Allegheny Portage Railroad NHS - Staple Bend Tunnel Unit

Friday, October 20, 2017

While out and about passporting off of three passports like crazy in one day, we learned of  park unit of one of the parks we visited. So we went and as it was a trail to tunnel and we were condensed for time as we had three more passport stops to make for the remainder of the day, we took two photos to say we were there and left. The stamp for this site was obtained prior within the main park unit, There was a air machine, waysides and a rustic comfort facility here.

Park Synopsis

The first railroad to circumvent the Allegheny Mountains, the Allegheny Portage Railroad was the finishing piece of the Pennsylvania Mainline Canal.  "The Portage," opened in 1834, marking the first time that there was one, direct route between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.  All things to all people, it served merchants, passengers, slaves in pursuit of freedom, and soldiers from the Mexican War.

Since, 2001, the Staple Bend Tunnel has been open as a separate area of Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site. It is not in the immediate area of the Summit Level Visitor Center. Rather, it is near the town of Mineral Point, 5 miles from Johnstown. Once you park your vehicle at the trail head, it is a two mile walk to the Staple Bend Tunnel (and, of course, a two mile return trip to your vehicle). You are welcome to bring bicycles, but no motorized transport for the limestone dust surfaced trail.

If You Go

The Staple Bend Tunnel unit is located approximately 4 miles east of Johnstown, PA.

Directions from the Summit Visitor Center: Take US Route 22 West approximately 17.5 miles to the Mundy's Corner/Nanty Glo exit. Keep right

at the fork in the ramp and merge onto PA Route 271 South. Continue on Route 271 South approximately 5 miles until a (marked) left turn onto Mineral Point Road (PA 3030). After approximately 2 miles make a (marked) right turn onto Beech Hill Road and proceed over the bridge. Go through the railroad underpass; the paved parking lot for Staple Bend Tunnel will be located on the right. Please used the paved parking lot and do not block the emergency access road. This same parking area is used for the Path of the Flood trail as well.

Accessibility

The Staple Bend Tunnel trail (4 mile round trip) of crushed limestone dust meets gradient standards for wheelchair users. At the trailhead, there is an accessible pit toilet.

Johnstown Flood NM - The Club House

Friday, October 20, 2018

Being that we wanted to go to the Staple Bend Tunnel Unit of Allegheny Portage Railroad NHS and we seen a sign that it was only six miles from the interchange that we just exited from before going up to the Visitor Center for Johnstown Flood NM, we made a quickie here and just took a photo to say we were here a the building itself was closed as it was during the shoulder season and a Friday at that. Alas, we took a quick shot to say we were there and proceed to Staple Bend Tunnel, then to the last three quilt shops of the Country Roads Shop Hop.

Park Synopsis

The South Fork dam failed on Friday, May 31, 1889 and unleashed 20,000,000 tons of water that devastated Johnstown, PA.  The flood killed 2,209 people but it brought the nation and the world together to aid the "Johnstown sufferers."  The story of the Johnstown Flood reminds us all, "...that we must leave nothing undone for the preservation and protection of our brother men."

In 2006 several historic structures in the St. Michael Historic District and 1889 Clubhouse were acquired by the National Park Service as part of Johnstown Flood National Memorial. They were donated by the 1889 South Fork Fishing and Hunting Club Historical Preservation Society. These structures were part of the South Fork Fishing and Hunting Club, owners of the South Fork Dam and Lake Conemaugh when the dam broke on May 31, 1889, killing 2,209 people. The most intriguing of these properties is the three story clubhouse which had forty-seven rooms and lodged most of the members of the club.

If You Go

Nearby, in the community of Saint Michael, remain some of the original buildings of the South Fork Fishing and Hunting Club. During the summer months, the South Fork Fishing and Hunting Club Clubhouse may be accessible during a ranger-guided tour; ask at the park Visitor Center. In all cases it is worth the drive through the historic area, the large National Park Service signs mark the turn to the clubhouse.

