Free guide to NC State Parks

With more than 41 state parks to choose from, it's time to fill your year with adventure by exploring the natural wonders of North Carolina.

In addition to being a resource for trusted news, information and analysis, at WUNC -- North Carolina Public Radio, a public radio service, is helping people become more acquainted with state parks in North Carolina.

WUNC has teamed up with NC State Parks rangers to put together a brand-new free resource, called "WUNC's Guide to North Carolina State Parks," filled with recommendations for outdoor excursions.

The resource includes ideas for beginner-friendly hikes, overnight excursions, lazy river floating, ferry boat marshland tours, and more.

The public can get a free copy of "WUNC's Guide to North Carolina State Parks. Visit www.wunc.org for more information.

There are 41 state parks in North Carolina.

A few facts about the parks:

• Chimney Rock Park was acquired by NC State Parks in 2007.

• The largest state park in North Carolina with more than 40 miles of trails and an 18-mile mountain bike loop. Elevations up to 3,000 feet and an 80-foot waterfall provide excellent views. Just south of Morganton and Valdese is the largest state park in North Carolina.

• Fort Macon State Park is the second most visited state park in North Carolina, with an annual visitation of 1.3 million, despite being one of the smallest state parks in North Carolina

• 22.8 million people visited North Carolina state parks in 2021, the most on record. Jockey's Ridge State Park, located in Nags Head on the Outer Banks, saw 1.8 million visitors, the highest reported statewide in 2021.