North Carolina
Nature|National & State Parks

Few People Know There’s A Beautiful State Park Hiding In This Tiny North Carolina Town

Medoc Mountain State Park in Hollister, North Carolina, offers diverse outdoor activities and historical sites on a 350 million-year-old monadnock.

Published May 15, 2023

Written by 

Carolyn Harmon

Medoc Mountain State Park, the beautiful state park in small-town Hollister, North Carolina, is full of historical mysteries, just like the tiny, rural town. With a population of about 900, Hollister holds many secrets of the past some contained within its Haliwa-Saponi American Indian population of about 50% with its own tribal school. While one might expect to see a grand mountain in a park with the name Medoc Mountain State Park, it is more interesting. The 3,893-acre space sits on a 350 million-year-old, 325-foot remnant of a once-majestic mountain range. So instead of a high mountain to scale, the adventures here include fishing in Little Fishing Creek, picnicking, hiking, and bicycling through the wild ecological wonder.

Welcome to Medoc Mountain State Park, home to one of the largest molybdenum deposits known in the Southeastern

United States.

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Heather Bishop/AllTrails

Medoc Mountain is a monadnock (erosion-resistant rock) 170 feet above the

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surrounding terrain.

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Richard Kimmel/AllTrails

It offers bridges and steps on its 10 variegated trails, perfect for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.

And one of the best components of the park is Fishing Creek, considered one of the cleanest streams in the state.

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Michael Bonollo/AllTrails

Drop a line and you may pull up a redbreast sunfish, largemouth bass, or bluegill, just to name a few.

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Along the way are historical hints of what once was on this primitive land.

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Donna Phillips/AllTrails

One on the three-mile forested Summit Loop Trail leads to a little-known cemetery in Medoc Mountain State Park.

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Stephen Griffin/AllTrails

Please be reverent as you pass the Vinson Family Cemetery.

We love the park benches and well-placed signage marking trails and pointing out the wildlife.

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Donna Phillips/AllTrails

This exciting Habitat Adventure Trail is an easy, paved 0.3-mile educational, interactive loop trail with children's activities.

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Heather Bishop/AllTrails

While bathrooms are situated throughout the park, be sure to stop by the Visitors Center for more bathrooms and information from the knowledgeable staff.

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DiscoA340, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

And ask about such fun events as the moonlight hikes and star parties.

Are you up for camping? If so, book a campsite at this beautiful park in small-town Hollister, North Carolina through the Medoc Mountain State Park reservation website.

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Nature|National & State Parks

This Natural Water Park in North Carolina Is a Dream Come True

Published Sep 16, 2024

Written by 

Carolyn Harmon

Cool off at this natural water park in North Carolina featuring 2,208 lovely acres. Located in Elizabethtown, Lake Jones State Park is dedicated to fun in the sun and a refreshing place to fight back the heat and humidity the Tar Heel State offers. Jones Lake is a 224-acre oasis with the deepest parts reaching only about 8 feet. Add to the memories of one of the oldest state parks in North Carolina.

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Jones Lake State Park opened in 1939 as Jones Lake Recreational Area and the first state park to welcome Black Americans and remained so for more than 10 years.

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North Carolina State Parks/Flickr

It was a project of the New Deal's Resettlement Administration and attracts thousands of visitors each year to swim and enjoy the many amenities.

You'll find this natural water park in North Carolina on State Route 242 just outside of Elizabethtown.

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June Dove/Google

Bring a blanket or beach chair and plan on enjoying the pretty scenery at this natural water park in North Carolina.

Pack up all of your favorite water gear.

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Carrie Smith/Google

Drag it all along - you never know what might come in handy.

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Water, restrooms, a volleyball court, and a seasonal concession stand are also available.

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Gerry Dincher/Flickr

Another option is to bring your own lunch and dine at the covered handicap-accessible picnic shelter which accommodates up to 100 people if you have a group.

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Gerry Dincher/Flickr

However, reservations are strongly recommended to ensure the popular space for your special occasion.

Folks can swim in the designated swimming area that is roped off for safety.

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Gerry Dincher/Flickr

But for those of us seeking a place to daydream - they also exist around the lake.

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Kimberle McGill/AllTrails

Take a hike at the park with three options which you can find on the AllTrails website. These easy treks include the 4.3-mile Jones Lake Trail and Bay Trail Loop, the 1.5-mile Cedar Loop Trail, and the longest Salters Lake Trail via Bay Trail stretching 5.8 miles.

And the fun might be so rewarding that you'll want to stay overnight.

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Marty H/Tripadvisor

Campsites include six full hookups for RVs and 14 primitive tent sites.

While you're there, be sure to take in some exhibits at the Lake State Park Visitor Center open Monday-Friday.

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Gerry Dincher/Flickr

Discover more about this natural water park in North Carolina on the Jones Lake State Park web page. While you're there, explore other fun things to do in Elizabethtown.

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Nature|National & State Parks

This Natural Water Park In North Carolina Is A Summer Dream Come True

Published Aug 16, 2024

Written by 

Carolyn Harmon

Cool off at this natural water park in North Carolina featuring 2,208 lovely acres. Located in Elizabethtown, Lake Jones State Park is dedicated to fun in the sun and a refreshing place to fight back the heat and humidity the Tar Heel State offers. Jones Lake is a 224-acre oasis with the deepest parts reaching only about 8 feet. Add to the memories of one of the oldest state parks in North Carolina.

advertisement

Jones Lake State Park opened in 1939 as Jones Lake Recreational Area and the first state park to welcome Black Americans and remained so for more than 10 years.

alt
North Carolina State Parks/Flickr

It was a project of the New Deal's Resettlement Administration and attracts thousands of visitors each year to swim and enjoy the many amenities.

You'll find this natural water park in North Carolina on State Route 242 just outside of Elizabethtown.

alt
June Dove/Google

Bring a blanket or beach chair and plan on enjoying the pretty scenery at this natural water park in North Carolina.

Pack up all of your favorite water gear.

alt
Carrie Smith/Google

Drag it all along - you never know what might come in handy.

advertisement

Water, restrooms, a volleyball court, and a seasonal concession stand are also available.

alt
Gerry Dincher/Flickr

Another option is to bring your own lunch and dine at the covered handicap-accessible picnic shelter which accommodates up to 100 people if you have a group.

alt
Gerry Dincher/Flickr

However, reservations are strongly recommended to ensure the popular space for your special occasion.

Take a boat ride on a boat rental from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.

alt
ncwetlands.org, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Folks can swim in the designated swimming area that is roped off for safety.

alt
Gerry Dincher/Flickr

But for those of us seeking a place to daydream - they also exist around the lake.

advertisement
alt
Kimberle McGill/AllTrails

Take a hike at the park with three options which you can find on the AllTrails website. These easy treks include the 4.3-mile Jones Lake Trail and Bay Trail Loop, the 1.5-mile Cedar Loop Trail, and the longest Salters Lake Trail via Bay Trail stretching 5.8 miles.

And the fun might be so rewarding that you'll want to stay overnight.

alt
Marty H/Tripadvisor

Campsites include six full hookups for RVs and 14 primitive tent sites.

While you're there, be sure to take in some exhibits at the Lake State Park Visitor Center open Monday-Friday.

alt
Gerry Dincher/Flickr

Discover more about this natural water park in North Carolina on the Jones Lake State Park web page. While you're there, explore other fun things to do in Elizabethtown.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

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