Visitors have three options to view the Clubhouse: During a ranger-guided tour, usually held during the anniversary weekend; during a Journey Around Lake Conemaugh Van Tour; and/or during a Path of the Flood Van Tour. Please call (814) 886-6170 for more information. Visitors can see parts of the original structure including wood grain floors and the original colors on the walls. Hazards such as mildew, dust, and mold may greet you as well. A 12-foot-high brick and ceramic tiled fireplace is a focal point of the small portion of the clubhouse open for viewing. Water damage has softened ceilings, cracked plaster walls in 24 guest rooms and peeled away wallpaper.

Accessibility

The first floor of Club House is accessible to those with mobility impairments.

Johnstown Flood NM - Saint Michael, PA

Friday, October 20, 2017

Still on the Country Roads Shop Hop, since the last post at the Gallitzin State Forest District, we got another quilt shop in after a two-mile detour due to a wrong turn in Ebensburg. Alas, we visited the quaint quilt shop which was the best one of the tour thus far. It was in a large country-style mini mall and after visiting the quilt shop, we visited a chocolate shop further down the plaza (not my choice.)

Lake View Visitor Center

Anyway, we found out at Allegheny Portage Railroad NHS that the Staple Bend Tunnel Unit of that park about six or so miles from Johnstown Flood NM and we can connect to the two quilt shops in the Richland section of Johnstown. We arrive at the center, made pleasantries with the ranger on staff and did the stamp thing. We, like the Fort Raleigh NHS visit in the midst of Tropical Storm Julia last year are the sole visitors at this park, the ranger consistently reminds us that the film will be starting at 3:15, however, I was here on an educational trip when I went to trade school here about a decade or so ago and watched the film then, and two we wanted to be back in Fayettenam by dark, we ignored him politely. We browse the wide array of bookstore items for purchase and he says "did you leave your passport on the counter?", I turn around quickly and notice that I did leave the passport on the counter and thank him kindly for reminding me for who knows what I would have done if I have left it there,

Lake View House

We explore the waysides and exhibits upstairs and take the elevator to the lower level and use the comfort facilities there as I remembered they were there at my trip with the trade school a decade ago, as there is no signage on the upper level stating such, After using the facilities, we go out on the walkway that is accessible to the public there, photograph the views, the three waysides and the Unger House and return inside to hear over the public address system " Attention Park Visitors, the film will be shown in ten minutes in the theatre." SERIOUSLY, we have to go back past him, so we hop back on the elevator as we are nearing our day, which I have to say, this elevator is nearing the end of its useful life, if I may say so myself. We return to the upper level of the Visitor Center, take a photo or two, grab some literature and exit. As we are walking up the walkway to the parking area, a group of seniors enter the Visitor Center, WHEW! We plan next to head 1-1.2 Miles back down the hill to the historic district in Saint Michael Proper.

Park Synopsis

The South Fork dam failed on Friday, May 31, 1889 and unleashed 20,000,000 tons of water that devastated Johnstown, PA.  The flood killed 2,209 people but it brought the nation and the world together to aid the "Johnstown sufferers."  The story of the Johnstown Flood reminds us all, "...that we must leave nothing undone for the preservation and protection of our brother men."

In 2016, the Visitor Center and the area around it took on a whole "new" name: The Lake View Visitor Center. Visitors will notice three buildings at the Visitor Center location: the Visitor Center; the Unger House, home of Colonel Elias J. Unger the second and last president of the South Fork Fishing and Hunting Club; and the Springhouse. For years, the area had been referred to as the Unger farm and/or the Unger house. However, in the winter of 2016, park staff, reasearching The Pittsburgh Bulletin, a society newspaper in Pittsburgh from the days of the South Fork Fishing and Hunting Club, discovered that the area was referred to by the club as the Lake View Farm and Lake View House since, at the time, it would have overlooked Lake Conemaugh, with this new information in mind the area is now known as the Lake View Visitor Center and the Lake View House. 

If You Go

The Johnstown Flood National Memorial is located in South Fork, Cambria County, PA at the site of the South Fork Dam. A visit to the Johnstown Flood National Memorial allows the visitor to take in the scope and size of the disaster, to see the ruins of the South Fork Dam, and to formulate their own conclusions as to who or what exactly was responsible for the destruction of the South Fork Dam.

