North Carolina Field Trips

The Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail
330 Miles of Revolutionary War History - The Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail travels through VA, TN, NC & SC, retracing the route of patriot militia as they tracked down the British. Eventually the two forces clashed, ending in patriot victory at the battle of Kings Mountain.

Making TRACKS - Trails in North Carolina
Making TRACKS provides downloadable nature guides and species lists for each trail, as well as resources for schools to make their own educational nature trails on school grounds or in nearby communities.

Morrow Mountain State Park - Albemarle
Enjoy the gifts of nature surrounded by the remnants of a once mighty range of peaks. Recreation is plentiful in and around the waters of Lake Tillery and the Yadkin / Pee Dee River. Fishing and boating are popular pastimes. Nature lovers can pick from miles of trails to travel on foot or horseback. And for those who want to stay and take it all in, cabins and camping are available. There's really only one word to describe Morrow Mountain State Park: variety.

Jordan Lake State Recreation Area - Apex
Imagine relaxing in a cove, listening to the sounds of water rippling. Then, you feel a firm tug on your fishing line. It's going to be a big one! Picture the surface of the lake glistening, water spraying your face, the boat motor ahead roaring. Suddenly, your skis give way — a splash landing! Hear the laughter of children, smell burgers roasting over a charcoal fire, feel a breeze blowing through the campground.

Appalachian National Scenic Trail - Appalachian Mountains
The People's Path and America's First National Scenic Trail. The Appalachian Trail (A.T.) is more than 2,175-mile long footpath stretching through 14 eastern states from Maine to Georgia. Conceived in 1921 and first completed in 1937, it traverses the wild, scenic, wooded, pastoral, and culturally significant lands of the Appalachian Mountains.

Blue Ridge Parkway - Asheville
Experiencing “America’s Favorite Drive” - A drive down the Blue Ridge Parkway is slow paced and relaxing. Almost any overlook or trail will reveal much of the natural and cultural history here. Explore the many communities along the route that make our region so special. Enjoy the view, but watch the road!

Fort Macon State Park - Atlantic Beach
Fort Macon offers public access to the surf, sun and sand of the Crystal Coast—as well as a historic landmark. Located at the eastern end of Bogue Banks, one of a series of barrier islands along the North Carolina coast, the park is surrounded on three sides by water—the Atlantic Ocean, Beaufort Inlet and Bogue Sound. This area of undisturbed natural beauty is the perfect place to explore salt marches and estuaries vital to the coastal ecosystem

Battle of the Broad River - Boiling Springs
Come join us on the banks of the Broad River. Cavalry, Artillery and Infantry units welcome. Hosted by the Broad River Greenway and the 2nd North Carolina Mounted Infantry, we welcome all reenactors and their families to come. Check website for details of event held in April.

Snow Camp Historical Drama Society - Burlington
he Snow Camp Historical Drama Society is a year-round, multi-purpose, non-profit organization. The Society organizes various productions, festivals and activities that provide the public with professional theater and cultural education throughout the year. The historical outdoor drama THE SWORD OF PEACE is a mainstay of the organization and is now entering its 36th year. PATHWAY TO FREEDOM opened in 1994 and is the only outdoor drama in the United States that deals with African-American history and the Underground Railroad. A Childrens Theater production and a Broadway Musical are also produced each summer. Cultural education is provided with the annual Youth Drama Camp, the Molasses and Colonial Living Festival, the Childrens' Theater Tour, and the Historical Site itself.

Mount Mitchell State Park - Burnsville
In the crest of the timeworn Black Mountains lies the summit of Mount Mitchell, the highest point east of the Mississippi. For those who ascend this mighty peak, what looms in the horizon is a feast for the eyes—breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, rolling ridges and fertile valleys. Forested and forever misty, 1,946-acre Mount Mitchell State Park will provide you with some of the most tranquil moments you'll ever experience.

Carolina Beach State Park - Carolina Beach
With a marina providing access to some of North Carolina's best fishing spots, a secluded camping area beneath towering trees, and miles of hiking trails that traverse a variety of distinct habitats--not to mention the presence of the Venus flytrap, one of the world's most unique carnivorous plants--it's no wonder Carolina Beach State Park is a popular coastal attraction. Located in an area steeped in both history and natural diversity, the park includes a visitor's center with exhibits depicting the wonders of its environment. Visit Carolina Beach State Park to relax, enjoy nature or embark on an eye-opening adventure.

