rental fees for rental periods between Labor Day and first Monday in June are payable Furnishings and Equipment: Each cabin is com- when reservation pletely furnished and equipped. The furnishings and is made. The Division of State Parks reserves the right to cancel equipment in each cabin include four single beds, one reservations if this advance payment is double sofa bed, tables, chairs and other necessary not made. furniture; electric stove, electric refrigerator and Checks or money orders should be made payable electric hot water heater; dishes, silverware, glassware to the Treasurer of North Carolina and mailed to the and cooking utensils for six people; blankets, sheets Park Superintendent of the state park in which reser- and pillow cases; bath towels, dish towels, dish cloths. vation is made. Checks must include 3% State Sales Children: The Division of State Parks does not sup- Tax. ply beds, bedding, etc., for children too small to use Refunds: No refund of a paid reservation will be regular single beds. Cabin renter must supply such made unless a cancellation request is made at least beds, bedding, etc. fifteen (15) days prior to the date on which reserva- Rental Periods: From the first Monday in June to tion begins. Money will be refunded on a notification

Labor Day, cabins will be rented only on a weekly of less than fifteen (15) days only when the cabin is basis, beginning at 4:00 p.m. on Monday and ending re-rented. .

quest and then only if the camp site is re-rented by event, no refund of GENERAL INFORMATION tlie Park Superintendent. In any less than three dollars ($3.00) will be made.

operated Damage Deposit: When a cal)in renter is checked Season of Operation: Campgrounds are depending into his cal)in, a deposit of $5.00 is required to cover from about April 1 to about November 1, at Mount Mitchell any loss or breakage to State property that may occur upon weather conditions, except aliout May during his occupancy and as a clean-up deposit. This where the campground is operated from is 15. deposit is made with the Park Superintendent and ]5 to about October returned to the cabin renter when he is checked out Length of Stay: Minimum one day; maximum two of the cabin, less any deduction necessary for loss or weeks (unless a vacancy makes it possible to extend or for excessive clean-up costs. breakage, maximum period) Where to Make Reservations: Application forms Rules and Regulations: Camping in and use of for requesting cabin reservations at Morrow Mountain state parks is governed by the North Carolina State Park may be secured from Park Superintendent, State Parks Regulations which are posted in each wash- Morrow Mountain State Park, Route 2, Albemarle, house. There are no special rules or regulations re- North Carolina; and at Hanging Rock State Park garding pitcliing of tents, ]>ut tents must be neatly and Park Superintendent, Hanging Rock State Park, from securely pitched in designated camping areas. Camp- Danbury, North Carolina. ers must keep and leave campsites neat and clean.

TENT AND TRAILER CAMPING Fires: Fires may he built only in the outdoor fire- places. Description of Developed Campgrounds: Each campground has a road through it, over which the Wood and Water: Wood may be purchased at each directly to camper may drive his car (and trailer) state park for a small fee. Each campground has a the individual camp sites. Each camp site is equipped State Board of Health approved water supply system. with table and bench, outdoor fireplace, tent site and Flow to Make Reservations: For reservations, write parking space for car or trailer (except Mount Mit- the Park Superintendent of the state park in which chell State Park which has tent camping only and a It is always advisable, in many has a central you wish to camp. central parking area) . Each campground instances necessary, to make reservations in advance washhouse with lavatories, flush toilets and showers for camping sites. for men and for women and built-in laundry wash- tubs. Sewage disposal and water supply facilities are approved by the North Carolina State Board of Health. Electrical, sewage and water connections for trailers are not available.

Locations: Developed campgroiinds are availalile in Hanging Rock, Jones Lake, Morrow Mountain, Mount Mitchell and William B. Umstead State Parks.

Fees: Fee for the use of campgrounds is s$1.50 per day per campsite for four persons or less, plus 25c per day for each additional person in excess of four persons.

When Fees are Payable: Camp site fees are payable with application for camp site reservation.

Refunds: In case of cancellation of reservation, refund of camping fees will be made only upon re- HIKING

Foo •iyslciiis Icaditi to varu)us |)oiiils of

)vi(l<«l williiii M l. Slat. irk. NATURE STUDY

North Carolina State Parks offer excellent oppor- tunities for nature study. Naturalists are on duty at Cliffs of the Neuse, Hanging Rock, Morrow Mountain, Mount Mitchell, Reedy Creek and William B. Um- stead State Parks during tlie summer months. Park museums are located at Cliffs of the Neuse, Morrow Mountain and Mount Mitchell State Parks.

PICNICKING

Picnic areas equipped with picnic shelters, tables and benches, outdoor fireplaces, toilets, and water and sewer systems are provided free in all state parks. GENERAL INFORMATION The picnic facilities are ideal for family groups and for large and small organized gatherings. Reservations are not made for the use of picnic areas. DOGS AND PETS REFRESHMENT STANDS No animals or pets (except dogs on a leash not Cold drinks, sandwiches, candies, cigarettes, crack- exceeding six feet in length ) may he hrought into any ers, etc., are on sale at refreshment stands operated state park. NO DOGS OR PETS WILL BE AL- from about June 1 through Labor Day at Cliffs of LOWED IN THE SWIMMING AREA, CABINS, OR the Neuse, Fort Macon, Hanging Rock, Jones Lake CABIN AREA AT ANY TIME. and Morrow Mountain State Parks and from about BOATING May 15 to about October 15 at Mount Mitchell State Park. Row hoats are availahle for rent at Cliffs of the Neuse, Hanging Rock, Jones Lake, Morrow Moun- RESTAURANTS tain, Pettigrew and William B. Umstead State Parks. A modern restaurant is operated at Mount Mitchell Rental is 35c per hour. State Park from about June 1 until about October 15.

