TOP 30 Best Parks with nature trails in Forest City, North Carolina

The DuPont State Recreational Forest Visitor Center is a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts in Cedar Mountain, North Carolina. Located at 89 Buck Forest Road, this travel agency offers a wealth of information on the stunning natural attractions and recreational activities available in the DuPont State Recreational Forest. From hiking and biking trails to waterfalls and scenic overlooks, visitors can plan their adventures with the help of knowledgeable staff at the Visitor Center. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a first-time visitor, the DuPont State Recreational Forest Visitor Center is your gateway to exploring the beauty of North Carolina's great outdoors.

Toms Creek Falls Trail is a beautiful tourist attraction located at 1250 Huskins Branch Road in Marion, North Carolina. This park offers a short, well-maintained trail that leads to the stunning 60-foot Toms Creek Falls. The hike is easy with little elevation change, making it perfect for families with young children or elderly visitors. The trail features benches for resting and enjoying the sounds of Toms Creek along the way. The observation platform at the end of the trail provides a picturesque view of the waterfall. The trailhead is located off Highway 221 in Marion, with a gravel parking lot and signboard marking the start of the hike. The trail is approximately 8/10ths of a mile long and follows Toms Creek, crossing a bridge and ascending a hill with switchbacks before reaching the observation deck at the falls. Visitors can also explore an old campsite for a different view of the waterfall or wade in the creek during the summer months.

Chestoa View Parking Area & Viewpoint is a popular tourist attraction located at 4682 Blue Ridge Parkway in Linville, North Carolina, United States. Situated at Milepost 320.8 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, this institution offers visitors a chance to enjoy stunning views of the mountains and valley from two scenic overlooks. While there are no views from the actual parking lot, short hikes through the forest lead to the overlooks where visitors can take in the panoramic scenery. With a rating of 3 out of 5 stars for its view, Chestoa View Parking Area & Viewpoint also features three picnic tables (no grills) for visitors to relax and enjoy a meal surrounded by nature. The paved path from the parking lot leads to the first overlook, where visitors can take in the beauty of the mountains and valley below. For those looking for a different perspective, the Chestoa View Trail offers another scenic view of the surroundings.

Patton's Run Overlook in Nantahala National Forest offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Located in Topton, North Carolina, this park is the perfect spot for a peaceful retreat in nature. Take a leisurely stroll along the trails, enjoy a picnic with loved ones, or simply relax and take in the breathtaking scenery. Whether you're a nature enthusiast or just looking for a serene escape, Patton's Run Overlook is a must-visit destination in the United States.

Located at 1820 Tilson Road in Murphy, North Carolina, Foxfire of Murphy RV Park offers a picturesque campground and lodging experience in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains. Surrounded by stunning lakes, mountain peaks, and lush forests, this RV park provides the perfect setting for mountain camping. Whether you're looking to relax and unwind or embark on outdoor adventures like hiking, mountain biking, or whitewater rafting, Foxfire Murphy RV has something for everyone. Close to historic Murphy, NC, visitors can also enjoy 5-star dining and shopping options. Book your "Perfect Spot" with our family today and experience the beauty of Western North Carolina at Foxfire of Murphy RV Park.

Dupont State Recreational Forest is a stunning park located in Hendersonville, North Carolina, United States. It is home to the beautiful Triple Falls Trail, which offers visitors the chance to explore lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and scenic views. The park is a popular destination for hiking, picnicking, and wildlife watching. With its peaceful atmosphere and natural beauty, Dupont State Recreational Forest is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and connect with nature.

Whiteside Mountain Trail is a must-visit park located at 91-170 Deville Drive in Highlands, North Carolina, United States. With the highest cliffs on the east coast, reaching over 750 feet, Whiteside Mountain offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The 2-mile loop trail takes visitors to the top of the mountain, where they can overlook the sheer cliffs and enjoy panoramic views to the East, South, and West. The trailhead is easily accessible from Highway 64, just 1 mile off Whiteside Mountain Road. There is a small fee of $2 per vehicle to park at the trailhead, which includes restroom facilities on site. The trail is well-marked with blue blazes and is well-maintained throughout the loop.

