.ncparks.gov
Roy Cooper January 2017
Governor
Volume 4 Number 1
Susi H. Hamilton
Secretary, DNCR
Record visitation of 18.8 million reported in 2016
In its 2016 Centennial year, North Carolina State Parks enjoyed record visitation of 18.8 million, a nine
percent increase over the 17.3 million visitors the previous year.
Among 39 state parks and state recreation areas, 31 reported increases in visitation in 2016. William B.
Umstead State Park in Wake County reported the highest visitation at 1.84 million, a 38 percent increase over
2015, and was among six state park units logging ore than a million visitors.
Visitation at state parks and state recreation areas has increased more than 49 percent in the past 10
years. In 2006, 12.6 million people visited state park units.
The state parks system achieved the record attendance despite closings due to Hurricane Matthew in
early October and wildfires in western parks a month later. In the aftermath of the hurricane, 25 state parks
were at least temporarily closed, and in November, eight state parks were closed to allow personnel to help
contain wildfires at Chimney Rock and South Mountains state parks.
First Day Hikes draw 2,049 visitors
Despite chilly, soggy New Year's Day weather, 2,049 visitors collec¬
tively hiked 4,952 miles on the 2017 First Day Hikes event, with guided hikes
offered Jan. 1 in every state park and state recreation area.
Throughout the system, 55 hikes were arranged by park rangers and
volunteers.
Chimney Rock State Park had the "first" First Day Hike with 75 visi¬
tors making the 6.5-mile trek up and down the park's entrance road starting
at 12:01 a.m. Carolina Beach State Park attracted 190 hikers for a two-mile
stroll, and 125 runners joined the 2nd Annual First Day 5K Run at Haw River
State Park.
This was the sixth year that North Carolina State Parks staged First
Day Hikes, although the tradition began at Eno River State Park in the early
1970s.
For 2017, hikers enjoyed an added bonus by adding their mileage to
the North Carolina State Parks 100-Mile Challenge -to walk, hike, cycle or
otherwise explore 100 miles in the state parks.
Hurricane, wildfires challenge state parks
A hurricane in October and two major wildfires just one month later presented challenges for North
Carolina State Parks.
Hurricane Matthew came ashore in southeastern areas Oct. 8, bringing rainfall of up to 15 inches. Dur¬
ing and after the storm, 25 of the system's 41 state park units were at least temporarily closed to visitors, with
the storm's effects reaching as far west as Morrow Mountain State Park in Stanly County and Stone Mountain
State Park in Wilkes County. Damage was limited to downed trees, washed out trail sections and other effects of
flooding. Numerous campsites and boat ramps were closed for several weeks.
With personnel still engaged in storm cleanup, twin wildfires erupted in drought conditions at Chimney
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