FISHING SWIMMING Swimming facilities are operated from about June Fishing in the North Carolina State Parks is suh- 1 through Labor Day at Cliffs of the Neuse, Fort ject to rules and regulations of the North Carolina Macon, Jones Lake, Hanging Rock and Morrow Moun- Wildlife Resources Commission. Fee is 25c per day tain State Parks. Life guards are on duty at all times at some state parks; 50c per day at others. during swimming hours. Fees: 40c for adults; 25c for children under 12. Fee includes checking service, SUPPLIES GROCERIES AND towel and soap. other supplies may be secured from Groceries and SANITARY FACILITIES towns in the vicinity of the state parks. Some of these towns and their distances from the state parks are North Carolina State Parks are equipped with sani- given under LOCATION in the description of each tary and water supply facilities that are approved by state park on pages 8 to 33. the North Carolina State Board of Health. ORGANIZED GROUP CAMPS GENERAL INFORAAATION Five complete Organized Group Camps are availa- ble in the North Carolina State Parks for organized camping during the summer months and for or- ganized camping and other uses during the spring and during June, July and August. Fees for lodges are fall months. All are available for use by organized $10.00 per day (maximum capacity 30 persons). Fees youth agencies (Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, YMCAs, for mess halls are $20.00 per day for up to 50 persons; YWCAs, 4-H Clubs, church organizations, etc.) and $25.00 per day for up to 75 persons; $35.00 per day for by youth and adult organizations or organized groups. over 75 persons. (Number of persons in groups using mess halls shall not exceed capacity of camp in which Buildings and Equipment: Each camp includes a mess hall is located.) These fees include electricity mess hall in which there is a kitchen equipped with and up to 50 units of gas. gas stoves, gas hot water heater, electric refrigerators and sinks. The dining halls are equipped with tables Flow to Make Reservations: Requests for organized and benches and can also be used as recreation halls. group camp reservations at William B. Umstead State Each camp includes campers' cabins and counselors' Park should be made to Park Superintendent, cabins equipped with cots (but not mattresses and William B. Umstead State Park, Route 1, Cary, North a water front bedding) ; toilets and washhouscs; and Carolina; at Reedy Creek State Park to Park Super- equipped with swimming dock. intendent, Reedy Creek State Park, Route 1, Cary North Carolina; at Singletary Lake Group Camp to A complete set of cooking utensils and dishes may Park Superintendent, Singletary Lake Group Camp, be rented for each camp at a fee of $5.00 per week. Elizabethtown, North Carolina. Location: Three group camps are located at William B. Umstead State Park. One accommodates WILDLIFE 119 persons, another 94 persons, and the third 64 All North Carolina State Parks are wildlife sanctu- persons. aries and lumting, trapping or, in any way, molesting One group camp accommodating 64 persons is lo- birds or animals are not permitted. Firearms, cats and cated at Reedy Creek State Park. dogs (except dogs on a lease not exceeding six feet in

length ) are not permitted within the state parks. One group camp accommodating 120 persons is lo- cated at Singletary Lake Group Camp.

Fees for Organized Camping:

Rental fees are as follows: 94, 119 and 120 person capacity camps, $125.00 a week or $1.75 per week per person, whichever is the greater, plus cost of electrici- ty, gas and fuel; 64 person capacity camp, $75.00 per week or $1.75 per week per person, whichever is the greater, plus cost of electricity, gas and fuel. For periods of less than one week, rental fees are 25c per day per person, plus cost of electricity, gas and fuel with minimum fees of $5.00 a day without mess hall, $12.50 a day with mess hall, and $17.50 a day with mess hall and lodge.

Fees for Use Other Than Organized Camping: Group camps are not available for this type of use North Carolina State Library CLIFFS OF THE NEUSE STATE PARK

LOCATION flowering shrubs and herbaceous plants. Bobwhite and numerous songbirds frequent the park, and the common mammals include cottontail rabbit, raccoon, Cliffs of the Neuse State Park is on the banks of the fox and gray squirrel, opossum and muskrat. Neuse River in Wayne County, 14 miles southeast of Goldsboro on North Carolina Highway 111. Mailing Two clear streams flow through the park and are Address: Cliffs of the Neuse State Park, Route 2, accessible by foot trail. On one of them, a lake has Seven Springs, North Carolina. Telephone: Goldsboro been created which affords swimming and boating. REpublic 4-2617.