Battle of Bost Grist Mill - Concord
Please come and join Bost Grist Mill and The 30th North Carolina Troops as we join together to host "The Battle of Bost Grist Mill" the Piedmont's premier event in 2009. Bring your family and friends to see history alive. Learn about the nations past right in your own back yard. This is sure to be a fun and memorable event for the whole family. Check website for event held in June.

Great Wolf Lodge - Concord-Charlotte
Great Wolf Lodge is North America's Largest Family of Indoor Waterpark resorts, and the ultimate destination for your next family getaway. Designed to capture the atmosphere of the Northwoods, our waterparks offer an amazing guest experience in a one-of-a-kind, rustically elegant setting. The perfect place for families to re-connect, and create lifelong memories. With one of our fully-themed resort suites as your family's base camp, you can set out on your Great Wolf adventure. You'll likely first discover our gigantic indoor waterpark, where it's always 84 degrees. And that's just the beginning. Besides our waterparks, don't miss our themed restaurants, interactive arcades, full service spas (and even a version for kids!), fitness centers, and so much more. And with more than 10 locations coast to coast, Great Wolf Lodge is the perfect, weatherproof, year-round destination for your busy family. So whether your family splashes the day away in the waterpark, enjoys a delicious family meal in our restaurant, or enjoys our nightly Storytime together before calling it a night, we think you'll agree, there's no time, like a Great Wolf time. 10175 Weddington Road Exn Concord, NC 28027

South Mountains State Park - Connelly Springs
Nestled deep in the woods, South Mountains State Park is the perfect place to enjoy nature. Here you can see a majestic mountain range peeking out from the gently rolling landscape of the Piedmont. The park includes elevations up to 3,000 feet, a waterfall dropping 80 feet and more than 40 miles of trails. From equestrian camping to trout fishing, mountain biking to picnicking, a number of activities are available at South Mountains State Park.

Pettigrew State Park - Creswell
Pettigrew State Park is an ideal blend of nature, history and recreation. Explore Lake Phelps and examine dugout canoes as ancient as the pyramids. Or cast your line into crystal-clear waters where largemouth bass reign. Take a trip back in time at the grave of a great Confederate general. Or hug a tree as wide as an elephant. Paddle down one of North Carolina's last undeveloped rivers.

Moores Creek National Battlefield - Currie
THE BATTLE "King George and Broadswords! shouted loyalists as they charged across partially dismantled Moores Creek Bridge on February 27, 1776. Just beyond the bridge nearly a 1,000 North Carolina patriots waited quietly with cannons and muskets poised to fire. This dramatic victory ended British rule in the colony forever.

Hanging Rock State Park - Danbury
There's another North Carolina to be discovered - sheer cliffs and peaks of bare rock, quiet forests and cascading waterfalls, views of the Piedmont plateau that stretch for miles. Hike the trails of Hanging Rock State Park and let nature put life's hectic pace in perspective. Rent a vacation cabin and fall asleep to the lullabies of spring peepers and chorus frogs. Join an interpretive program and discover something new about nature's bounty. Nestled in the hills is a cool mountain lake that beckons to swimmers and fishermen. Picnic areas and campgrounds lend themselves to time spent with family and friends. Hanging Rock State Park awaits you.

Eno River State Park - Durham
Minutes from Durham, Hillsborough, and Chapel Hill the Eno River State Park offers secluded wilderness trails with the serenity of a clear river drifting and cascading over a rocky stream bed. The Eno River is a swift, shallow stream flowing from northwest Orange County into Durham County for 33 miles where it joins the Flat River to become the Neuse and flows into Falls Lake. Its waters roll through wilderness, passing historic mill sites, river bluffs covered with flowering shrubs, and fords used by early settlers.

Jones Lake State Park - Elizabethtown
Venture to Jones Lake State Park and view one of the greatest geological mysteries of the eastern United States—the phenomenon of the Carolina bays. Adjacent to the Bladen Lakes State Forest and home of two natural lakes, Jones and Salters lakes, the 2,208-acre park is a nature lover's delight. Peaceful surroundings and a variety of facilities, including a trail with several outlooks that circles Jones Lake, make this state park a favorite for hiking, picnicking, swimming, fishing and camping.

Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site - Flat Rock
Carl Sandburg's Legacy Touches Our Lives - Carl Sandburg spent a lifetime exploring what it meant to be an American and asked the eternal questions, "Who am I, where am I going and where have I been?" He did this through poetry, song, lectures, writing and lasting friendships with kindred spirits. Explore Sandburg's legacy and Experience Your America.

