The Geology of North Carolina State Parks and Other Protected Areas
North Carolina’s State Parks and other protected areas are exciting places to learn about the geology of the state. Many State Parks were established because of unique geologic features. Examples of State Parks established because of exceptional geologic features include: Stone Mountain, Raven Rock, Cliffs of the Neuse, Hanging Rock, Pilot Mountain, Medoc Mountain, Morrow Mountain, Gorges, Crowders Mountain, Jockey’s Ridge, Lake Waccamaw, etc…..
The North Carolina Geological Survey has developed several publications to select State Parks and other protected areas. These guides and publications are intended to enhance the visitor experience and to promote geologic education. Additionally, the guides can be resources for teaching earth science in which geologic concepts are taught using real-life examples.
| Location | NCGS Publication | Other Resources |
| State Wide |
View and download the publication: |
|
| Mountains | ||
| Blue Ridge Parkway |
A Geologic Adventure Along the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina |
|
| Gorges State Park |
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| Elk Knob State Park | Geology of Elk Knob State Park | |
| Stone Mountain State Park | Geology of Stone Mountain State Park | |
| Piedmont | ||
| Crowders Mountain State Park |
The Geology of Crowders Mountain State Park - pdf download |
|
| Eno River State Park and other Protected Lands |
A Geologic Adventure Along the Eno River For a limited time, download the PDF: |
Geology of the Eno River |
| Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area | Geology of Occoneechee Mountain | |
| Falls Lake Area | The Falls Lake Trail - A Geologic Guide | |
| Haw River State Park | Haw River and HWY 64 Geologic Trail Guide | Geology of Haw River State Park |
| Raleigh Area Greenways | Geology of Raleigh Area Greenways | |
