Most reviewed Nature & Wildlife Areas in North Carolina


  1. 4.5 Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park (2.601 reviews)
    - Great place to visit along with seeing Lake Lure
    Sunday: 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas • Lookouts • Hiking Trails
    Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park image
    Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park is an international outdoor destination in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western NC, attracting visitors from around the world. Highlights include:- 75-mile panoramic views overlooking Lake Lure- 404-foot waterfall, one of the highest of its kind east of the Mississippi River- The Last of the Mohicans scenes were filmed here- ancient geologic formations- 198-foot tunnel & elevator inside the mountain- six scenic hiking trails- guided rock climbing & more The Park's modernized elevator offers a handicap-accessible 35-sec. ride to the iconic Chimney, an alternative to "nature's Ultimate Stairmaster," the Outcroppings trail. Chimney Rock has something for everyone from the family-friendly Great Woodland Adventure trail to the stunning Skyline trail to Exclamation Point. Recognized as one of the Southeast’s most iconic outdoor attractions, Chimney Rock is located 25 miles southeast of Asheville on Highway 64/74A in Chimney Rock, NC See more..
  2. 4.5 Grandfather Mountain (2.203 reviews)
    - Mile High Views
    Mountains • Nature & Wildlife Areas
    Grandfather Mountain image
    Grandfather Mountain’s pristine scenery and sweeping vistas rejuvenate mind and spirit. At an elevation of 5,946 feet, Grandfather is recognized as one of the world’s most diverse nature preserves. Be exhilarated by the altitude and panoramic views from the Mile High Swinging Bridge; stand eye-to-eye with bears, cougars and otters in natural habitats. Dine in the restaurant or find a scenic picnic spot, browse the nature museum, wander the trails, go behind the scenes of the animal habitats, visit with knowledgeable naturalists, and stop for a treat at the fudge shop. Fill your day with family memories at place where wonders never cease. See more..
  3. 4.5 The Lazy 5 Ranch (848 reviews)
    - You’ll LOVE this DELIGHTFUL experience no matter what age you are! I promise!
    Sunday: 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas
    The Lazy 5 Ranch image
    Lazy 5 Ranch had an over capacity limit of visitors today (a Saturday) and they were therefore required to close early! This is one of the few places people of all ages can visit during this time of restrictions that provides a WONDERFUL and enjoyable time for everyone! Because of the Covid-19 requirements, visitors are required to stay in their cars (no wagon rides) and drive through viewing, interacting, and feeding the numerous and wide assortment of animal species. It is a unique and amazing adventure to drive through this safari like woodland and experience this delightful opportunity! I was disappointed that I was unable to drive my parents (ages 86 years and 89 years) through the ranch today due to the early closing requirement knowing this adventure would have provided such a memorable and fun time for them after being “quarantined” at home for so many days! I have visited Lazy 5 several times through the years and each visit is always unique and just a wonderful and unforgettable experience! I am thankful that Lazy 5 Ranch is able to host so many visitors during this time of restrictions allowing a successful business opportunity for them! They have always been there providing a reasonably priced & wonderful experience for so many visitors for so many years and it is great to see them have this successful opportunity during a time while so many other businesses are struggling. If you are interested in visiting the ranch during this time of restrictions, you’ll want to arrive early to make sure you are able to get in before the gates may need to close due to an over capacity crowd of visitors! You’ll LOVE the experience! See more..
  4. 4.5 Western North Carolina Nature Center (815 reviews)
    - It’s small but we really enjoyed it!
    Sunday: 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas
    Western North Carolina Nature Center image
    Visit the Western North Carolina Nature Center - home to over 60 species of animals including river otters, black bear, red wolves and cougars. The Western North Carolina Nature Center connects people with the animals and plants of the Southern Appalachian Mountain region by inspiring appreciation, nurturing understanding, and advancing conservation of the region's rich biodiversity. The Nature Center is proud to be accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums. Founded in 1924, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) is dedicated to the advancement of zoos and aquariums in the areas of conservation, education, science, and recreation. Look for the AZA logo whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting an institution dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for you, and a better future for all living things. Less than 230 facilities in the United States have met the high accreditation standards set by AZA See more..
  5. 5.0 DuPont State Recreational Forest (776 reviews)
    - Great waterfalls!