Merchants Millpond State Park - Gatesville
An "enchanted forest," primitive species of fish relatively unchanged over millions of years, towering bald cypress trees with massive trunks, luxuriant growths of Spanish moss—this is Merchants Millpond State Park. Here, coastal pond and southern swamp forest mingle, creating one of North Carolina's rarest ecological communities. Together with upland forests, these environments create a haven for wildlife and humanity alike.

Guilford Courthouse National Military Park - Greensboro
The Battle of Guilford Courthouse. Thursday, March 15, 1781. - The largest, most hotly-contested battle of the Revolutionary War's Southern Campaign was fought at the small North Carolina backcounty hamlet of Guilford Courthouse. The battle proved to be the highwater mark of British military operations in the Revolutionary War.

Cape Lookout National Seashore - Harkers Island
Ready for adventure? - Take a boat trip three miles off-shore to the islands of Cape Lookout National Seashore. Here you can enjoy remote beaches, watch wild horses and other wildlife, or visit one of the historic districts. Be sure to bring a picnic lunch for the day. Going camping takes a little more planning.

Kerr Lake State Recreation Area - Henderson
Set a course for Kerr Lake State Recreation Area to enjoy sailing, fishing, water skiing and camping.

Medoc Mountain State Park - Hollister
At Medoc Mountain, the urban refugee finds a welcome tranquility, a chance to embrace the outdoors. Trails beckon as light filters through branches overhead and falls on paths that hold the promise of new frontiers. The peacefulness gives the opportunity to refresh. The silence of the forest is broken only by bird songs and the occasional drumming of the pileated woodpecker. Grab your hiking boots. Load your camera. Spend some time at Medoc Mountain State Park and let nature renew your spirit.

Mount Jefferson State Natural Area - Jefferson
Mount Jefferson is best appreciated up close. On a clear day, you can see for miles from its peak. A great part of Ashe County spreads out below; fields, farms, forests and mountains mingle in kaleidoscopic patterns. On the horizon, the Blue Ridge Mountains form a striking backdrop. Yet what looms in the distance is no more spectacular than what is right before your eyes, for the forests of Mount Jefferson are a botanical paradise. The interesting and unusual plant life of the park rendered it worthy of designation as a national natural landmark.

New River State Park - Jefferson
Rugged hillsides, pastoral meadows and farmlands surround what is believed to be one of the oldest rivers in North America — the New River. Its waters are slow and placid. Its banks are fertile and covered with wildflowers. Dedicated as a National Scenic River in 1976, this gentle river is the centerpiece of New River State Park.

Singletary Lake State Park - Kelly
Bring your group to Singletary Lake State Park and enjoy group camping in a land of mysterious origins. A portion of the unique Carolina bay ecosystem found nowhere else in the world, The park offers ample opportunities for nature study and recreation.

Crowders Mountain State Park - Kings Mountain
Raptors soar gracefully in the wind; vegetation reaches to the sky; sheer vertical cliffs drop 150 feet. Enjoy the spectacle from a front-row seat. High atop Crowders Mountain, the highest point in Gaston County, views stretch for more than 20 miles.

Fort Fisher State Recreation Area - Kure Beach
Enjoy a leisurely day at the ocean shore. Comb the beach for sea stars, keyhole urchins and whelk shells. Or, simply lie back on the sand and enjoy the aerial acrobatics of seagulls, terns and brown pelicans as they soar above the waves. You may want to venture into the mud flats and marshes to watch sandpipers and other shorebirds as they search for food. Learn about endangered species. Loggerhead sea turtles, piping plovers and other rare species nest along this sandy shore. Explore the North Carolina coast; visit Fort Fisher State Recreation Area. This stretch of pristine shoreline offers many enjoyable activities.

Lake Waccamaw State Park - Lake Waccamaw
At Lake Waccamaw, you can view one of the greatest geological mysteries of the eastern United States—the phenomenon of Carolina bays. Limestone bluffs along the north shore neutralize Lake Waccamaw's water, making the lake different from any other Carolina Bay. Nearby, you can catch a glimpse of a botanical wonder—the Green Swamp. From its sandy shorelines to its tree-lined natural areas, Lake Waccamaw offers peaceful surroundings, an intriguing natural history and fun in the sun.