DESCRIPTION FOR YOUR ENJOYMENT

Cliffs of the Neuse State Park was acquired by gift Swimming—Bathhouse and lake with sand beach in 1945 and was established as a state park for the and protected bathing area. Open from about June 1 preservation of distinctive scenic and natural features through Labor Day. Boating—Boathouse and boats and the provision of facilities for outdoor recreation. for rent on lake. Fishing—Bass and panfish in Neuse It includes 365 acres and lies on both sides of the River. Picnicking—Picnic area equipped with picnic Neuse River. The most striking natural feature is the shelter, tables and benches, outdoor fireplaces, water cliffs, rising ninety feet above the Neuse River. These and toilets. Refreshment Stands—Cold drinks, sand- cliffs are a unique geological feature in this section of wiches, candies, cigarettes, etc., for sale at bathhouse the State. This state park is very interesting botani- from about June 1 through Labor Day. Camping — cally because of the unusual mixture of herbaceous Limited tent camping permitted. No developed camp- plants, trees and shrubs it contains. Galax, most vin- grounds. Hiking—System of foot trails. Nature Study usual in the eastern part of the State, contrasts with — Park museum. Nature trails. Naturalist on duty Spanish moss. American beech, baldcypress and sev- June, July and August. Park Roads and Parking Areas eral species of oak and pine are among the many spe- — Paved park road system to all developed public cies of trees in the park. In season, the flowering use facilities. Paved parking areas serving Cliffs Over- plants include dogwood, redbud and many other look area, picnic area and swimming area. Ideal for family fun. Cliffs of the Neuse State Park offers swimming in a protected bathing area (oppo-

site page and below I and picnicking in the well

equipped picnic area (opposite) . The most interesting natural feature is "the Cliffs" shown above in the upper right picture. FORT MACON STATE PARK

part of a coastal area of unusually high scenic LOCATION values. The park is populated by a host of seashore birds, including gulls, terns, sandpipers and the like. Located in Carteret County, across Bogue Sound from Moreliead City and Beaufort, Fort Macon State Fort Macon, established in 1924 by transfer from Park is easily accessible over paved roads from U. S. the Federal government, was the second North Caro- 70 at the western edge of Moreliead City. Mailing lina State Park to be acquired. It was established and Address: Fort Macon State Park, Atlantic Beach, is maintained for the three-fold purpose of protecting North Carolina. Telephone: Moreliead City PArk and preserving outstanding natural and scenic values, 6-3775. protecting and preserving Fort Macon, and providing recreational use of natural resources.

DESCRIPTION FOR YOUR ENJOYMENT Fort Macon State Park, bounded by the Atlantic Ocean on the south and Bogue Sound on the north, Sivimming—Modern bathhouse, boardwalk and pro- is on the barrier beach of Bogue Lsland and extends tected swimming area in Atlantic Ocean. Open about some two miles westward from Beaufort Inlet. Within June 1 through Labor Day. Fishing Surf casting in the park is historic Fort Macon, a hundred-year-old — ocean and sound from shores of park. Picnicking — masterpiece of architectural beauty, seized by the Picnic area equipped with picnic shelter, tables and Confederate forces in April 1861, and captured by benches, outdoor fireplaces, water and toilets. Re- the Union forces on April 26, 1862. Since early Co- freshment Stand Cold drinks, sandwiches, candies, lonial days, the location of the present fort has been — cigarettes, etc., for sale near bathhouse and picnic the site of fortifications for the protection of Beaufort area from June 1 through Labor Day. Hiking Over Inlet. — sand dunes or along ocean shore. Nature Study—Ex- No less interesting is the natural beauty of Fort cellent opportunities for study of bird, seashore and Macon State Park. The high dunes, covered with the plant life. Historic Structure—Old Fort Macon par- waving plumes of sea oats, old cedars picturesquely tially restored. Museum in fort. Park Roads and Park- shorn by tlie wind and salt spray, live oaks, redberried ing Areas—Paved park road system to all developed yaupon, the green marshes along the sound, the cease- public use facilities. Paved parking area at tlie fort less breaking of the ocean on the beach, are all a and near bathhouse and picnic area.

10

bine LOCATION to make Hammocks Beach State Park one of the most beautiful and interesting seashore areas in North Carolina. It offers unexcelled opportunities for Hammocks Beach State Park is on Bear Island in peaceful relaxation and active outdoor recreation. Onslow County. It is reached from Nortli Carolina Highway 24 hy turning south one and one half miles Gulls, terns, sandpipers and many other seashore west of Swansboro onto a county road and driving birds may be seen in the park as well as a number of other two and one half miles to a ferry landing. From this bird species which are migrants or seasonal point ferry service for passengers only (no vehicles) visitors. The marshes shelter still other species of is provided from June 1 through Labor Day. birds as well as muskrat, otter and other mammals.

DESCRIPTION FOR YOUR ENJOYMENT

Fishing—Surf casting in ocean Hammocks Beach State Park includes all of Bear and fishing in sound. Hiking Over sand dunes and along Island, covers 890 acres and has over three miles of — ocean shore. Nature Study—Excellent opportunities ocean front. This outstanding seashore area was ac- for study of bird and seashore life. quired by gift in 1961 and is maintained and operated for Negro use. It was established as a state park to The following facilities are scheduled to be avail- preserve and protect outstanding scenic and natural able by midsummer 1962: features, to provide recreational use of natural re- sources, and to provide opportunity for the study of Swimming—Modern bathhouse and protected its natural features. swimming area in Atlantic Ocean. Picnicking—Picnic area equipped with sun shehers, tables and benches, Unusually liigli sand dunes, a beautiful ocean beach outdoor fireplaces, water and toilets. Refreshment unmarred by the hand of man, tlie broad expanse of Stand—Cold drinks, sandwiches, candies, cigarettes, the Atlantic Ocean, and the sweep of the marshes etc., for sale near bathhouse and picnic area from lying between the island and the mainland all com- about June 1 through Labor Day.