    Nature & Wildlife Areas • Forests • Waterfalls
    DuPont State Recreational Forest image
    This forest covers more than 10,000 acres from Hendersonville to Brevard, North Carolina. See more..
  6. 4.5 Umstead State Park (462 reviews)
    - Tree art
    State Parks • Nature & Wildlife Areas
    Umstead State Park image
    Sandwiched between downtown Raleigh and the airport, this oasis of green features a stand of 300 year-old hardwood trees, more than 32 miles of hiking, biking and horseback riding trails, camp sites and lots more for nature lovers. See more..
  7. 4.5 Cataloochee Valley (383 reviews)
    - Beautiful place to view elk and bear!
    Nature & Wildlife Areas
    Cataloochee Valley image
    Cataloochee Valley is one of the most beautiful scenic parks I have been to in the NC Mountains. The drive to the valley is a bit sketchy, with winding narrow roads curving around the mountain. The roads are heavily trafficked, so it is possible you will have to stop or back up to let oncoming traffic pass by. The best time to visit is either early morning, or late afternoon (right before dark)...this is when the elk and bear are out the most. Definitely worth the drive. Plan for a couple of hours, since the drive will take about 30-45 minutes each way from the start. See more..
  8. 4.5 Duke Lemur Center (365 reviews)
    - Worth the money!
    Nature & Wildlife Areas
    Duke Lemur Center image
    What a unique and fun tour! My best friend and I took this tour. It exceeded our scope tarpons. We copious not stop smiling while watching the lemurs eat. Highly recommend although at two points in the tour we were in the same place staring at sleeping lemurs for a good 15 minutes too long. Either way, don’t miss this tour! See more..
  9. 4.5 JC Raulston Arboretum at NC State University (362 reviews)
    - Activities Galore
    Nature & Wildlife Areas • Gardens
    JC Raulston Arboretum at NC State University image
    Part of the North Carolina State University, this eight-acre garden contains a wide variety of cold hardy temperate zone plants. See more..
  10. 4.5 Carolina Raptor Center (346 reviews)
    - Excellent place to visit and see the beautiful raptors!
    Sunday: 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM, 1:30 PM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Science Museums • Nature & Wildlife Areas
    Carolina Raptor Center image
    Talk a Walk on the Wild Side at Carolina Raptor Center What will you find on your walk around the 3/4 mile Raptor Trail? Over 30 species of raptors and other birds of prey are featured on this walk on the wild side. Owls and Vultures. Hawks and Eagles. Falcons, Corvids and other species that just don't fall into any of these categories. Have you seen a Bald Eagle up close? The Raptor Trail features a nesting pair of Bald Eagles who live out back in the Eagle Aviary. Our Spectacled Owl just can't wait to tell you what she thinks about living here at CRC, but you might have to listen carefully to what she has to say - she's a shy one. Did you know that Vultures and Corvids are some of the smartest birds around. No bird brains here! Lots of human mythology surrounds both of these families of avian brainiacs. Crows have been known to drop nuts into crosswalks so that cars can crack them and then wait for the light to change and retrieve the goodies! Behind the scenes at CRC is our Raptor Hospital, where we see approximately 900 raptor patients a year (please no songbirds or possums!). If you can't make our behind the scenes tour, don't worry, the exhibit "A Day in the Life of a Raptor Hospital" will show you what goes on there - day and night. See more..
  11. 5.0 Cape Lookout National Seashore (332 reviews)
    - Beautiful Location- a North Carolina gem
    Nature & Wildlife Areas
    Cape Lookout National Seashore image
    Popular recreation area for surf fishing and shelling, these 28,500 acres of undeveloped barrier islands are accessible only by boat See more..
  12. 5.0 Conservators Center (258 reviews)
    - Exceeded Expectations
    Sunday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas
    Conservators Center image
    Have you ever looked a tiger in the eye? Felt the whole-body impact of lions roaring? Watched wolves romp through the woods? These and other once-in-a-lifetime experiences are possible at the Conservators' Center, a wildlife conservancy for more than 80 animals. An "oofing" at the Conservators' Center is an experience you'll have to feel to believe. It's the earth-shaking sound our lion prides make when they roar to one another. Our guides call to them on every tour, and you may have the opportunity to hear them from as close as 5 feet away! You'll also get up close and personal with tigers, leopards, wolves, lemurs, binturongs, and other exotic species. Tours, adoptions, memberships, and other donations support our work, so every visit from you helps us help them. Tours are held every weekend as well as some holidays. We have private experiences and field trips during the week. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED! PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO GET A RESERVATION FOR YOUR TOUR! See more..