Raven Rock State Park - Lillington
Should the humdrum of the work week leave you with the urge to travel and explore, head to Raven Rock State Park. Here, the forest reigns as each year the timeless cycle of growth further heals age-old wounds inflicted by man. Nature triumphs as plants compete in the stages of forest succession and the woodlands are restored. High above the Cape Fear River stands Raven Rock, its austere beauty a testament to the forces that have shaped the land. As the river below rushes to join the sea, nature's elements continue to shape the surface of this natural monument.

Cape Hatteras National Seashore - Manteo
On these narrow barrier islands, things never stay the same. - A haven for recreation and reflection, the islands of Cape Hatteras are constantly changed by tide, storm, current and wind. The plants, wildlife and people who live here adapt continually. You see in their daily lives and hear it in the telling of their stories. And there are many story places - sandy beaches, salt marshes, maritime woods - explore them all!

Fort Raleigh National Historic Site - Manteo
England's First Home in the New World - Fort Raleigh National Historic Site protects and preserves known portions of England's first New World settlements from 1584 to 1590. This site also preserves the cultural heritage of the Native Americans, European Americans and African Americans who have lived on Roanoke Island.

Wright Brothers National Memorial - Manteo
They Taught the World to Fly! - Wind, sand, and a dream of flight brought Wilbur and Orville Wright to Kitty Hawk, North Carolina where, after four years of experimentation, they achieved the first successful airplane flights in 1903. With courage and perseverance, these self-taught engineers relied on teamwork and application of the scientific process. What they achieved changed our world forever.

Jockey's Ridge State Park - Nags Head
There are many reasons why millions of people visit Jockey's Ridge State Park. Some come to see the tallest sand dune on the Atlantic coast; others come for the spectacular sunsets.

Lake James State Park - Nebo
Nature offers scenic vistas of the Appalachian Mountains and beckons to those with an appetite for recreation. Bring family and friends to one of North Carolina's newest state parks for a variety of activities. Try swimming and sunbathing or enjoy a picnic along the lakeshore. Boat, water ski or fish in cool mountain waters, or take a walk and enjoy an abundance of wildflowers and wildlife along park trails. Lake James offers a variety of ways to enjoy the outdoors.

Lumber River State Park - Orrum
Lumber River State Park contains natural and scenic waters, 81 miles of which are also designated national wild and scenic waters. The park's recreation activities are currently centered at two access areas, Princess Ann and Chalk Banks. Princess Ann overlooks a unique reverse flow area named Griffin's Whirl. At the access, a bend in the river opens to a long, straight vista that beckons paddlers to take a ride. Chalk Banks, near the town of Wagram on the upper end of the river, has an interesting mixture of plants, fish, and animals from the sandhills and coastal plains regions.

Pilot Mountain State Park - Pinnacle
Approach from any direction and see Pilot Mountain rising more than 1,400 feet above the rolling countryside of the upper Piedmont plateau. Dedicated as a National Natural Landmark in 1976, this solitary peak is the centerpiece of Pilot Mountain State Park.

William B. Umstead State Park - Raleigh
Highways fade in the distance as trees, flowers, birds and streams form a more natural community. William B. Umstead is a place to escape the pressures of everyday life, a place to picnic in the pines, to wait for a fish to bite, to take a hike or horseback ride on trails through the woods.

NC Museum of History: Lost Colony - Roanoke
Links to assorted articles and resources about the Lost Colony from the NC Museum of History

Roanoke Revisited - Roanoke Island
Lesson plans for studying the Roanoke Island settlement from the National Park Service

The Lost Colony - Roanoke Island
The education pages published by the Lost Colony Outdoor Drama on Roanoke Island will help you present the history of the island in an interactive way.

Stone Mountain State Park - Roaring Gap
Designated as a National Natural Landmark in 1975, Stone Mountain is bounded on the north by the Blue Ridge Parkway and on the west by the Thurmond Chatham Game Lands. More than 14,100 acres of mountain beauty offer opportunities for outdoor activities of all kinds.

Gorges State Park - Sapphire
Plunging waterfalls, rugged river gorges, sheer rock walls and one of the greatest concentrations of rare and unique species in the eastern United States are found within Gorges State Park. An elevation that rises 2,000 feet in only four miles, combined with rainfall in excess of 80 inches per year, creates a temperate rain forest and supports a collection of waterfalls.