12 With one of tlie Jinest Ijeatlies in Nortli Carolina, Ife Haunnocks Beach State Park will offer wonderful opportunities for picnickinj;, and swiniminij wlien initial development is coni])leted in 1962. HANGING ROCK STATE PARK

LOCATION across the valley of the Dan River, with its patchwork of tobacco fields, to the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina and Virginia. From Hanging Rock, Hanging Rock State Park is in Stokes County, four miles of the upper portion of the Piedmont Plateau miles northwest of Danbury, 14 miles from Walnut are spread out Jjefore the eye. Cove, and 32 miles north of Winston-Salem. Acces- sible over paved roads from North Carolina highways Hanging Rock State Park lies on the Piedmont Plateau, 89 and 66. Mailing Address: Hanging Rock State Park, an ancient erosion surface underlain by high- Danbury, North Carolina. Telephone: Danbury ly altered rocks. Most of the rocks were originally LYnnhurst 3-2841. sandstone, but, under conditions of great heat and pressure, they were changed to massive quartzites and foliated rocks, such as quartz schist and quartz mica schist. Hanging Rock, Cook's Wall and Moore's Knob DESCRIPTION owe their greater height to the fact that they are com- posed of quartzite—a type of rock with superior re- Located in the Sauratown Mountains, one of the sistance to erosion. Under the combined action of heat most easterly mountainous areas in the State, Hanging and cold and water, the softer rocks have been eroded, Rock State Park offers a variety of features, both leaving the quartzite to form peaks. Also interesting natural and man-made, that afford interest and pleas- geologically is a rare and peculiar variety of sand- ure. Here is natural beauty in profusion. Rugged stone, itacolumite, known locally as flexible sandstone, mountain terrain, clear sparkling mountain streams, which is flexible and may be easily bent. waterfalls and cascades, a cool inviting lake nestled The wealth of plant life at Hanging Rock State Park in the hills, extensive growths of mountain laurel, is particularly interesting, not only to the botanist rhododendron, stewartia, and other flowering shrubs, but, because of the beauty of flower and form of beautiful interior and distant views—all these await many of the species, to the layman as well. Over three the visitor. hundred species of plants typical of the Piedmont and Included in the 3,865 acres of Hanging Rock State of the lower mountain ranges are represented, some Park are Hanging Rock and Moore's Knob. From of them quite uncommon. Common mammals include Moore's Knob, elevation 2,572 feet, one may look gray squirrel, opossum and raccoon.

14 FOR YOUR ENJOYMENT

Swimming—Bathhouse and lake with sand heach and protected water area. Open ahout June 1 through Lahor Day. Boating—Boathouse and hoats for rent on lake. Fishing—Bass and panfish in lake. Picnick- ing—Two picnic areas each equipped with picnic shelter, tahles and henches, outdoor fireplaces, water and toilets. Refreshment Stands—Cold drinks, sand- wiches, candies, cigarettes, souvenirs, etc., for sale at bathhouse from about June 1 through Labor Day.

Camping—Tent and trailer campground with indi- vidual camp sites and central washhouse and toilets. Vacation Cabins—Six completely equipped vacation cabins. Hiking—System of foot trails to points of in- terest. Nature Study—N atxire trails. Naturalist on duty June, July and August. Lookout Tower—Stone look- out tower on Moore's Knob. Park Roads and Parking Areas — Paved park road system to all developed public use facilities. Parking areas serving picnic areas and bathhouse and lake.

The beauty and coolness of the Sauratown Moun- ains make swimming, picnicking, hiking, camping and other outdoor recreation at Hanging Rock State Park especially enjoyable. The views from Hanging Rock (upper right) and Moore's Knob are striking. JONES LAKE STATE PARK

LOCATION ers, wax myrtle, gallberry and fetter bush with flowers like those of the lily-of-the-valley.

In Bladen County, four miles from Elizabethtown Common mammals include deer, gray fox, gray and fox on State Highway 242. Mailing Address: Jones Lake squirrels, and raccoon. Turkey, redwing black- bird, State Park, Elizabethtown, North Carolina. Tele- owls, hawks and numerous songbirds are in- phone: Elizabethtown UNion 2-2161. cluded among the birds.

Jones Lake State Park is within the boundaries of DESCRIPTION 40,000-acre Bladen Lakes State Forest.

Jones Lake State Park covers 1,893 acres and is FOR YOUR ENJOYMENT maintained and operated exclusively for Negro use. The area contains typical Coastal Plain forest land- scape and good examples of pocosins, which are up- Swimming—Bathhouse and lake with sand beach and protected water land shrub bogs peculiar to the eastern parts of the area. Open from about June 1 through Labor Carolinas and Georgia. Jones Lake, one of the natural Day. Boating—Boathouse and boats for rent on lake. Fishing lakes said to have been formed by the impact of —Bass and panfish in lake. Picnicking Picnic area meteorites on the earth's surface, has an area of 224 — equipped with picnic shelter, tables and benches, outdoor fireplaces, water acres and is the most important natural feature. With and toilets. Refreshment Stand Cold drinks, sandwiches, its placid surface and cypress bordered shores, it — candies, cigarettes, etc., for sale forms a beautiful landscape picture. at refreshment stand near bathhouse from about June 1 through Labor The park contains a great variety of trees and Day. Camping—Tent and trailer campground with shrubs. The most conspicuous tree is the stately long individual camp sites and central wasbhouse and leaf pine with its distinctive long needles. Other trees toilets. Hiking—Over fire trails. Nature Study—Ex- include loljlolly pine, pond pine which grows in tlie cellent oportunities for nature study. Park Roads and pocosins, juniper (white cedar), black gum, Ameri- Parking Areas—Paved park road system to all de- can holly and turkey oak. Distinctive shridis include veloped areas. Paved parking area near bathhouse the loblolly or bull bay with its beautiful white flow- and picnic area.

