The weekend before July 4th through the weekend following may be the busiest week in North Carolina state parks.
I started my marathon week as a ranger at the 35th Annual Festival for the Eno. It's a turtlely awesome shindig to raise money for the Eno River Association. Sort of like Woodstock meets Burning Man... except it's along a beautifully lush river forest and family oriented. Over the years, nationally recognized blues, bluegrass, african and folk musicians have been a centerpiece of the festival. In addition to music, a variety of artisans exhibit art relating to nature and sustainability. 
I took a break from the falafel and bluegrass to cool off in the river, I cautiously crossed the river along the locally famous Eno River Suspension Bridge, and I enjoyed the company a spotted salamander, this year's festival mascot.
Later in the week, my travels took me to Willium B Umstead State Park in Raleigh, NC. I helped out at a day camp for girls from the city sponsored by the Full Circles Foundation. For many of the girls, it was their first time holding a toad, riding in a canoe, fishing, or hiking several miles through the forest. And Umstead State Park was a great place to be. There are over 5,500 acres of forest right smack in the middle of Raleigh, Durham and RTP Airport. It's sort of like North Carolina's version of Central Park.
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