Cliffs of the Neuse State Park - Seven Springs
At the turn of the century visitors flocked to the area. They drank mineral water from local springs to cure their ills and they took riverboat excursions to the cliffs. Things have changed since then, however, the cliffs remain virtually unaltered, standing as a journal of the geological and biological history of the land. See this spectacular formation, now protected within the boundaries of Cliffs of the Neuse State Park.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Smoky Mountains
A Wondrous Diversity of Life - Ridge upon ridge of forest straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. World renowned for its diversity of plant and animal life, the beauty of its ancient mountains, and the quality of its remnants of Southern Appalachian mountain culture, this is America’s most visited national park.

Snow Camp Outdoor Drama - Snow Camp

Dismal Swamp State Park - South Mills
Feel your daily stresses melt away as you cross the historic Dismal Swamp Canal and walk along the 300-foot boardwalk into this geological wonder. Experience first hand the lush swamp forest and get up-close and personal with the wide variety of wildlife. Discover the uniqueness of a million year old habitat at the Dismal Swamp State Park. Learn why George Washington called the Dismal Swamp “a glorious paradise”, how the swamp was important in the Underground Railroad and the ecological importance of wetlands in the visitor’s center and exhibit hall. All of this and more can be found just 3 miles south of the NC/VA border on US Hwy 17.

Trail of Tears National Historic Trail - Southeastern US
Come on a journey to remember and commemorate the survival of the Cherokee people despite their forced removal from their homelands in the Southeastern United States in the 1840s.

Weymouth Woods-Sandhills Nature Preserve - Southern Pines
A nature preserve, Weymouth Woods is different from traditional parks. This limited-use area serves to preserve and portray the natural features unique to its region. Weymouth Woods is a place where you can look at the longleaf pine forest and see how human actions have affected the environment, where you can learn about rare and endangered species—the red-cockaded woodpecker, the pine barrens tree frog and the bog spicebush.

Allison Woods Living History & Reenactment - Statesville
Annual Living History & Reenactment Family Event School Days. Help needed and appreciated. Over 700 acres of trails and streams, a 20+ acre battlefield and shaded campsites. Military Timeline 1776 - Present. Battles on Saturday and Sunday (Civil War and World War II) plus H.L. Hunley Mobile Exhibit and living history exhibits and a lantern tour. Fine Sutler row; weapon demonstrations; Sunday church service, Memorial Service held by Order of Confederate Rose/Black Rose; and Ladies Tea, workshops & fashion show. Children's activities, the usual amenities and campaigners welcome. Check website for event held in September.

Hammocks Beach State Park - Swansboro
Venture to Bear Island and reward yourself with vivid memories of one of the most unspoiled beaches on the Atlantic coast. Accessible only by passenger ferry or private boat, there's just one thing at Hammocks Beach that's crowded—the list of things to do. Secluded and tranquil, free from intruding commercialism, Hammocks Beach may not be for everyone, but the island is a retreat for people who welcome the challenges of relentless sun, sand, sea and sky.

Lake Norman State Park - Troutman
At Lake Norman State Park, fun is just a matter of scale. On one hand, there's the largest manmade lake in the state, Lake Norman. On another hand, the park boasts its own 33-acre lake where fishing and boating are enjoyed. And with hiking trails, picnic areas, interpretive programs and campgrounds, there's more to Lake Norman State Park than merely water.

Falls Lake State Recreation Area - Wake Forest
Hours of relaxation await you at Falls Lake State Recreation Area. Just moments away from the hustle and bustle of the city, Falls Lake is a great way to escape urban life. Fishing, boating and swimming are only a few of the activities awaiting you on the water. On land, you can enjoy walking, mountain biking or camping along a portion of the state's Mountains-to-Sea Trail. From recreation to environmental education, no matter what you are looking for, you are sure to discover it at Falls Lake.

Goose Creek State Park - Washington
Giant, old oaks draped in Spanish moss welcome you to this special world where broad, lazy Goose Creek joins the Pamlico River. A primitive camping area, picnic sites, swim beach and hiking and paddling trails offer a variety of ways to savor the tranquil surroundings at Goose Creek State Park. Goose Creek is conveniently located between historic Bath and the original Washington. Visit Goose Creek State Park. Unwind and soak up the peacefulness; a hectic pace is not permitted.

Battle of Wilson's Store - Waxhaws
Come join us for the annual Battle of Wilson's Store Reenactment to be held on the grounds of the Museum of the Waxhaws in Waxhaw, NC. The original battle was held March 1, 1865 as Sherman marched from Columbia, SC through NC. Infantry Units welcome and we still need one artillery unit. Hosted by the Museum of the Waxhaws and the 35th Regiment, NCT. We welcome all reenactors and their families to come.Check website for details of event held in May.