16 Tlic Pictures: Opposite page: The Ijeach and ])oat-

liouse. Upper left: View of protected swimming area

Irom ])oathouse pier. Upper right: The bathhouse.

Opposite: A family picnic. Lower left: Cooling sport. Lower right: Another group of picnickers. NORTH CAROLINA State Parks

FOR YOUR ENJOYMENT — PRIMARY VALUES t^/ / <>>/ ^/ / /

'J/ NAME OF STATE PARK LOCATION HIGHWAYS / ^>ACRES ESTAB.

11 MILES SE US 70 365 1945 CLIFFS OF THE NEUSE • • • • • • OF GOLOSBORO NC 55 a III 2 MILES E OF US 70 a • • • • • 390 1924 FORT MACON ATLANTIC BEACH STATE ROAD • • OF NC 24 a 5 MILES SE UC UC • 890 1961 HAMMOCKS BEACH SWANSBORO PARK FERRY OF 32 MILES N NC 69 a 66 • • • • • • • • • 3865 1935 HANGING ROCK WINSTON - SALEM H MILES N OF NC 242 • • • • 1893 1939 JONES LAKE ELIZABETHTOWN • • • 7 MILES E OF NC 27 a 73 • • • • • • • 4135 1935 MORROW MOUNTAIN ALBEMARLE NC 740 • • • •

1 MILE OF SW US 221 474 1956 MOUNT JEFFERSON JEFFERSON • 33 MILES NE OF BLUERIDGE • • • • • • 1224 1915 MOUNT MITCHELL ASHEVILLE PARKWAY • 9 MILES S OF US 64 a • • • 16830 1939 PETTIGREW CHESWELL STATE ROAD •

10 MILES NW OF US 70A a 1 • • 1323 1943 REEDY CREEK RALEIGH NC 54 •

10 MILES SE OF NC 53 • • 1221 1939 SINGLETARY LAKE ELIZABETHTOWN •

12 NW OF MILES US 70 • • • • • • • • 3889 1943 WILLIAM B. UMSTEAD RALEIGH

LEGEN D: < FACILITIES PROVIDED PERMITTED BUT NO SPECIAL FACILITIES PROVIDED UNDER CONSTRUCTION INFORMATION ON PARK SPEED LIMIT NORTH CAROLINA 25 i STATE PARKS M.P.H. a

MORROW MOUNTAIN STATE PARK

expanse of the Pee Dee River flowing placidly along LOCATION the eastern boundary of the park, the hills ranging to the north and east, the rolling farm lands dotted with grain fields and stretching westward from the County, seven miles east of x\lbemarle. Stanly hills, are parts of the picture that greets the eye— paved roads from North Carolina Accessible over picture which is full of the beauty of nature at any Address: Morrow Highways 27, 73 and 740. Mailing season. In the spring, the fresh new green of the pines Albemarle, North Mountain State Park, Route 2, and the white of the dogwood bloom on the hillsides Albemarle 2-4402. Carolina. Telephone: YUkon herald the new season. In the fall, the hills are clothed with the flaming beauty of autumn foliage.

Morrow Mountain State Park is part of an area DESCRIPTION most interesting geologically. The Uwharrie Moun- tains, which form a part of what remains of the Covering 4,135 acres in the Uwharrie Mountains on Ocoee Mountains, are a portion of the oldest moun- the banks of the Pee Dee River, Morrow Mountain tain range in America—far older than the mountains

State Park is one of the outstanding scenic attractions of the Appalachian System.

of the Piedmont. Within the park is a great variety of plant life.

Its decidedly mountainous appearance is accentu- Dogwood, redbud, red cedar, American holly, oaks, ated by the sharp differences in elevation between maples, pines are but a few of the larger species under the hills and the surrovmding countryside, and is em- which grow many kinds of shrubs and herbaceous phasized by the heavy growths of mountain laurel plants. Plant associations of both the woods and the in the stream valleys and on the hillsides. open field are present. From Morrow Mountain, Tater Top, Attaiway, Deer, gray squirrel, raccoon and opossum are among Sugar Loaf, and other hill tops, there are wonderful the most frequently seen mammals. Turkey, quail, panoramic views that extend for miles. The broad and many species of songbirds inhabit the park.