We recommend that you begin your visit at the Lake View Visitor Center. There you can view the exhibits and the award winning film. Follow up with a stroll around the pathways outside of the visitor center where wayside exhibit panels use text and pictures to help you envision the area as it was in 1889. You will also wish to visit the remains of the dam, a short walk on an accessible trail, you will need to drive to the trailhead due to safety concerns.

Allow one to two hours for your visit. The park film lasts 35 minutes. In the summer a van tour can guide you around the edges of the former Lake Conemaugh including stops at the The South Fork Fishing and Hunting Club Clubhouse and both dam abutments. Rangers often share new research and uncovered photographs during this special one hour tour.

During the spring, summer, and fall, the Johnstown Flood National Memorial Visitor Center is open 7 days a week from 9:00 am-5:00 pm daily. During the winter, the Visitor Center may have reduced hours. Park grounds and trails are always open 7 days a week, 365 days a year, from sunrise to sunset.

Accessibility

One wheelchair is available for loan at the visitor center, free of charge and the visitor center is universally accessible. The Unger House is closed on a normal basis but the basement level may be open during special ranger and it is accessible. Accessible comfort facilities are located in the visitor center, and at the picnic area, which is located outside of Saint Michael off of State Route 869 near the US 219 interchange. For the deaf or hard of hearing, the Lake View Visitor Center film, "Black Friday," has closed captions.

PA - Gallitzin SF District Office

Friday, October 20, 2017

While planning this mega-passporting trip, I saw that we had a stop on the quilt tour in Ebensburg. When reviewing my DCNR map, I realized that the Gallitzin District Office was in town and not having ever been in this state forest, saw it as a chance of a lifetime. However, what I did not realize is that the District Office (where the GPS Coordinates lead me to the cancellation location, has no recreational amenities. But, what the heck, we're here in town, let's get the stamp anyway. We had just left the Allegheny Portage Railroad NHS in nearby Cresson, about 10 miles east on the four lane from Ebensburg. We got off the main highway and went through town, following the GPS, as we are going into a more residential area. Alas, I found it, a basic sign in the front yard, a small wood shuttered building with a radio tower and a Smokey The Bear character on the front facade. So I find the entrance and enter.

As I enter, the clerk on duty is running the vacuum and as the door makes a tone as I open is jiffy to answer. I state that I am here to get my passport stamped. We do the stamp thing and I state on how I found the District Office. She proceeds to ask me if I have been on either tract of the State Forest, the Babcock or the Dishong Mountain and that a new "Resource Center" is slated to be built to the west of town on Dishong Mountain. They do litter as interacting with the public other than to issue permits for firewood and that they dont get alot of visitors. There was a wall full of literature that I helped my self to before leaving.

Forest Synopsis

Gallitzin State Forest was named in honor of Prince-Priest Dimetrius of the Alleghenies, Augustine Gallitzin, who established a mission at Loretto in Cambria Country in 1795. The forest covers 24,370 acres on the Allegheny Front and the Laurel Ridge.

The Gallitzin Forest District was established in January 1916 as a Forest Fire Warden Headquarters. The land now part of the Babcock forest area was logged between 1897 and 1914 by the E.V. Babcock Lumber Company of Pittsburgh. The company sold a large tract to the Commonwealth in 1949 and 1950. The first purchases of lands that make up the Rager Mountain forest area were made in the early and mid-1960's. These forests were harvested in the 1800's to manufacture charcoal for the iron and steel industry. Several of the old flattened charcoal beds are still visible scattered across the mountain.

Coal mining has been an important industry in this area since the early 1900's. Many abandoned deep-mine tunnels have been ripped open by subsequent strip mining operations. Mining done today under improved mining laws and modern methods is doing much to heal the scars of the past. In 1991, 3,009 acres of surface land were deeded to the Bureau of Forestry in exchange for coal under 92.9 acres in previously mined areas of Pot Ridge.

At a Glance

Hiking

➢ The John P. Saylor Trail is an 18-mile double loop trail, southern loop traverses the

Clear Shade Natural Area. 

➢ The 26-mile Lost Turkey Trail begins at Babcock Picnic Area in Somerset County.

➢ The Bog and Boulder Trail spans an upland bog and designated Wild Plant Sanctuary.

➢ The County Line Trail is a 10- mile shared-use trail east of Ogletown.

