On our way to the top for leaf peeping, we stopped here for a bit and enjoyed the scenery. Located…read moreat milepost 297 of the Blue Ridge Parkway, the part encompasses over 4200 acres of rolling mountainous terrain that include campgrounds, hiking trails, picnic sites and Price Lake. The highlight is the Tanawha Trail that runs 13.5 miles and includes Grandfather Mountain. There are canoes available for rental and the lake is stocked with fish. This time of year with the leaves turning, it was a beautiful spot and we enjoyed our time here. Five stars. [Review 15917 overall - 3132 in North Carolina - 1422 of 2021.]

The trail around Price Lake is an easy walk, ducking in and out of the tickets along the shore…read more If it's rained or snowed recently, make sure to bring footwear that can tolerate a little mud. While trail improvements have eliminated some of the messier areas, the reality is that well worn walking trails also make for welcoming drainage paths. Parking is readily available in a lot adjacent to the dam, or in a larger lot just down from the amputheater (near the boat rentals).

Love it here ... this particular part of the park is my favorite. Lots of deer around and spots to…read morefish.

We were visiting the area and looking for an easy walking path. This path did not disappoint it is…read morea Beautiful, scenic, well maintained walking path. There are many places to sit and enjoy the views of the river along the way. It is Pet friendly with lots of pet waste stations. There was Plenty of parking at the Clawson-Burnley Park. Highly recommend for all ages.

McComb Park (aka Beaver Memorial Garden) is a passive park. There is no restroom here, no…read moreballfield, no playground and no splashpad. And that's okay. This park features a few pieces of public art, a pretty fountain and several benches (some painted) along smooth paths where you won't find screaming kids and don't need to be concerned about getting hit by an errant frisbee. It's quiet and peaceful. There is street parking. [Review 15881 overall - 3097 in North Carolina - 1385 of 2021.]

What a gorgeous park, even in the winter time…read more Since it's winter when I visited, I can't review all of the incredible summer time water sports but I know this park can get busy then. Winter was in incredible time to visit, easy parking, a chance to chat with the staff at the visitor center, and walk around. The lake is beautiful. I've heard that this area did get some hurricane/ storm damage but everything needed to drive around is up and running! Make a plan to visit next time you're nearby. It's about 1 hour drive from downtown Asheville.

This has the look of one of those parks formed around a dam. Don't get me wrong; I'm all for…read morehydroelectric power, but artificial lakes always feel like they're lacking a certain mystique. This park had an impressive visitor center and restrooms were open even after it closed, though neighboring water fountains were not functioning on a hot summer day. The trail I selected was rugged and had occasional waterside views, most notably on a footbridge that offered a mountain vista. Cell service was not great for me, and while I'd hoped to do a zoom meeting on the run I had to return to more urban areas. But if you actually want to get unplugged, the people on boats here appeared to be having a good time.

This is easily one of the coolest and most beautiful parks I have taken my children to. Both…read morecreative and esthetically pleasing, you really must bring your children here. Restrooms are here as well.

The kids and I love this place. Listen...I've lived in several states, I've seen all types of…read moreparks...this place does NOT disappoint. There are so many unique and completely fun pieces of playground equipment. Rope walks, sliding swings, rope wall, etc. Additionally there are great picnic areas and shelters, grills, and a zip line course. But also a greenway to ride bikes or walk yourself or your pups. And, let's add the multiple baseball fields that are a great place to practice with your peers or your kiddos. I absolutely recommend this gem. Its an awesome, FREE, place to spend a beautiful day in Morganton.

This larger park has a lovely picnic shelter that is well back from the road. It's located under…read morethe shade trees and includes trash cans and a grill. The park also has a community room building with restrooms and a catering kitchen that is available for reservation and rental. Adjacent is a neat pickleball court that was in use today. Other outdoor activities include a basketball court, playground, outdoor fitness equipment zone, a paved walking trail and a youth softball field. It's a lovely park with lots to do. [Review 15875 overall - 3093 in North Carolina - 1379 of 2021.]

This was an easy hike. As with many waterfall hikes, Otter Falls trail was basically all downhill…read moreuntil you get to the falls, but then it's all uphill on the return walk. But the falls themselves were beautiful and there were a lot of large rocks to walk around on and explore along the water. This would be another great spot to spend time on a hot day with kids, enjoy a picnic, hike down and then back up, or just relax by the water for a while.

It's not a huge hiking trail (maybe a mile total) but the terrain is very hills and technical. We…read morewent when the ground was a little snowy/icy, so I would recommend hiking boots for the excursion. The views and scenery are fabulous. There are waterfalls and streams and tons of rocks to climb for fun photos. My only wish was to have a picnic area near the parking area so that we could enjoy a picnic and then a family walk together.

Cub Creek Park in Wilkesboro is a sprawling 200-acre haven that blends natural beauty with…read morecommunity-friendly amenities. Whether you're here for a quiet walk or a full afternoon of activity, the park delivers. Its walking trails are especially impressive, winding through shaded woods, open fields, and along the namesake creek, which is stocked for trout fishing and part of North Carolina's Mountain Heritage Trout Program. With plenty of parking and easy access from downtown Wilkesboro, it's a perfect spot for locals and travelers alike. One of the park's standout features is its growing support for electric vehicles. A charging station near the heart of the park includes four connections, two CCS fast chargers rated at 350 kW and two CHAdeMO units at 100 kW, making it a convenient stop for EV drivers. While charging, visitors can enjoy the park's excellent facilities, including eight pickleball courts that have become a local favorite. Whether you're a seasoned player or just curious, the courts are well maintained and often buzzing with friendly competition. I am not a pickleball player but there was a tournament going on this evening that I stayed to watch for a bit. Beyond recreation, Cub Creek Park is surrounded by civic and cultural landmarks. It's just minutes from the Wilkes Heritage Museum and the historic courthouse square, making it easy to pair outdoor time with a bit of local history. The park also features a dog park, inclusive playground, butterfly garden, and picnic shelters, each thoughtfully designed to welcome everyone. [Review 1207 of 2025 - 4392 in North Carolina - 24759 overall]