20 FOR YOUR ENJOYMENT

Swimming — Modern bathliouse and swimmino pool. Open from about June 1 throuf^h Labor Day. Boating—Boatbouse and lioats for rent on Pee Dee River. Fishing—Bass and panfisb in Pec Dee River. Picnicking—Two picnic areas (one near batbbousc and one on top of Morrow Moinitain ) eacb equipped witb picnic sbelter, tables and bencbes, outdoor fire- places, water and toilets. Refreshment Stands—Cold drinks, sandwicbes, candies, cigarettes, etc., for sale at batbbousc and on top of Morrow Mountain (Sun- days only) from about June 1 tbrougli Labor Day. Camping—Tent and trailer campgroimd witb indi- vidual camp sites and central wasbbouse and toilets. Vacation Cabins—Six completely equipped vacation cabins. Recreation Lodge—Contains large room for meetings, lectures and otber gatberings. Advance res- ervations required for use of recreation lodge. Hiking —System of foot trails. Nature Study—Nature trails. Park museum. Naturalist on duty June, July and August. Historic Structures—Tbe original residence of Dr. Francis Josepb Kron, prominent early Stanly Cotmty pbysician and citizen, and some of tbe out- buildings connected witb tbe residence are now Ijcing restored. Park Roads and Parking Areas—Paved park road system to all developed puljlic use facilities. Paved parking areas near batbliouse, picnic areas, boatbouse and park museum.

Amid tbe beauty of tbe Uwbarrie Hills. Morrow Mountain State Park offers excellent recreational op- portunities ranging from picnicking in natural sur- roundings and swimming in a supervised pool to va- cationing in fully equipped cottages.

21 MOUNT JEFFERSON STATE PARK

LOCATION and their removal by stream action and other erosive forces. Mount Jefferson has formed as a result of the resistance of the underlying rocks to these erosive forces. In Ashe County, four miles from Jefferson and the Accessihle over same distance from West Jefferson. The park includes a wide variety of forest trees, improved road leaving U. S. 221 midway hetween shrubs and flowers. At the lower elevations, sugar Jefferson and West Jefferson. maple, red maple, black locvist, ash, hickory, tulip poplar, birch, basswood, chestnut oak, white oak and the various red oaks are found. The upper elevations DESCRIPTION are almost completely occupied by chestnut oak with a heavy undergrowth of purple rhododendron and mountain laurel. From June 10 until July 1, the Mount Jefferson State Park covers 474 acres and mountain is particularly attractive with this profu- includes the peak and slopes of Mount Jefferson. Fine sion of flowering shrubbery. Other flowering trees panoramic views of the country for miles around may and shrubs are service berry, bush honeysuckle, azalea be seen from various points within the park. and dogwood. Wild iris, jack-in-the-pulpit, violets, galax, mosses, ferns and huckleberries are plants of is a steep sided northwesterly Mount Jefferson interest that can be found in the park. trending mountain that rises abruptly for more than 1600 feet above the surrounding terrain. It lies along the drainage divide of North Fork and South Fork FOR YOUR ENJOYMENT of New River, and these drainage systems had im- portant influences on the size and shape of the moun- Picnicking—A picnic area equipped with tables tain. This and other high mountains in the area are and benches, outdoor fireplaces, water and toilets. but remnants of a broad high plateau that existed Hiking—Over trail along summit of mountain. Nature throughout much of Western North Carolina in past Study—Interesting opportunities for nature study road to geologic times l)ut which has been greatly dissected Park Roads and Parking Area—Improved summit. Parking area near picnic area. as a result of the weathering of the underlying rocks near

22 These pictures illustrate the riipffed heauty of Mount Jefferson. Tlie view from the overlook (adja- cent picture) is typical of the many fine views to he seen from Mount Jefferson State Park. MOUNT MITCHELL STATE PARK

LOCATION the Carolina junco (snowbird) are found in the park throughout the year, while robins, winter wrens, song sparrows and other songbirds are summer residents. Mount Mitchell State Park is in the Black Moun- Mount Mitchell State Park was the first state park tains of Yancey Connty, 34 miles northeast of Ashe- to be established in North Carolina. The 1,224 acres ville and 32 miles from Marion. It is reached over included in it were purchased by the State in 1915 to a paved road from the Blue Ridge Parkway. Mailing protect and preserve Mount Mitchell and the out- Address: Mount Mitchell State Park, Marion, North standing scenic and natural values of the park, and Carolina. Telephone: Marion—County 1630. to provide outdoor recreation and vacation use.

DESCRIPTION FOR YOUR ENJOYMENT

State Park is truly in "the land of Mount Mitchell Picnicking—Picnic areas equipped with picnic in the park is less than a mile high. the sky"—no place shelters, tables and benches, outdoor fireplaces, water The dominant feature is Mount Mitchell, the highest and toilets. Refreshment Stand—Coffee, cold drinks, United States, towering 6.684 feet peak in Eastern sandwiches, candies, cigarettes, souvenirs, etc., for sale views from Mount Mitchell, and above sea level. The near summit from about May 15 to about October 15. among the most from other parts of the park, are Camping—Tent campground with individual camp magnificent in tlie Southern Appala- beautiful and sites and central waslihouse and toilets. Restaurant— the park are several hundred chians. Protected within Operated in recreation lodge from about June 1 to of virgin balsam and spruce forest. acres about October 15. Recreation Lodge—Contains public The plant life of Mount Mitchell State Park, like toilets, large room for meetings, lectures and other the climate, is more that of Canada than Carolina. gatherings in addition to restaurant. Hiking —System The forests are almost pure balsam and red spruce of foot trails. Nature Study—Trails. Park museum. stands, but some yellow birch, paper birch, fire cherry Naturalist on duty June, July and August. Lookout and mountain asli may also be found. Shrubs include Tower—Stone lookout tower on Mount Mitchell. two species of rhododendron, red elder, mountain Park Roads and Parking Areas—Paved park road to maple, and wild hydrangea. a point near the summit of Mount Mitchell. Paved Mammals include the black bear, deer, red squirrel, parking areas near summit, picnic area, campgrounds, woodchuck, wildcat and civet cat. Ruffed grouse and restaurant and recreation lodge.

