What is your favorite state park? What about your favorite state park in the winter? The state came out this week with a report on some dramatic visitation increases at our state parks in 2011. I am not surprised considering the health of the economy. Many folks stayed close to home and saved money.

I would like to suggest three state parks for the winter. I’ll begin with Pettigrew State Park in Creswell. Try to go before the end of the month so you can enjoy the migrating tundra swans and snow geese. It is both a haunting and glorious experience to see and hear the sounds of the wintering birds in Washington and Tyrrell counties.

I also recommend Fort Macon State Park near Morehead City in the winter. Maybe you will be fortunate to go on an unseasonably warm day allowing you to sit in a beach chair and read a book and listen to the crashing waves. I love walking on this beach in the winter. It can get awfully crowded in the summer.

For many of the same reasons Hammocks Beach State Park is Swansboro makes my winter destinations list. You can camp here in the winter and not worry about the mosquitoes. Make sure you have a warm sleeping bag. You will enjoy the canoe and kayak trail here.

What are your state park favorites in the winter and year-round?