  13. 4.5 Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve (227 reviews)
    - Beautiful trails and occasional wildlife (good and bad types)
    Nature & Wildlife Areas
    Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve image
    We are fortunate to have some very nice parks and walking trails here in Cary. I am a regular visitor to Hemlock Bluffs ang highly recommend it as a nice place for a shaded nature walk on very well taken care of mulch trails. This is an especially nice place for walking dogs or for trail running. As with any nature area you will occasionally see wildlife - including lots of lizards, deer and if really lucky you may see a fox. You may also see scarier wildlife such as snakes. I have been to Hemlock at least 50 times this year, and had never seen a snake... but this past week i saw copperheads on consecutive days. It seems that with the weather change, they are more active, so walkers should be attentive. I highly recommend visiting Hemlock Bluffs, and this is not meant to deter (ill probably go for a walk there later today). But during this season be alert to the trail ahead of you - especially if visiting with a pet or child. See more..
  14. 4.5 Carolina Tiger Rescue (188 reviews)
    - Nice!
    Nature & Wildlife Areas
    Carolina Tiger Rescue image
    This is a refuge for tigers and other exotic cats. See more..
  15. 4.5 McDowell Nature Center and Preserve (154 reviews)
    - Nice trails for running
    Nature & Wildlife Areas
    McDowell Nature Center and Preserve image
    McDowell Nature Preserve has some excellent trails for running. Nice changes of scenery with some good hills. Beautiful lake views and free to enter. Nature Center focused on the kiddos. See more..
  16. 4.5 Rankin Lake Park (115 reviews)
    - Great
    Bodies of Water • Nature & Wildlife Areas • Parks
    Rankin Lake Park image
    OK listen here I'm part of all that shooting , we don't like shooting while all you park goers are making tons of noise and breaking our focus , try and keep it down , and just remember we were here before you were so if you don't like it , leave , plain and simple ! See more..
  17. 4.5 Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area (96 reviews)
    - Great local adventure
    Nature & Wildlife Areas
    Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area image
    I’ve been here a few times with my sons and we always have a great time. It’s nice to have someplace close to Durham you can go that seems a world away. We aren’t hikers by any stretch but we enjoy getting some exercise on the trails. Since I don’t have a lot to compare it to I’d say even if you’re not in shape at all you’ll find these trails easy enough to do but still rewarding enough to make you feel like you’ve accomplished something. We’ve done the Chestnut Oak trail (.9 mi) and the Mountain Look trail (2.2 mi). The latter was very scenic including detours to a quarry and Eno river area. The terrain is somewhat steep so that’s some to think about but it will definitely get the blood pumping. We went on a Saturday afternoon and loved that it wasn’t massively crowded. All in all if you’re in the Triangle area and don’t want to travel too far and want a more challenging workout than you’d get with a regular walk I’d recommend this park. See more..
  18. 4.5 San-Lee Park (94 reviews)
    - Great local Park!
    Nature & Wildlife Areas
    San-Lee Park image
    San-Lee Park has great hiking trails, really challenging Mt Bike trails, canoeing, paddle boats, fishing, lots of wildlife, great playground & picnic areas, tent camping sites and RV camping sites, and various shelters. The staff are great at working with you. Before their main building was destroyed by fire, the Rangers gave several personal tours - talks to our scouts. I have camped & hiked numerous times with cub scouts and boys scouts. Our scouts have done several conservation and Eagle projects there over the years. We love San-Lee Park! See more..
  19. 4.5 Reedy Creek Nature Center and Preserve (86 reviews)
    - Nice Park
    Sunday: 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas • Hiking Trails
    Reedy Creek Nature Center and Preserve image
    We were invited to a baby shower at one of the covered outdoor picnic shelters and we very surprised to see how nice and large the park was. We noticed one large playground area for the kids. Lots of walking trails. Great place for a quiet getaway. See more..