The American Tobacco Trail is a scenic park located at 2584 New Hope Church Road in Cary, North Carolina. This beautiful trail stretches for miles through lush forests, open fields, and past historic landmarks. Perfect for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, the American Tobacco Trail offers a peaceful escape into nature for visitors of all ages. With its well-maintained paths and stunning views, this park is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore the beauty of North Carolina.

Wayah Bald Parking Area is a convenient parking facility located on Wayah Bald Road in Franklin, North Carolina, United States. This parking area provides easy access for visitors looking to explore the beautiful Wayah Bald area, known for its stunning views and hiking trails. Whether you're heading out for a day of outdoor adventure or simply looking to take in the scenic beauty of the surrounding mountains, Wayah Bald Parking Area is the perfect starting point for your journey. With ample parking space and a convenient location, this institution is the ideal place to begin your exploration of the natural wonders of North Carolina.

Reynolda Gardens-Wake Forest is a historic institution located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Established over a century ago as part of the original Reynolda estate, the Gardens now span 134 acres and are open to the public year-round. Visitors can explore lush gardens, scenic walking trails, and a beautiful waterfall. The institution's landscape was designed by renowned landscape engineers Louis L. Miller and Horatio R. Buckenham, with additional plantings by Thomas W. Sears. The historic greenhouse is currently undergoing restoration and will reopen in 2024 as the new Brown Family Conservatory. The Gardens offer educational programs, such as photography classes and guided birding walks. The annual Spring Plant Sale is a popular event, featuring a variety of specialty plants. Visitors can also shop at Reynolda Village, which offers unique annuals, perennials, and tropical plants. With its rich history and stunning natural beauty, Reynolda Gardens-Wake Forest is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and garden enthusiasts.

Tsali Trailhead, managed by the US Forest Service's Cheoah Ranger District, is a popular park located at 8105 Tsali Road in Whittier, North Carolina. This beautiful outdoor space offers visitors a chance to explore the natural beauty of the area through a network of scenic trails. Whether you're looking to hike, bike, or simply enjoy a leisurely stroll in nature, Tsali Trailhead is the perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts of all levels. With its lush forests, stunning views, and peaceful atmosphere, this park is a must-visit for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and reconnect with the great outdoors.

The Park at Flat Rock is a serene and picturesque park located at 55 Highland Golf Drive in Flat Rock, North Carolina. This beautiful park offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, with lush greenery, tranquil walking paths, and stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll through the park, have a picnic with family and friends, or simply relax and unwind in nature's embrace. Whether you're looking for a quiet retreat or a place to connect with the great outdoors, The Park at Flat Rock is the perfect destination for nature lovers of all ages.

Crooked Creek Park is a beautiful outdoor recreational facility located at 5900 Oakwood Lane in Indian Trail, North Carolina. This expansive park offers a variety of amenities for visitors to enjoy, including walking trails, playgrounds, sports fields, picnic areas, and a serene creek running through the grounds. Whether you're looking to take a leisurely stroll, have a family picnic, or participate in a friendly game of soccer, Crooked Creek Park has something for everyone. Come and explore the natural beauty and outdoor activities that this park has to offer.

Jetton Park is a picturesque park located at 19000 Jetton Road in Cornelius, North Carolina. This sprawling park offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, with its lush greenery, serene lake, and scenic walking trails. Visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities such as picnicking, fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. The park also features playgrounds for children, making it a perfect destination for families. With its peaceful ambiance and stunning natural beauty, Jetton Park is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike to relax and unwind.

E. Carroll Joyner Park is a sprawling 117-acre park located at 701 Harris Road in Wake Forest, North Carolina. This popular tourist attraction offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, with its scenic walking trails, lush greenery, and serene ponds. Visitors can enjoy picnicking, birdwatching, and exploring the park's beautiful gardens and historic structures. Whether you're looking for a relaxing afternoon in nature or a fun outing with the family, E. Carroll Joyner Park is the perfect destination for outdoor recreation and relaxation.