➢ The Clark Run Trail tours the Charles F. Lewis Natural Area. 

Camping

➢ Primitive backpack camping (at undeveloped sites) is permitted throughout the state forest; a permit is required to camp for more than one night at one location (please follow Bureau

of Forestry guidelines).

➢ There are no developed or motorized campsites within the district forest.

➢ A special permit is needed for parties of more than ten.

Sightseeing

➢ A scenic vista can be found on Rager Mountain overlooking Indiana County. 

➢ Two overlooks near County Line Trail offer views of Blue Knob and Bedford County. 

➢ A vista off Clark Run Trail reveals the beautiful Conemaugh River Gap. 

➢ An interesting geological feature called Wolf Rocks can be observed while hiking the John P. Saylor Trail.

Hunting

➢ Big game opportunities include deer, bear, and turkeys. 

➢ Small game opportunities include squirrels, rabbits, and occasionally, grouse. 

➢ Hunting is permitted throughout state forest; please obey all regulations. 

Fishing

➢ Excellent cold-water fishing opportunities can be found on Clear Shade Creek near Ogletown and on Laurel Run north of Johnstown. 

➢ The Conemaugh River south of the Charles F. Lewis Natural Area offers good bass and panfish fishing. 

➢ PA Fish and Boat Commission regulations apply. 

Winter Activities

➢ The district maintains 18 miles of snowmobile trails in the Babcock forest area and nine miles on the Rager forest area. Contact the district office for maps. 

➢ Most trails/roads are open to cross-country skiing, although skiing is not advised on snowmobile trails for safety. 

➢ 7 miles of trails are maintained for cross-country skiing in the Babcock forest area, offering three classes of difficulty

Wild and Natural Areas

 ➢ Wild and Natural Areas are designated to protect areas of high biologic, scenic, cultural, and historical value.
➢ The 384-acre Charles F. Lewis Natural Area features the scenic Clark Run Gorge, boasting small waterfalls and unique geology.
➢ The Clear Shade Wild Area, south of route 56, is a 2,791-acre wilderness dominated by cherry, maple, and beech trees.

Other Recreation

➢ Mountain biking and horseback riding are permitted on most forest roads and trails. 

➢ Picnic facilities are offered at Babcock State Forest Picnic Area, east of Windber. 

➢ Blue Knob, Canoe Creek, Laurel Ridge, Prince Gallitzin, and Yellow Creek state parks offer camping, boating, and swimming opportunities. 

District Office

Address:
155 Hillcrest Drive.
Ebensburg, PA 15931-0506

Phone: (814) 472-1862 

FAX: (814) 472-1876 

Email: FD06@pa.gov

Allegheny Portage Railroad NHS - Cresson, PA

Friday, October 20, 2017

Park Visitor Center

On the second day of the Country Roads Shop Hop, its just after we had lunch near Altoona and we just had our second quilt shop, fifth on the tour, under our belt, we make a planned stop at this site. We begin our journey by parking the car and entering the visitor center. After greeting the ranger and making small talk, we do the stamp thing. We look and purchase some postcards, after which we visit the interpretive panels throughout and look at the replica. After which, the ranger invites us to the other parts of the Summit Level Historic Area of the Main Park, including the exhibit shelter. and the historic Lemon House.

Level 6 Exhibit Shelter

So we say, what the heck lets do it. We follow the trail from the visitor center to the wayside exhibit where the pleasant maintenance staff place a plaque from the ASM that they were working on so I just can take a picture of it (and all the other waysides as Waymarking them is an essential for coming this far from home. Anyway, we visit the  exhibit shelter, which was placed here a decade or so ago and contains a model from the period of significance. 

Lemon House

After dealing with the oohs and aahs of this great work, we proceed down the path and across the tracks to the Lemon House, a stagecoach stop on what is now old US 22 (the Street name is William Penn Highway). You can hear the vehicles and especially the vehicles traversing the old alingment of US 22, and I was astonished as I believe that only the section in front of the Lemon House is four lane and we are on the border of Cresson Township in Cambria County and Logan Township in neighboring Blair County, you could step in line of either county, litteraly and within two different jurisdictions. Anyway, we walk through the first floor of the Lemon House and check the exhibits and return to the visitor center.

