Discover Nature in Your Jeep: 3 State Parks Near Wilkesboro, NC

For both local and visiting outdoor enthusiasts, Wilkesboro NC offers some of the most gorgeous natural scenery found anywhere. One of the best ways to get out and enjoy it is to visit one of the excellent nearby state parks. Here we highlight some of the best options for finding adventure in the great outdoors.

1. New River State Park

With diverse terrain and gorgeous natural scenery, this is the perfect playground to tackle in your new Jeep Wrangler. Named a National Wild and Scenic River in 1976, the New River can be accessed via Wagoner Road and US 221. The park offers a number of great activities including camping, hiking, paddling, and fishing. You can also arrange to have a picnic in one of the park’s designated areas that feature multiple tables, grills, and a fireplace.

Tent and paddle-in camping is available at the Wagoner Access Area, with bathroom facilities and hot showers. The Alleghany Access and Riverbend Access Areas offer primitive campsites for paddle-in camping only. Shallow, gentle waters combined with fabulous scenery make this park an excellent choice for more inexperienced paddlers. Small tributary streams merge with the river to stir minor rapids that add to the fun and excitement.

2. Stone Mountain State Park

A majestic granite dome tops this beautiful expanse below the Blue Ridge Parkway. There are 90 campground sites that offer tent, trailer, RV, and backpack camping. Rock climbing is a featured attraction here, where the signature 600-foot granite face can be scaled after obtaining a permit that is available for free at the climber’s area near the base of the mountain. This activity is not recommended for beginners unless accompanied by experienced climbers.

Hiking and horseback riding are also excellent options here, with more than 18 miles of trails. Fishing is a popular choice as well, with more than 20 miles of designated trout waters to choose from. The lower parts of the stream are populated by rainbow and brown trout, while brook trout favor the higher and cooler sections. Be sure to check with the NC Wildlife Resources Commission for regulations and season dates.

3. Lake Norman State Park

Located on the largest manmade lake in North Carolina, this is a very popular family campground that features numerous available activities. There are 33 available campsites, with occupancy generally limited to one family or six people per site. Larger groups can reserve sites for 7 to 25 people for a fee. Certain spots along the trails allow fishing for the local catch, including perch, catfish, and three species of bass.

This is also a very popular mountain biking zone, with 30.5 miles of single-track trail. There are plentiful boating and swimming activities available as well, so bring your bathing suit.

These are just a few of the many terrific state park options worth visiting in the Wilkesboro area. After you’re done, be sure to stop by Randy Marion Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM to see how our excellent selection of Jeeps can help make your next trip even better. 

Tags: outdoor activities around wilkesboro, state parks near wilkesboro
Posted in Dealership in Wilkesboro, SUV Dealership | No Comments »