Top 5 North Carolina State Parks For Taking Rad Photos
Below, you'll find five standout parks that photographers (and Instagram feeds) will absolutely love:
Chimney Rock State Park
Features a dramatic 315‑ft granite monolith offering sweeping views of Hickory Nut Gorge, Lake Lure, and the Blue Ridge Mountains—ideal for both sunrise and sunset shots.
Also home to the impressive Hickory Nut Falls—a 404‑ft waterfall perfect for dynamic composition.
Hanging Rock State Park
Known for craggy cliffs, serene waterfalls (like Window Falls and Lower Cascades), and lush ridgeline views—great for moody, dramatic shots.
Offers a mix of forested trails, rocky peaks, and vertical drops to spark some adventurous photography.
Gorges State Park
A waterfall-lovers’ dream with gems like Upper Bearwallow Falls, Wintergreen Falls, and access to Rainbow Falls via trail.
Ideal for capturing flowing water, vibrant foliage, and the diverse textures of gorges and cascades.
Carolina Beach State Park
A coastal gem featuring sandy dunes, pocosin wetlands, and rare carnivorous plants like Venus flytraps—unique natural subjects that stand out.
Perfect for macro and landscape overlaps—especially sunrise or golden-hour scenes.
Pettigrew State Park
Surrounds the tranquil Lake Phelps, one of NC’s oldest lakes (~38,000 years old), offering silky water reflections and ancient grove forest backdrops.
The lush bay trees, bald cypress, and other old-growth forest make for rich, timeless photography.