  20. 4.5 Four Mile Creek Greenway (58 reviews)
    - Well maintained ~ nice easy walk
    Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Parks
    Four Mile Creek Greenway image
    My sister was in town for the week of thanksgiving and wanted to walk daily around the area. This greenway was easy to find, plenty of parking & well maintained. The pathway is wood planks which was nice and went along the creek & rear of some houses. We saw lots of dogs, heard plenty of birds sing & the sun coming thru the trees along the pathway was nice. A pretty walk! See more..
  21. 4.5 Latta Plantation Nature Center & Preserve (45 reviews)
    - The Jean Boggs Heritage Center
    Spent < 1 hour Nature & Wildlife Areas
    Latta Plantation Nature Center & Preserve image
    3d Saturday in February is Seed Swap Day at the center, heirlooms, herbs, veggies, and flowers. Lots of fun. Water and cookies to feed a seed searching soul. Then take time for the plantation tour and the Raptor Center. See more..
  22. 4.5 All-A-Flutter Butterfly Farm (43 reviews)
    - magical
    Nature & Wildlife Areas
    All-A-Flutter Butterfly Farm image
    We went to the farm on "release day" to see the buterflies be released for migration South for the winter. Prior to release there was a very interactive, entertaining presentation providing interesting information about the butterflies. Then you get to go into the "flight house" & get up close & personal with the butterflies; even feeding them on sugar pads provided to everyone. The Monarch release was very inspiring. Seeing the sky full of the beautiful butterflies flying free for the first time was magical. This is something I'd recomend for all ages. I'll most likely be a repeat guest. Such a great experience for $6. See more..
  23. 5.0 Deep Creek (42 reviews)
    - Beautiful forest and water features, but busy
    Spent More than 3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Hiking Trails
    Deep Creek image
    We spent a little over an hour and hiked to all three water falls, which is just a bit over 2 miles round trip. The deep creek trail is wide, mostly flat, and paved. It is used by bikers, hikers, and tubers, so it was quite busy the Friday afternoon we visited. The Juney Whank trail is short and clear of roots and rocks, but is challenging because it is steep. All three waterfalls are beautiful, and the trails have a lush forest canopy. We saw wildflowers, but no animals. There are multiple restrooms and parking areas, and a large picnic area. If you want to tube the creek, you can rent tubes right outside the park. This is a fun place to visit. See more..
  24. 5.0 Weymouth Woods Sandhills Nature Preserve (36 reviews)
    - Great nature spot
    Sunday: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas
    Weymouth Woods Sandhills Nature Preserve image
    We hiked the trails here, no crowds and minimal non-nature sounds. Unique landscape that we haven’t explored before. Definitely recommend when looking for a nature escape. See more..
  25. 5.0 Piedmont Environmental Center (27 reviews)
    - New greenway to run
    Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Hiking Trails • Lessons & Workshops
    Piedmont Environmental Center image
    The new greenway in High Point is amazing connects penny road with the bicentennial greenway. Is excellent place to run See more..
  26. 5.0 Hawk Manor Falconry (26 reviews)
    - Phenomenal - Book Now!
    Nature & Wildlife Areas
    Hawk Manor Falconry image
    Fantastic! Book today! Worth the trip from anywhere! Chip was very knowledgable, entertaining, and the presentation about falconry, hawks, falcons, vultures, and owls was phenomenal. Children and adults both were delighted. Learned a lot. They have multiple birds that they brought out for up close interactions and even photos with a barn owl at the end of the presentation. Very well done - very highly recommend! Wonderful experience! See more..
  27. 4.5 Fisher Farm (17 reviews)
    - Lucky Us to have Fisher Farm
    Spent 1-2 hours Biking Trails • Nature & Wildlife Areas
    Fisher Farm image
    What a great place! We love to go here to hike with our dog, enjoy nature and play in the woods. A real gem for our area! See more..
  28. 4.5 Birkhead Mtn Wilderness (14 reviews)
    - Peaceful
    Spent More than 3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas
    Birkhead Mtn Wilderness image
    Me and my husband enjoy hiking these trails. Quiet and peaceful is what we like. Some of these mountains are the oldest on the East Coast . See more..