At the Visitor Center, we return inside to use the comfort facility before moving on and notice that the NPS recognized late Congressman John P. Murtha for the need for this facility, as this facility was built in 1992. However, the park history began as early as the 1950s and until 1992, US Route 22 was on the old alignment by the Lemon House, which at the time served as the park's visitor center. Congressman Murtha also used the Appalachian Regional Commission, which already wanted to make US 22 a barrier free highway in its entirety, complete the new Center and the access road to the new alignment and its associated interchange

Park Synopsis

The first railroad to circumvent the Allegheny Mountains, the Allegheny Portage Railroad was the finishing piece of the Pennsylvania Mainline Canal.  "The Portage," opened in 1834, marking the first time that there was one, direct route between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.  All things to all people, it served merchants, passengers, slaves in pursuit of freedom, and soldiers from the Mexican War.

If You Go

Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site is located in southwestern Pennsylvania approximately 12 miles west of Altoona. Today's park covers 1249 acres. The main unit contains the Summit Level Visitor Center, the historic Lemon House, Engine House No. 6 Exhibit Shelter, the Skew Arch Bridge, picnic area and hiking trails.

Located immediately off of US Route 22 at the Gallitzin Exit, this is the best place to start your tour. The park movie is shown in the indoor 60 seat auditorium as requested to give a concentrated overview of the park story. The program lasts approximately twenty minutes. The movie is a dramatic interpretation of what it was like to work and travel on the Portage Railroad. A fictional character, Edgar West, explains life on the canals then speaks of a change of occupation to Portage Railroad.

Ever since 1992, the park is accessed by taking the Gallitzin Exit of U.S. Route 22 and turning right into the park. Though there is a road and a gate adjacent, access is not gained by way of the Lemon House. That road is for staff only.

Park buildings are open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm seven days a week.  However, in the winter, these hours are limited and you'll want to visit the park webpage for details.

Park grounds and trails are open seven days a week from sunrise to sunset.

Park hours can change due to holidays and inclement weather. If traveling a great distance you may want to call the park for operating hours. The visitor center desk telephone number is (814) 886-6150.

Accessibility

The Visitor Center, Exhibit Shelter and First, Basement and Staff levels of the Lemon House are fully accessible to wheelchair users as well as comfort facilities and an picnic site at the picnic area, located west of the Summit Level Historic Area. The latter, is accessible via the Cresson exit of US 22.

Accessible restrooms are located in the visitor center; the basement of the Lemon House; and the picnic area. Accessible drinking fountains (for children and wheelchair users) are located at the visitor center, Lemon House, and the picnic area. 

A wheelchair is available for loan at the visitor center, free of charge. In good weather, an electric scooter may also be available (safety brief required). With advance notice, a 5 seat golf cart may be available to assist mobility impaired visitors to more easily visit the Lemon House and Engine House No. 6 Exhibit Shelter. There is also a working elevator at the Lemon House available to wheelchair users. Additonally, the park’s recycled plastic lumber boardwalk meets gradient standards and has bench seats.

The park film is captioned, with captions visible during every film showing.

There are a few tactile exhibits at the Lemon House. Lemon House reproduction furnishings and tools for ranger programs are used to enhance experiences for visually impaired visitors. There is one audio exhibit at the Engine House No. Six Exhibit Shelter.

MD - Cassleman River Bridge State Park

Casselman River Bridge State Park is a 4-acre parcel located east of Grantsville in Garrett County on U.S. Route 40. It is a popular area for fly fishermen, photographers, and history enthusiasts. When the 80-foot span was erected in 1813, it was the longest single span stone arch bridge in the United States. Skeptics predicted that the bridge would collapse once the supporting timbers were removed - yet the bridge stood, serving as an important link on the National Road from 1813 to 1933. Although the bridge no longer carries vehicular traffic, it is open to pedestrians.

Today the Casselman River Bridge stands as a picturesque relic of Maryland's early transportation history, and a tribute to those who designed and built the National Road. To the east of the bridge is the "Spruce Forest Artisan Village." The village’s historic buildings were moved from various locations in Western Maryland and restored on the site. They currently serve as studios for a variety of artists. Adjacent to Spruce Village are the Penn Alps restaurant and gift shop, a historic structure that dates to 1818, and Stanton’s Mill, a working grist mill originally established in 1797.

Park Features

• Picnicking - Several picnic tables are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Fishing - the Casselman River is a popular spot for fly-fishing. Please check the current Maryland Fishing Guide for special regulations.
• Restroom - There is a waterless restroom for visitor use.
• Alcohol Policy - Alcohol is not permitted anywhere in Casselman River Bridge State Park.
• Casselman River Bridge State Park is handicapped-accessible, featuring a paved walkway from the parking lot to the bridge, and an accessible picnic site, parking area, and restroom.

PA - Forbes SF - Negro Mountain Division

Today we were in the mountains for a birthday party just down the road from the Mt, Davis State Forest Picnic Area so we thought our first exploration would be the Forbes State Forest.

We stopped at the picnic area for a few minutes to use the SST comfort facilities as well as photograph the area. From there we proceeded to the High Point Monument where we explored the exhibits and climbed the observation tower to the top.

We then proceeded down the road to the High Point Overlook, an

Eagle Scout project constructed in the late 1980s to provide ADA Facilities at a time when they were essentially non-existent. From there we proceeded to the Sugarloaf Trailhead of Ohiopyle State Park where other members of our team were in need of comfort f
acilities.  Then we headed back to our base.




For 150 years after the first colonies were established, Negro Mtn. was untouched by settlers. The Allegheny Front presented a barrier to western migration. Treaties with the Indians in 1754 and 1758 forbade occupancy west of the Allegheny Mountains. Only a few adventurous traders and trappers wandered along the Casselman River before 1690. Political and economic interest in the western territory developed during the mid 1700s. The British and French were both interested in claiming the territory for themselves. It was during this period that Negro Mtn. received its name. Several versions of the story exist

NC - Fort Fisher State Recreation Area

Tuesday, June 27, 2017

After starting my morning by learning that North Carolina has a passport system and their is another cancellation station just near where my condo is located, we go to Fort Fisher SRA. As we pull in, summer is in full swing as the parking lot is near capacity and their as county school recreation groups in attendance (a common thing in North Carolina as the Lottery funds education.) Anyway, I park and proceed towards the beach to get a few photos. I photograph the necessary signage as I see fit and some of the picnic tables as they are under a unique canopy. 

There is a change and comfort facility way off the ground and their is a line outside. I walk up to it and their is a wooden walkway to the Ranger Station. There is no visitor center here like Carolina Beach, but there is a building and I enter it and there are vending machines, and yes, more comfort facilities. There are waysides on how the park came to fruition as it only one year younger than myself (you'll have to figure that out on your own.) 

Alas, there is some resemblance of a office and I enter to what I later realize is the wrong way. However, no worries, I quickly realize this and do not move forward. Just then, the ranger notices me in the doorway and asks if she can be of assistance. I stated that I need my passport stamped. She proceeds to reach into her desk drawer and provides the stamp and I am on my way. For note, I got dropped off at the State Historic Site (they do not have a passport system as of 2017) 1/2 mile down the road. It tried to visit the day prior, but it was a Monday and the site is closed on Mondays. I walked the 20-phase wayside trail, rested at the visitor shelter with a water and a soda and walked back to the condo just in time to go swimming with the rest of the team.

Park Synopsis

Alternate between nearly six miles of pristine beach and trails through salt marsh brimming with wildlife at Fort Fisher State Recreation Area, a park touching both the Atlantic Ocean and the Cape Fear River. Development on this protected shoreline is limited to a visitor center and related facilities and boardwalks that attract birders and photographers. Loggerhead sea turtles, piping plovers and other rare species nest along the sandy shore. The park is popular for surf fishing, and four-wheel-drive vehicles are allowed seasonally with required permits. On this tip of Pleasure Island, visitors will also find a state aquarium, Civil War-era historic site and a boating ramp and paddling launch nearby.

If You Go

Fort Fisher State Recreation Area is located in New Hanover County five miles south of Carolina Beach. From Wilmington, follow U.S. 421 through the towns of Carolina Beach and Kure Beach. Turn left on Loggerhead Road. The recreation area may also be reached from Brunswick County via the Southport-Fort Fisher ferry, which crosses the Cape Fear River. North Carolina State Parks are open every day, with the exception of Christmas Day. Park hours vary with the seasons.

Four-wheel drive beach access:

 Sept. 15 - March 14.....................24 hours a day

 March 15 - Sept. 14..... Closes 30 min. before park gates

Pedestrian beach access:................24 hours a day

Please visit the North Carolina State Park website or contact the park office for the most current information about seasonal hours, activities, alerts, camping fees, programs rules and weather.

Contact Information

1000 Loggerhead Road

Kure Beach, NC 28449

910-458-5798

fort.fisher@ncparks.gov

GPS: 33.9534, -77.929

Accessibility

Some picnic tables as well as the comfort, vending and hydration facilities at the Ranger Station are accessible. Furthermore, there is a accessible boardwalk over the dune to the beach 

NC - Carolina Beach State Park

Tuesday, June 27, 2017

Beginning the 2017 Vacation season and there are two state parks in my proximity, this one and Fort Fisher SRA on the same island. Anyway, we found this one with ease, photograph the gateway and proceed to the visitor center. There we use the comfort facilities that have two entrances per gender, one from the exterior and one from the visitor center. Anyway, I go inside and learn that last year was the centennial of the North Carolina State Parks and they have  passports to celebrate the occasion, but they are not dated. You can also check off the activities relevant to each park as you do them. So as I get my passport and the ranger stamps it, he reminds me that Fort Fisher SRA is just six miles away and where our condo is is just about a mile away. Anyway, we explore the exhibits and learn about the thirteen species of reptiles native to the park. As it is early morning and is getting hot, we do not wish to waste too much time indoors.

While we did stay in a condominium for this vacation, we did however explore the campground as we drove through it we drove through one of two similar loops that have a wash and comfort facility in the center. There are sites for electricity, water and tents as well as camping cottages if you do not have your own tent. The one thing you have to keep in mind though in North Carolina State parks and some do not like this is that the rangers close the entrance gate at night, and it will be opened only in times of emergency. Not my thing, but just sayin'.

We drive through the marina and see what its all about. It too has a comfort and wash facility along with a concession with fuel and waste services. There are trails that connect this to the campground and picnic area which we pass on the way and plan to stop at on the return trip.

The picnic area is of your standard one and has a modern comfort facility (pictured.) It also has a accessible picnic site for disabled guests (pictured below in the Accessibility section). 
There are facilities for hydration, refuse and recycling as well as trails to the Campground and Marina which is bisected by the park road.

After visiting the Picnic Area, we proceed to the Flytrap Trail, which is a pleasant three-tenths of a mile loop through pocosin wetlands and drier longleaf longleaf pine and wiregrass savanna communities. There are boardwalks on part of the trail and it is of the nature type. Although it surface is designated as a natural one, it is deemed universally accessible.

Park Synopsis

With a marina providing access to some of North Carolina's best fishing spots, a secluded camping area beneath towering trees, and miles of hiking trails that traverse a variety of distinct habitats—not to mention the presence of the Venus flytrap, one of the world's most unique carnivorous plants—it's no wonder Carolina Beach State Park is a popular coastal attraction. Located in an area steeped in both history and natural diversity, the park includes a visitor's center with exhibits depicting the wonders of its environment.

If You Go

Carolina Beach State Park is located in New Hanover County along Dow Road, 10 miles south of Wilmington off N.C. 421. North Carolina State Parks are open every day, with the exception of Christmas Day. Park hours vary with the seasons. Please visit the North Carolina State Park website or contact the park office for the most current information about seasonal hours, activities, alerts, camping fees, programs rules and weather. Swimming is prohibited throughout the park due to dangerous currents and sharp drop-offs existing near the shores.

Contact Information

1010 State Park Road
PO Box 475

Carolina Beach, NC 28428

910-458-8206

910-458-7770 Marina

carolina.beach@ncparks.gov

GPS: 34.0471, -77.9072

Accessibility

Accessible features are available within the Park Office/Visitor Center, Picnic Area, Marina, Flytrap Trail and the Campground