Dozens of North Carolina's state parks are closing as the statewide stay-at-home order takes effect.

Under Gov. Roy Cooper's order, which goes into effect at 5 p.m., people are still allowed to enjoy trails and greenways as long as they practice social distancing.

However, North Carolina has already closed 25 parks because of continued overcrowding that made social distancing almost impossible, and the public is barred from using those parks.

On Sunday, closures were announced at Cliffs Of Neuse State Park in Wayne County and Carvers Creek in Cumberland County.

Over the weekend, many people arrived at the trails at William B. Umstead State Park and Eno River to find “closed” signs at the entrance. As of Monday morning, the following North Carolina parks were closed:

Carvers Creek State Park

Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park (Eagle Rock and Rumbling Bald accesses are open)

Cliffs of the Neuse State Park

Crowders Mountain State Park

Elk Knob State Park

Eno River State Park

Falls Lake State Recreation Area

Fort Fisher State Recreation Area

Fort Macon State Park

Gorges State Park

Grandfather Mountain State Park

Hanging Rock State Park

Lake James State Park

Lake Waccamaw State Park

Lumber River State Park

Morrow Mountain State Park

Mount Jefferson State Natural Area

Mount Mitchell State Park

New River State Park

Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area

Pilot Mountain State Park

Raven Rock State Park

South Mountains State Park

Stone Mountain State Park

William B. Umstead State Park

For the most up-to-date list of closings, visit the state parks website.

Although the governor’s order allows running, biking, golfing and other outdoor recreation as long as people are keeping six feet of distance, some parks were closed to protect the community.

Even parks staying open have restricted some areas – like picnic shelters – and all visitor centers and restrooms are closed. National parks are closing too, including Yellowstone, Grand Teton and the Great Smoky Mountains.