  29. 4.5 Pee Dee National Wildlife Refuge (13 reviews)
    - A Unique Place to Visit
    Nature & Wildlife Areas
    Pee Dee National Wildlife Refuge image
    This out-of-State traveler to North Carolina really enjoyed reading the placards of information to learn about the tried-and-true, soil and land conservation plans. You would miss out on a lot if you did not stop to read. The loop road offers a lot of unique views. Look for turtles, frogs, birds, and more. The combination of the foliage and fauna are distinct. If you are into photography, you may want to remember to bring your polarizer. And, bring your bug spray, too. This landscape is always changing. It is FREE to enter. We were the only ones there when we visited on a Friday in April. Overall, this NWR is a worthwhile stop See more..
  30. 4.5 White Pines Nature Preserve (13 reviews)
    - A healthy and quiet respite from the city
    Nature & Wildlife Areas
    White Pines Nature Preserve image
    The last part of arrival is on a well-maintained state dirt road leading to the preserve's gravel. We chose to go to the second parking area where most trails begin. The trails are very well marked. We traveled various trails (be sure to download a very helpful trail map before you come), hiking down to the Rocky River, then to its confluence with the Deep River, and looping back to the parking area. The terrain is varied with deep hollows. It feels a bit like being in the mountains, yet only an hour from Raleigh. From Raleigh, I wouldn't follow the Google Map instructions. I would drive US1 to US15/501, and from there go south to Rocky River Road. See more..
  31. 4.5 Robertson Millpond Preserve (12 reviews)
    - Beautiful Paddling Experience
    Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Parks
    Robertson Millpond Preserve image
    Had a wonderful time paddling the preserve this past Saturday morning with my family (two teenage daughters + two of their friends). Much of the time you're under shaded tree canopies so it was very pleasant and no mosquitos - this was around 12pm in June. We paddled at a leisurely pace and stopped to eat our lunch under some of the cypresses - it's amazing to me this is in Wake County. Saw many turtles and birds. The whole trip took about an hour and a half or so. Additionally, I was concerned about popping our inflatable kayaks on a submerged tree stump - we did get stuck a few times (it had been a week since last rainfall) but all three of our kayaks made it out unscathed and we saw many other inflatables as well. See more..
  32. 4.0 Kerr Lake State Recreation Area (12 reviews)
    - Lots of fun
    Bodies of Water • Nature & Wildlife Areas • Parks
    Kerr Lake State Recreation Area image
    We went to Kerr lake and stayed for a week. The campsites in the middle are the largest. You can fit larger campers and still have lots of room for extras. The ones closest to the water are very nice but much more cramped. They also have tent areas that are right by the water. We had so much fun fishing, kayaking and relaxing by the campfire. It was full during the weekend. Weekdays were nice and quiet. Bathrooms and dumpster was far from campsites. See more..
  33. 4.5 Lower Haw River State Natural Area (11 reviews)
    - Peaceful and enjoyable
    Nature & Wildlife Areas
    Lower Haw River State Natural Area image
    Spent a couple hours here, hiking the trails and walking the bridge. Excellent area to enjoy nature and appreciate serene settings. Sometimes the best things in life are free. This is one of them. See more..
  34. 5.0 Blind Cat Rescue & Sanctuary (9 reviews)
    - Love this place!
    Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas
    Blind Cat Rescue & Sanctuary image
    Come and play with the 90 blind, FIV & FELV kitties! Our cats are very friendly and would love to sit and visit with you! We Do NOT adopt, we promise you will NOT take home a cat, just fond memories of the cats. See more..
  35. 4.5 Rock Springs Nature Preserve (9 reviews)
    - Neighborhood park
    Spent < 1 hour Nature & Wildlife Areas • Playgrounds
    Rock Springs Nature Preserve image
    Rock Springs Nature preserve is a great place to walk and take the kids to play. Variety of equipment, picnic pavilion and clean restrooms. I highly recommend. See more..
