4 NC state parks named among best in the US for 2025 (2 made the top 20)

Four North Carolina state parks have been ranked among America’s Best State Parks for Great-Value Stays, with two landing in the top 20.

HomeToGo, a vacation rental company, ranked Pilot Mountain State Park in Pinnacle, about 100 miles north of uptown Charlotte, at No. 12, and Grandfather Mountain State Park in Banner Elk at No. 16.

Just outside of the top 20 was Morrow Mountain State Park in Albemarle, at No. 21, and further down the list was Hammocks Beach State Park on the coast in Swansboro at No. 87.

Here’s what to know about each of these parks.

Pilot Mountain State Park

Visitors flock to Pilot Mountain State Park for sweeping views from the summit of the mountain’s iconic knob, accessible by a short drive and hike.

Rock climbing is popular on the cliffs, and the trails connect to the larger Mountains-to-Sea Trail, offering plenty of room to wander. It’s a perfect spot for leaf-peeping in the fall or a picnic with a view any time of year.

And staying there won’t break the bank — according to HomeToGo, the median price per person per night for vacation accommodations around Pilot Mountain State Park is just $53.04.

Grandfather Mountain State Park

Famous for its Mile High Swinging Bridge, Grandfather Mountain State Park sees hundreds of thousands of visitors annually.

Adventurers will love the rugged, challenging trails, which include ladders and cables to help hikers scale rocky peaks. The views are spectacular, stretching across the Blue Ridge, and the park is a haven for rare plants and wildlife.

If you’re not up for the most strenuous hikes, the nature museum and wildlife habitats make it family-friendly too.

The median price per person to stay a night nearby is still on the cheaper side, at $62.21, according to HomeToGo.

Morrow Mountain State Park

Nestled in the Uwharrie Mountains, Morrow Mountain State Park offers a gentler kind of mountain escape.

Visitors can drive to the summit for panoramic views or explore more than 15 miles of hiking trails. The park also features a swimming pool, boating access on Lake Tillery and a museum that dives into the area’s history.

It’s also the cheapest park to stay at of the ones on this list. One night in a hotel near Morrow Mountain costs around $43.29, according to HomeToGo.

Hammocks Beach State Park

For a completely different vibe, Hammocks Beach State Park is all about the coast.

The park’s crown jewel is Bear Island, a pristine, undeveloped barrier island accessible only by ferry or private boat. Once there, visitors can swim, fish, kayak through salt marshes or just stretch out on one of the state’s most beautiful, uncrowded beaches.

But staying there will cost you. The median price per night for one person for hotels in the area sits at $85.41, according to HomeToGo.

Best state parks in the US 2025

Here are the top 10 state parks, according to HomeToGo:

• 1. Ohiopyle State Park in Pennsylvania
• 2. Pocahontas State Park in Virginia
• 3. Franconia Notch State Park in New Hampshire
• 4. DeSoto State Park in Alabama
• 5. Hueston Woods State Park in Ohio
• 6. Patapsco Valley State Park in Maryland
• 7. Starved Rock State Park in Illinois
• 8. Garner State Park in Texas
• 9. Fall Creek Falls State Park in Tennessee
• 10. Turkey Run State Park in Indiana

How did HomeToGo come up with its findings?

HomeToGo analyzed 100 U.S. state parks using internal price and demand data alongside external sources.

Each park was scored across six factors: affordability, popularity, size, number of trails, wildlife diversity and scenic appeal. Scores ranged from 5 to 10 per category, with a perfect park earning 60 points total.

Rankings are based on data collected in July 2025.

Inspired by a story from the Belleville News-Democrat in Illinois.

This story was originally published September 12, 2025 at 12:30 PM with the headline "4 NC state parks named among best in the US for 2025 (2 made the top 20)."

Evan Moore

The Charlotte Observer

Evan Moore is a service journalism reporter for the Charlotte Observer. He grew up in Denver, North Carolina, where he previously worked as a reporter for the Denver Citizen, and is a UNC Charlotte graduate.