Southeast Stokes Recreational Park
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Southeast Stokes Recreational Park, located in the state of North Carolina, offers visitors a diverse range of attractions and activities in a picturesque natural setting.
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Summary
Nestled in the southeastern section of Stokes County, the park is an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts, nature lovers, and families seeking an enjoyable day out.
One of the primary reasons to visit Southeast Stokes Recreational Park is its beautiful natural landscapes. The park boasts over 300 acres of lush forests, open meadows, and rolling hills, providing ample opportunities for hiking, picnicking, and wildlife observation. Visitors can explore a network of well-maintained trails that wind through the park, offering different levels of difficulty and length to cater to various preferences.
A notable point of interest within Southeast Stokes Recreational Park is the Dan River, which flows through the area. The river is perfect for various water-based activities, such as fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. Anglers can try their luck at catching bass, catfish, trout, and more, while paddlers can enjoy the scenic views and serene atmosphere as they navigate the river's gentle currents.
For those interested in history, the park also features remnants of the original Moratock Iron Furnace, which operated during the 19th century. This historical landmark serves as a reminder of the area's industrial past and offers a glimpse into the region's rich heritage.
An interesting fact about Southeast Stokes Recreational Park is that it is a part of the larger Hanging Rock State Park complex. This provides visitors with the opportunity to explore multiple recreational areas within close proximity, allowing for a broader range of activities and experiences.
The best time of year to visit Southeast Stokes Recreational Park largely depends on personal preferences and desired activities. Spring and fall offer pleasant weather, with mild temperatures and vibrant foliage during the respective seasons. Summer is popular for water-related activities, with the Dan River providing a refreshing respite from the heat. Winter offers a unique experience, with the possibility of snowfall transforming the park into a winter wonderland, though certain activities may be limited during this time.
To ensure the accuracy of the information provided, it is recommended to consult multiple independent sources, such as official park websites, tourism boards, and reliable travel guides.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Dr. Jack Fowler Park
Walnut Cove Lions Park
Germantown Park
Horizons Park
Hanging Rock State Park
Blackies Branch
Baker Branch
Buck Island Creek