  36. 5.0 Broad River Greenway (8 reviews)
    - Great outdoor walk
    Spent 2-3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas
    Broad River Greenway image
    Rivers have always been of critical importance to man but today, we tend to take them for granted. They provide us our water. They are a habitat for wildlife. They are a recreational outlet. Yet, we take from them and seldom give back. The Broad River flows from the Blue Ridge Mountains and empties into the Atlantic tidewaters. For Native Americans, it was a pathway from the foothills to the sea. Its meandering course and mild currents made travel along it relatively easy. Today, the river's importance to natural ecosystems and to our needs is understood more fully. Its scenic and recreational importance is also understood, Parts of the river in South Carolina have been designated a "state scenic river". In 1994, citizens of Cleveland County galvanized into action to preserve part of the Broad River near Boiling Springs, NC. In a unique public/private partnership, a 448-acre tract of land along the both sides of a stretch of 1.5 miles of river was purchased and deeded to Cleveland County and the Town of Boiling Springs. A governing volunteer body, the Broad River Council, was formed to manage it. Since that time, the council has guided the development of what is called the Broad River Greenway, following a twenty-year master plan. Shelters, picnic areas, handicapped accessible trails and additional property acquisition have been the initial priorities. See more..
  37. 4.5 Twelve Mile Creek Greenway (7 reviews)
    - Great fun place to walk or fish
    Spent 1-2 hours Biking Trails • Nature & Wildlife Areas • Hiking Trails
    Twelve Mile Creek Greenway image
    My wife and I love this place to go for nice walks in nature, it’s located right behind our house . My son and I have had some good luck fishing here too. See more..
  38. 4.5 Forest Ridge Park (7 reviews)
    - great place for whole family
    Nature & Wildlife Areas • Parks • Hiking Trails
    great place to have a kids party, great huge field for playing any games, flying a kite, lots of room to run. really great mountain bike trails, will challenge the beginners, and impress the intermediates with great rock crossings, and awesome views of the lake. great walking trails too. a zip line for the kids is fun. See more..
  39. 4.0 Horseshoe Farms Nature Preserve (7 reviews)
    - Pretty little park
    Sunday: 7:00 AM - 7:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas
    Horseshoe Farms Nature Preserve image
    This is located in Wake Forest, although part of the City of Raleigh's Park System. It is compact, with its own hiking trails, plus easy access to the Neuse River Greenway Trail, with good parking. It's good for letterboxing, and there's a charming old farmhouse there that serves as a educational center. It's easy to get to, and a nice getaway from the hectic pace of the city. See more..
  40. 3.5 Cowan's Ford Wildlife Refuge (7 reviews)
    - Walking/Hiking through Cowan's Ford
    Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas
    Cowan's Ford Wildlife Refuge image
    This is a no frills place to explore. We've seen all kinds of birds since it is very near the lake. it's kind of remote so be sure to visit with other people. See more..
  41. 4.5 Collins Creek Picnic Area (7 reviews)
    - Collins Creek Picnic Area
    Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Hiking Trails
    Collins Creek Picnic Area image
    This Picnic area is clean and spacious and lots of picnic tables. This picnic area has lots of parking spaces nearby tables. And Beautiful surrounding scenery. Great to bring family and friends. See more..
  42. 5.0 Brumley Forest Nature Preserve (7 reviews)
    - Great Hiking and Mountain Biking
    Spent More than 3 hours Biking Trails • Nature & Wildlife Areas • Hiking Trails
    Brumley Forest Nature Preserve image
    Brumley Nature Preserve is one of the newest Triangle Land Conservancy properties to open to the public, having opened in April 2017. It is also one of the largest at more than 600 acres with over 10 miles of trails for hiking and biking. The South entrance off New Hope Church Road provides access to multi-use trails, while the North side is hiking only, so this side is better if seeking solitude. Great place to explore, with a number of old ruins, cemeteries, and farm ponds. It's quite popular so try to arrive early on a nice weekend to ensure available parking. See more..
  43. 5.0 Horton Grove Nature Preserve (4 reviews)
    - Beautiful Nature Preserve north of Durham
    Sunday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas
    Horton Grove Nature Preserve image
    Horton Grove is a beautiful nature preserve in northern Durham County near the community of Bahama, protected by Triangle Land Conservancy, a private non-profit dedicated to protecting land around the Triangle region. Once part of the 30,000-acre historic Stagville Plantation, Horton Grove protects much of the former agricultural land that has mostly reverted to forest. It's mostly forested, but TLC maintains an open meadow area on the preserve through controlled burns. With around eight miles of trails, it's a great place for a hike or to take the dog for a walk. We visited in early April and there were a lot of wildflowers blooming along the forest floor. And unlike more popular hiking spots like Eno River, I think we only saw one other person the entire time we were here. See more..