Julian Price Memorial Park is a beautiful and serene park located at 297 Blue Ridge Parkway in Blowing Rock, North Carolina. This picturesque park is a popular tourist attraction, offering visitors stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests. The park is named in honor of Julian Price, a renowned philanthropist who played a key role in preserving the natural beauty of the area. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, picnic areas, and opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife viewing. With its peaceful atmosphere and breathtaking scenery, Julian Price Memorial Park is the perfect destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Elk Knob State Park is a beautiful natural oasis located at 5564 Meat Camp Road in Todd, North Carolina. This park is a popular tourist attraction for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, breathtaking views, and a variety of recreational activities. Whether you're looking to explore the great outdoors or simply relax in a peaceful setting, Elk Knob State Park is the perfect destination for a day trip or weekend getaway.

New River State Park is a stunning natural oasis located in Laurel Springs, North Carolina. This park offers visitors a chance to explore the beauty of the New River, one of the oldest and most scenic rivers in the United States. With over 2,200 acres of lush forests, rolling hills, and picturesque river views, this park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Whether you enjoy hiking, fishing, canoeing, or simply relaxing in the great outdoors, New River State Park has something for everyone. Come and experience the tranquility and beauty of this hidden gem in the heart of North Carolina.

Yadkin Memorial Park is a beautiful park and tourist attraction located at 1142 Crystal Lane in Yadkinville, North Carolina, United States. The park offers a serene and peaceful environment for visitors to enjoy nature and relax. With its lush greenery, walking trails, picnic areas, and scenic views, Yadkin Memorial Park is the perfect place for a family outing or a quiet retreat. Whether you're looking to go for a leisurely stroll, have a picnic with loved ones, or simply take in the beauty of the surroundings, this park has something for everyone. Visit Yadkin Memorial Park and experience the tranquility and beauty of nature in the heart of North Carolina.

The T.H. Broyhill Walking Park is a picturesque park located in Lenoir, North Carolina, United States. This charming park is a popular tourist attraction, offering visitors a serene and scenic setting for leisurely walks and outdoor activities. With well-maintained walking trails, lush greenery, and beautiful landscaping, the T.H. Broyhill Walking Park provides a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Whether you're looking to enjoy a leisurely stroll, have a picnic, or simply soak in the natural beauty, this park is the perfect destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Visit the T.H. Broyhill Walking Park to experience the tranquility and beauty of the North Carolina countryside.

Mills River Park is a charming and picturesque park located at 124 Town Center Drive in Mills River, North Carolina. This popular tourist attraction offers visitors a peaceful and serene environment to relax and enjoy nature. With its lush greenery, walking trails, and scenic views, Mills River Park is the perfect destination for a leisurely stroll or a family picnic. Whether you're looking to unwind and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life or simply want to explore the beauty of the outdoors, Mills River Park is a must-visit destination in North Carolina.

DuPont State Recreational Forest is a sprawling park and tourist attraction located on Staton Road in Cedar Mountain, North Carolina, United States. This beautiful forest offers visitors a wide range of outdoor recreational activities, including hiking, biking, fishing, and picnicking. With its stunning waterfalls, lush forests, and picturesque landscapes, DuPont State Recreational Forest is the perfect destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore the beauty of North Carolina.

Weymouth Woods - Sandhills Nature Preserve is a beautiful natural oasis located in Southern Pines, North Carolina. This institution is a park and nature preserve that offers visitors the opportunity to explore the unique ecosystem of the Sandhills region. With over 900 acres of protected land, visitors can hike through the serene pine forests, observe a variety of plant and animal species, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. The park also features a museum that showcases the history and importance of the Sandhills region, as well as exhibits on the local flora and fauna. Visitors can learn about the conservation efforts that are being made to protect this special area and how they can help preserve it for future generations.