24 .

The massive grandeur of Mount Mitchell and the

Black Mountains is strikingly illustrated on the oppo- site page. A closer view of Mount Mitchell from the park road is shown in the lower right hand picture. Good food and fine views may he had in the restau- rant (upper left) PETTIGREW STATE PARK

LOCATION Among the remaining buildings is the manor of Somerset Place. This house, an interesting example of Greek Revival architecture as it was adapted to In Wasliington and Tyrrell Counties, on the shores Eastern North Carolina, was built on the shores of of Lake Phelps, nine miles south of Creswell. Acces- Lake Phelps by Josiah Collins III in the early 1830s. over paved road from U. S. 64 at Creswell. sihle The Pettigrew House, Bonarva, begun in 1789 by Address: Pettigrew State Park, Creswell, Mailing Charles Pettigrew and enlarged by Ebenezer Petti- North Carolina. Telephone: Columbia, N. C, 4423. grew, was burned in 1860. State-owned Lake Phelps, one of the most beautiful DESCRIPTION of North Carolina's natural lakes, adds greatly to the natural beauty of the park. A magnificent cypress Pettigrew State Park, named after General James the lake shore is not the least of the Johnston Pettigrew, Civil War hero, who is buried just growth along await the visitor. These great old outside of the park, is on the shores of Lake Phelps attractions that decline of the in the historic Albemarle section of the low level trees, which have seen the rise and Coastal Plain. large plantations, form a most attractive setting for The park is located on portions of two fine old the lake, which has long been an angler's paradise. In plantations, "Bonarva" and "Somerset Place," which the 16,600-acre lake, second largest natural lake in the flourished from the late seventeen hundreds until the State, black bass and panfish abound. The lake is a 1787 Civil War. Somerset Place was established about wildlife sanctuary and thousands of waterfowl may be two associates. Josiah Collins by Josiah Collins and seen in it during the winter months. had emigrated to the United States from Somerset- brief residences in Boston shire, England, and after FOR YOUR ENJOYMENT and Halifax, North Carolina, settled in Edenton mercantile and ship- where he estaljlished a thriving Boating—Boat pier and launching site for boats. prosperous rope walk. Bonarva ping business and a Row boats for rent. Fishing—Panfish and bass fishing established about 1789 by Charles Plantation was in Lake Phelps. Historic Structures—Somerset Place was the first Bishop-elect of the Epis- Pettigrew who manor house, and other buildings and features of copal Church of North Carolina. To bring these and Somerset Place. The grounds, walks, drives, some of the other plantations in the vicinity to full cuhivation, the buildings and part of the gardens have been re- many miles of canals had to be dug to convert the stored. Parking Areas—Paved parking areas near swampy land into fertile fields. The canals, all dug Somerset Place and at boat pier. by slave labor, are still in existence.

HEEDY CREEK STATE PARK

LOCATION The park has an abundance of plant and animal life. Several species of pine, oak, and hickory, black gum, sweet gum and tulip poplar are only a few of Reedy Creek State Park is in Wake County, 20 the different kinds of trees on the park. Dogwood, miles from Durham and 12 miles from Raleigh. It is redbiid and mountain laurel are numbered among reached from North Carolina Highway 54 hy turning the shrubs in addition to many herbaceous plants. north onto the Reedy Creek Road at the outskirts of Cary. Mailing Address: Reedy Creek State Park, Mammal and birdlife is abundant, too. Red and Route 1, Box 110, Cary, North Carolina. Telephone: gray fox, gray squirrel, cottontail rabbit, raccoon, Raleigh—HOpkins 7-3962. opossum and muskrat inhabit the park. Turkey, quail, several species of owls and hawks, and many song- birds may be seen.

DESCRIPTION

FOR YOUR ENJOYMENT Situated in the heavily populated Raleigh-Durham area, Reedy Creek State Park is within a short driving for group distance of many people. Its opportunities Picnicking—Picnic area equipped with picnic shel- camping, outings, day-use and the study of natural ter, tables and benches, outdoor fireplaces, water and sciences are excellent. Reedy Creek State Park is toilets. Organized Camping—Complete group camp maintained and operated for Negro use. Covering for use of organized youth groups during summer 1,323 acres, the park is one of the most beautiful months and youth and adult groups during other wooded areas in the eastern edge of the Piedmont. months. Hiking System of foot trails. Nature Study Its forest growths include stands of pine, mixed hard- — Excellent opportunities for nature study. Naturalist wood and pine stands, and stands composed entirely — and August. Park Roads and Park- of hardwoods. With its forest growth, its quite rugged on duty June, July topography and picturesque streams, it is an out- ing Areas—Park road system to all developed public standing example of eastern Piedmont landscape. use facilities. Parking area near picnic area.