  44. 5.0 Saxapahaw Island Park (4 reviews)
    - Nice Park on Haw River
    Nature & Wildlife Areas • Parks
    Saxapahaw Island Park image
    Saxapahaw Island Park is a small Alamance County park on an island in the Haw River right in town. There is a short loop trail that runs around the perimeter of the island with nice views of the scenic river. The park also has opportunities for fishing and picnicking and a playground with a unique fish slide. For a longer hike, the Haw River Trail runs past the park for about 2.5 miles of additional trail along the river and provides access to Saxapahaw Rivermill. See more..
  45. 4.0 Shore-Styers Mill Park (4 reviews)
    - Hidden gem, definitely worthy of a road trip break
    Nature & Wildlife Areas
    Shore-Styers Mill Park image
    This park was amazing! Reading other reviews I think it is seriously under valued. The waterfall was beautiful! We were on a road trip between Raleigh and Boone and needed a place to have a snack and stretch our legs. The 10 year old tested her balance climbing on rocks and playing in the river while our 1 year old splashed in puddles and dug through the sand. Messy and perfect! It's right off the road so easy to run back to the car for anything extra we needed or forgot. There are no bathrooms or picnic tables or structures, it's just nature. There was a little trash, which we tried to pick up a bit and place in trash bins in the parking lot, but it did not detract from the experience. See more..
  46. 4.0 Martin Park (3 reviews)
    - LOVE THIS DOG PARK
    Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Parks
    Martin Park image
    I don't know what my dogs would be like without this place. Honestly. We go at least four times a week since they were big enough to, and won't stop going. I get a good 2 mile walk in the beautiful woods and the dogs get to run free while I do. They play with other dogs and are so well socialized I don't have anything to worry about when bringing them to new places. 55 acres, pretty well enclosed, but don't bring runners or unfixed dogs for the well-being of all park attendees. See more..
  47. 4.0 Goathouse Refuge (3 reviews)
    - Purrfect!
    Nature & Wildlife Areas • Gardens
    If you love felines this shelter is a place you should check out. It is a safe haven and sanctuary for cats. See more..
  48. 3.5 Carpenter Park (3 reviews)
    - Engaging playground for all ability levels
    Nature & Wildlife Areas • Parks • Playgrounds
    Carpenter Park image
    I enjoy bringing my two children here after story time at the library down the street. The equipment is non-traditional, consisting of more rope climbing equipment and high places rather than steps and platforms. But my 3 year old loved learning how to play in a new way. There is a section for younger children that my 10 month old enjoyed too. Pros: Big well-maintained sandbox, soft surface under the equipment (not mulch), swings for babies, big kids, and seat harness swings, two sections for younger and older kids, and a covered picnic table shelter. Cons: Not a lot of shade in the summer. It gets very hot! But it's a great park for a cooler day when the sunshine is more welcome. See more..
  49. 4.5 Howell Woods Nature Center Classroom (2 reviews)
    - Beautiful,well kept nature park
    Spent 2-3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas
    Howell Woods Nature Center Classroom image
    Wonderful with fishing lakes,wooded trails for hiking and horseback riding. Nature center is awesome with indoor and outdoor displays. Staff very friendly and accomadating. Also have cabins for rent. See more..
  50. 4.5 Stevens Creek Nature Center And Nature Preserve (2 reviews)
    - Enjoy Nature with Everybody Else
    Nature & Wildlife Areas
    Stevens Creek Nature Center And Nature Preserve image
    A beautiful park spanning Matthews and Mint Hill. Recently opened in 2021 with a very nice nature center building and trails. The trails are pet-friendly and partially wheelchair accessible. Bikes are not allowed on the trails. As the park is located along interstate I-485, there is some noise on the trails. With the continued development in the Mint Hill/Matthews area, the need for more parks such as this is obvious. It was very crowded the day we visited (Friday, mid-morning). If crowds and noise aren't your thing, luckily there are plenty of others less popular in the area. See more..

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