3. To the Outer Banks and Back - The Parks
- Craig Tidball
- Oct 28, 2024
- 2 min read
Updated: Oct 29, 2024
“A traveler without observation is a bird without wings.”– Moslih Eddin Saadi
Part 3. Across northern North Carolina State Parks
After a day in Mayberry, we headed east and took in two of North Carolina's fine state parks. On our way we took in views of Pilot Mountain - referenced on the Andy Griffith Show as Mount Pilot. Our first stop was at Hanging Rock State Park for a bit of hiking. While we didn't have time to hike uphill to the summit, we did enjoy a hike to one of the falls within the park. After entering the park office to gain a trail map, I returned to the RV to find my two traveling girls waiting patiently to learn of our next stop.
Our next travel day took us closer to the coast and included an overnight at Medoc Mountain State Park in northeast North Carolina. It hardly seems a mountain with a peak of 324 feet but this beautifully maintained park has nice terrain and trails. They call it a mountain for what it used to be. After geological erosion, this rock of 324 feet towers over the surrounding area.
What impressed me most about this state park was the outstanding site design. Camper veterans will note the ample small-gravel picnic area which is a great surface in case of an overnight rain. The fire pit has a cooking grate on a pivot for easy cleaning plus it's on a stone base. The site had a utility pole for hanging what needs to be hung. The high elevation of the site is always a good thing and the abundance of foliage added to the privacy of our site. Number 30 was electric only, but water was close by.
Our morning hike had some beautiful features. Evie thought she spotted a squirrel in the next county but there were none to be found. At the one-week mark, it was time to reload the pill boxes.
We'll return to Medoc Mountain State Park and it's carefully planned camping amenities. Maybe we'll find you there Along the Pooka Trail . #pookatrail #medocmountainsp
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