28 .

Within the protected forests of Reedy Creek State Park are excellent facilities for recreational use of natural resources. The group camp (upper right and lower right) includes a lake (opposite page) for swimming and Ijoating. Day use facilities include a well equipped picnic area (ahove) SINGLETARY LAKE GROUP CAMP

LOCATION meteorites on the earth's surface, is the principal natural feature. The varied and interesting plant and animal life afford ample opportunities for nature is in Bladen County Singletary Lake Group Camp study. Long leaf, loblolly and pond pines, turkey oak, North Carolina Highway 53, ten miles southeast of on juniper (white cedar) and ])ald cypress are among the Elizabethtown. Mailing Address: Singletary Lake trees found on the area. Loblolly or bull bay, wax Group Camp, Elizabethtown, North Carolina, Tele- myrtle, gallberry and other shrubs are plentiful and phone: EHzabethtown UNion 2-2226. there are many herbaceous plants. Deer, opossum, raccoon and gray fox may be seen. Besides quail and DESCRIPTION owls, a number of songbirds inhabit the area. The 1,221 acres covered by the area are within the I)oundaries of Singletary Lake Group Camp is operated primarily Bladen Lakes State Forest. for the use of organized groups and is completely equipped to accommodate 100 campers. Facilities available include a large mess hall with kitchen in FOR YOUR ENJOYMENT which are gas stoves, sinks and refrigerators; ten campers' cabins, each accommodating ten campers; Boating—Row boats for rent on Singletary Lake. two washhouses, each equipped with showers, toilets, Fishing Bass and panfish in lake. Organized Cc rap- lavatories, laundry tubs and hot water; a five room — ing Complete group camp, accommodating 100 staff house; a craft shop; cooks' quarters; and a — swimming dock. The group camp is equipped with campers plus staff, for use of organized youth groups electricity, rvmning water and sanitary sewage system. during summer months and organized youth and Singletary Lake, a natural lake with an area of 572 adult groups during other months. Park Roads and acres and said to have been formed by the impact of Parking Areas—Paved park road to group camp.

30 Over the years, hundreds of youth organizations and thousands of boys and girls have enjoyed the re- warding experience of camping at Singletary Lake

Group Camp. The pictures ilhistrate some of the daily activities of one youth group. WILLIAM B. UMSTEAD STATE PARK

LOCATION and shrubs, from the beautiful dogwood to the tower- ing tulip poplar, are within the park as is also a variety of wild flowers. William B. Umstead State Park is in Wake County on U. S. Highway 70, eleven miles from Raleigh and Mammals and birds include raccoon, red and gray thirteen miles from Durham. Mailing Address: fox, opossum, squirrel, muskrat, beaver, cottontail WilUam B. Umstead State Park, Route 1, Box 271, rabbit, turkey, quail, several species of owls, and a Gary, North Carolina. Telephone: Raleigh TEmple host of songbirds. Whip-poor-wills are heard on sum- 2-8032. mer nights.

This varied plant and animal life make the area very interesting for outdoor recreation. DESCRIPTION

Covering 3,889 acres, William B. Umstead State FOR YOUR ENJOYMENT Park, named in honor of former Governor William B. Umstead, is one of the most beautiful areas in the Picnicking—Two picnic areas equipped with picnic eastern edge of the Piedmont. The park is heavily shelter, tables and benches, outdoor fireplaces, water wooded and contains quite rugged topography and and toilets. Camping—Tent and trailer campground several picturesque streams. with individual camp sites and central washhouse and toilets. Boating—Boathouse and boats for rent on 55- group camps at William B. Umstead The three acre lake. Fishing—In streams and in lake. Organized opportunities for or- State Park provide excellent Camping—Three complete group camps on the shores camping by youth groups and organized adult ganized of a 21-acre lake. Hiking—System of foot trails. Na- groups. ture Study—Nature trails. Naturalist on duty full time and August, and on weekends dur- Both plant and animal life are interesting and during June, July spring months. Park Roads and Parking varied. Some of the wooded areas are pure pine ing fall and road system to all developed public use stands, others are mixed pines and hardwoods, and Areas—Park facilities. Paved parking areas at picnic areas. still others are entirely hardwoods. A variety of trees

32 .

The forests of William B. Umstead State Park, for more than a quarter of a century protected from dam- age and molestation, provide an excellent setting for outdoor recreation. Organized camping programs of- fer interesting and beneficial experiences, (opposite, below and lower right ) . Facilities for general public use include excellent camp grounds (above) and pic- nic areas (upper right) The North Caiolina State Parks are dedicated to To guarantee that these important values will al- the preservation and protection of outstanding natural ways he available to you, and to future generations, and scenic values for your inspiration and enjoyment the unspoiled natural conditions of the state parks and for the inspiration and enjoyment of generations must be kept unspoiled and natural. You, as a state yet unborn. park user, can play an important part in protecting the unspoiled naturaliness of the state parks by mak- ing sure tljat your use of them in no way mars their In these times, when we turn more and more to natural beauty and by being alert to protest against nature for relaxation and for rest and relief from the any attempt at encroachment on or despoilation of pressures and tensions of life, modern the most im- the state parks. portant values of state parks are those derived from unspoiled natural conditions.

A Publication of the Division of State Parks of the Department of Conservation & Development Raleigh, North Carolina