Forest Ridge Park, located in Wake Forest, North Carolina, is a popular tourist attraction and park managed by Joel Bateman and Matthew Scheffel. The park offers a variety of accessible amenities, including parking spaces, restrooms, picnic shelters with handicapped-accessible tables and grills, and loaner equipment for activities such as fishing and disc golf. The park also features playgrounds for children, a pollinator garden, and trails for hiking and biking. Visitors can enjoy the seasonal 18-hole disc golf course and are encouraged to follow course guidelines to maintain the park's ecosystem. Park gates close promptly at the listed closing time, so be sure to plan your visit accordingly. For more information, contact the park office at 919-996-5800.

Horseshoe Farm Nature Preserve, located at 2900 Horse Shoe Farm Road in Wake Forest, North Carolina, is a beautiful park and tourist attraction surrounded by the Neuse River on three sides. With primarily undeveloped pastures and woodland areas, the preserve offers a peaceful escape into nature. Managed by Park Manager Chet Clark, Assistant Park Managers Sara Marschhauser and Tracy Feldman, Horseshoe Farm Nature Preserve is now an ecoEXPLORE hot spot, where kids in grades K–8 can earn prizes and help scientists by taking photos. The preserve features two distinct natural surface trails for visitors to enjoy.

Harper Creek Trail is a picturesque and popular park located in Collettsville, North Carolina. This tourist attraction offers visitors the opportunity to explore stunning natural scenery, including lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and tranquil creeks. The trail is perfect for hiking, birdwatching, and photography, making it a favorite destination for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers. With its convenient location and beautiful surroundings, Harper Creek Trail is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the beauty of North Carolina's wilderness.

Horton Grove Nature Preserve is a peaceful and picturesque park located on Jock Road in Bahama, North Carolina. This beautiful nature preserve offers visitors a chance to explore and connect with the natural world, featuring scenic hiking trails, lush forests, and diverse wildlife. Whether you're looking for a relaxing stroll or a more challenging hike, Horton Grove Nature Preserve has something for everyone to enjoy. Come and experience the beauty and tranquility of this hidden gem in North Carolina.

Bass Lake Trail is a picturesque park and tourist attraction located at 1 Bass Lake Drive in Blowing Rock, North Carolina, United States. This stunning natural oasis offers visitors a serene escape with its tranquil lake, lush forests, and scenic hiking trails. Whether you're looking to enjoy a leisurely walk, go for a refreshing swim, or simply relax and take in the beauty of nature, Bass Lake Trail is the perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages. With its convenient location and breathtaking surroundings, Bass Lake Trail is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the beauty of North Carolina's natural landscape.

Carter Falls Trail Head is a park located in Elkin, North Carolina, United States. This hidden gem in the Yadkin Valley offers a beautiful waterfall split into two sections, with viewing areas for both the upper and lower falls. The moderate loop trail, less than a mile in length, is easily accessible for most visitors and provides stunning views of the cascading 60ft upper falls and the smaller but equally beautiful lower falls. The trail is well-maintained, signed, and blazed with white markers, making it easy to follow. Visitors can enjoy picnicking at the viewing areas and exploring the old power house foundation near the lower falls. With a convenient location just minutes from downtown Elkin, Carter Falls Trail Head is a perfect outdoor destination for nature lovers and hikers looking to immerse themselves in the beauty of North Carolina's natural landscape.

Lover's Leap Hiking Trail is a popular tourist attraction located at 138 Silvermine Road in Hot Springs, North Carolina, United States. This park offers a stunning panoramic view of the French Broad River and Pisgah National Forest from a rock outcropping on the famous Appalachian Trail. The 2-mile loop hike is rated as moderate, with a gradual climb of about 500 feet in elevation. Visitors can enjoy the scenic views along the ridge and stop at three rock promontories for a break. The trail is well-marked and well-established, making it a great option for hikers of all levels. Don't forget to bring snacks and water for a picnic along the way. After the hike, you can relax in the hot mineral springs at the nearby Hot Springs Spa. Parking is available along Andrews Avenue, and additional hiking opportunities on the Appalachian Trail are nearby at Max Patch and Rich Mountain. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or just looking for a leisurely stroll, Lover's Leap Hiking Trail is a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts.