Wild and Wonder: Spring Outdoors in North Carolina

Author: Debbie Tullos

The first whispers of spring call to our wild spirits. That part of us that is nurtured by wildflowers, falling water, and sunbeams piercing an emerald canopy. It’s time to get outside.

Here are 7 places to soak in the wild wonder of spring in North Carolina with the NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources:

Gorges State Park

Gorges State Park in Sapphire is a jewel of biodiversity within the Appalachian Temperate Rainforest. The park’s plunging waterfalls, rugged river gorges, and sheer rock precipices are glorious enough, made all the more dazzling in spring with the emergence of rare and unique blooms. Along the edges of trails and around the park’s impressive visitor center, you’re likely to find wild iris, trilliums, Jack-in-the-pulpit, flame azaleas, and pink lady slipper orchids.

Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area

Lush green forest full of ferns and moss. A trail cuts through the forest and over a moss-covered log.

Image Caption/photo credit: Occoneechee State Natural Area. Photo courtesy of the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area near Hillsborough encompasses a unique habitat in the Piedmont. At the top of Occoneechee Mountain’s ridge and its northernmost slopes, you’ll find plants and animals that are typically found in the mountains. For a mountain-style spring hike in the Piedmont, hit the Occoneechee Mountain Loop Trail. Plants like bloodroot, wild lilies, Catawba rhododendron, and purple fringeless orchid are among the mountainous blooms you may encounter. Other mountain species growing in this habitat include Bradley’s spleenwort, wild sarsaparilla, mountain laurels, and mountain galax. Late spring is your best bet for spotting blooms.

Raven Rock State Park

Raven Rock State Park in Lillington makes all the lists of best places in North Carolina to see spring blooms. In early spring, catch the emergence of Dutchman’s breeches, bloodroot, saxifrage, and trailing arbutus. In May, you’ll encounter an explosion of color from Mountain laurel and rhododendron. Spring is also the best time at Raven Rock to see migratory birds that come to nest in the park. You may see up to 20 species of warblers in one day! Keep an eye out for year-round residents like bald eagles, wild turkeys, and belted kingfishers.

Prairie Ridge Ecostation

Burgundy trillium flower bud on the forest floor.

Image Caption/photo credit: Trillium growing along the Forest Trail at Prairie Ridge Ecostation in Raleigh. Photo courtesy of the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

If you have visions of building your very own nature sanctuary, the Prairie Ridge Ecostation in Raleigh is the perfect place to get inspiration and information. The Native Plant Garden features a variety of native plants providing beauty all year, but spring is the main event. You’ll see blooming blue-eyed grass, green and gold, columbine, and coral honeysuckle. While you’re there, stroll down the Forest Trail, where you might see woodland flowers like trillium and mayapples. Also, this trail will lead you to a hidden gem for kids: the Nature Playspace. Seriously, so cool!

Lumber River State Park

Black water river in the foreground with a tree-lined riverbank in the background.

Image Caption/photo credit: Lumber River State Park. Photo courtesy of the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

As the weather warms, a cool and meandering paddle on the black waters of the Lumber River is a glorious way to spend a spring afternoon. This designated National Wild and Scenic River is best experienced via canoe. Lumber River State Park offers two access points to launch your spring river adventure.

Carolina Beach State Park

Carnivorous pitcher plants growing wild.

Image Caption/photo credit: Pitcher plants are one of many species of carnivorous plants growing wild at Carolina Beach State Park. Photo courtesy of the North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation.

The stars of Carolina Beach State Park are the wild Venus flytraps and other carnivorous plants in the park’s pecosin swamps. The best way to see these incredible plants is to join the weekly ranger-led Carnivorous Plant Hikes on the Flytrap Trail.

Merchants Millpond State Park

Lush green trees in and around glassy pond waters under a blue sky.

Image Caption/photo credit: Merchants Millpond State Park. Photo courtesy of the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

Spring at Merchants Millpond State Park is a must for paddlers. Rent a canoe or bring your kayak. Ponder as you paddle the glassy waters of the expansive millpond, surrounded by lush greenery and wildlife. Old-growth cypress trees tower over logs lined with turtles and the occasional alligator catching some rays in the warmer weather. Camping is another must at this hidden gem with scenic, spacious campsites for tents and RVs. This is one of our least visited parks, so you won’t be fighting any crowds. If you’re feeling adventurous, book one of the park’s paddle-in campsites.

More to Explore:

Discover more of North Carolina’s fantastic florals and wild spaces with these additional guides, articles and information:

Many DNCR sites maintain splendid gardens that are bursting with blooms in spring! Places like the North Carolina Zoo and Botanical Gardens, Tryon Palace, and Historic Edenton are worth a wander this time of year.
Visit North Carolina encourages you to indulge your inner flower child with this guide: 10 Ways to Go Wild for Flowers in North Carolina
Check the North Carolina State Parks Events Calendar for spring guided hikes and programs.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park makes it easy to find flowers with this guide: Wildflower Hikes *Just be sure to check trail status and conditions before you go.