National parks in North Carolina

North Carolina has thirteen National Park Service units. They stretch across the state, from the barrier islands of Cape Hatteras and Cape Lookout in the east, to Great Smoky Mountains National Park in the west. The Blue Ridge Parkway connects much of the highland areas in between. The parks fall into two groups: coastal and Appalachian. The coastal parks feature wild beaches, ferry access, and some of the darkest night skies on the Eastern Seaboard. The Appalachian parks are known for hiking, camping, and long scenic drives. History is present in both regions. Early Revolutionary War sites include Moores Creek and Guilford Courthouse. The Overmountain Victory Trail marks a backcountry patriot route. The state offers varied experiences, from crowded mountain summits to nearly empty barrier islands.