- Trout fishing is popular at Stone Mountain State Park.truite image by Philippe Minisini from Fotolia.com
There are 34 state parks in the North Carolina State Parks System, along with four state recreation areas. The mission of the state's park system is to provide recreational resources for the citizens of the state and the country, while also protecting and conserving the natural beauty and ecological systems of the environment. There are numerous state parks within driving distance of Statesville, North Carolina, including Lake Norman State Park, Stone Mountain State Park and Morrow Mountain State Park. - Lake Norman, nicknamed the Inland Sea because it covers 32,510 acres of surface area and boasts a shoreline of 520 miles, was created during the five-year span between 1959 and 1964 when Duke Power Co. dammed the Catawba River. Duke donated more than 1,300 acres of land adjacent to the lake in 1962, which sparked the creation of the Lake Norman State Park. In addition to fishing, boating, water skiing, swimming and other water sports, the park offers abundant campsites, hiking and biking trails, and educational opportunities. Lake Norman State Park is approximately 11 miles south of Statesville, North Carolina (www.ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/lano/main.php).
- Stone Mountain State Park is named for the 600-foot granite domed mountain that is National Natural Landmark. This 14,000-acre state park is home to white-tailed deer, beavers, bobcats and foxes. Scarlet tanager, whippoorwill, turkey and ruffed grouse are also plentiful in the area. Although the scenery is lovely, the park is also a trout fisherman's paradise with more than 20 miles of designated waters. The park offers 16 miles of hiking trails and plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities. Stone Mountain State Park is located approximately 55 miles north of Statesville (www.ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/stmo/main.php).
- Morrow Mountain State Park had its beginning shortly after the end of the Great Depression. Local citizens acquired and donated more than 3000 acres toward the park by 1937 and in 1939 Morrow Mountain State Park opened to the public. Contemporary visitors to the park can enjoy the unique natural beauty offered by the steep and rugged Uwharrie Mountains. Water sports abound at Lake Tillery and on the Pee Dee River. Fishing and boating are popular pastimes. Nature trails are available for hiking, backpacking and horseback riding. Cabins are available as are wilderness campsites for those who prefer to rough it. Morrow Mountain State Park is approximately 60 miles southeast of Statesville (www.ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/momo/main.php).
previous post