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This
tour takes us through the area south of the Raleigh-Durham Triangle on
a path of natural beauty, outdoor enjoyment and our state's past,
leading us to beaches, memorable sites, rivers, cliffs, wetlands,
boating, and the cultural, historic, and recreation areas from Raleigh
to the Sandhills.
The tour can be started at any point, but we begin in the heart of the
Triangle next to RDU airport at William B. Umstead State Park. Escape
busy modern life and visit this oasis for relaxation, fun, and beauty.
Rent a canoe on Big Lake, fish in lakes and creeks, or enjoy 20 miles
of multi-use trails for walkers, bicycles, and horses. Stop at the
visitor center to learn more about the park's history. Even before
European settlers arrived, the Triangle was a major stop on several
trading routes. Check the event schedule for the many ranger-led
programs. Sound like a lot to do? You're right! Check out the
reservation system for a campsite. And don't forget the Reedy Creek
section of the park at I-40/exit 287 for more great trails and picnic
areas
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Next
is a
45-minute drive through the Triangle. Take US 70 north, then I-540 west
to exit 66A. Follow NC 55 south to US 64 and head west to Jordan Lake
State Recreation Area. Launch your boat from any of several marinas and
boat launches, or rent a boat for the day from a local commercial
marina. In this very accessible park, enjoy the beaches, go for a swim,
hike, fish, or have a cookout. There are campsites aplenty for longer
stays. Keep an eye out for bald eagles that nest along the lake. Stop
at the visitor center to view a nest up close and check the ranger's
program schedules. Kids, don't forget to fill out your Junior Ranger
booklet for each park.
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Continuing
our tour, we
travel south for one hour and 15 minutes to the Sandhills region. Head
east on US 64, turn right on Beaver Creek Road, and follow it to US 1.
Continue south on US 1 past Sanford to Southern Pines, or take a side
trip on US 15/US 501 to the pastoral golfing mecca of Pinehurst. At US
1 in Southern Pines, head east on Indiana Avenue to Weymouth Woods-Sandhills
Nature Preserve.
Enjoy an easy stroll through the long leaf pine forest, home of the
red-cockaded woodpecker and other endangered species. As the state's
first natural area, its goal is to protect for education and research,
the remaining old-growth long leaf pine groves that once covered the
southeast. Ask about the many birding and nature programs.
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Next,
begin a one-hour,
40-minute journey through the pine barrens surrounding Fort Bragg. Head
north on US 1 to NC 690/Main Street. Go east to NC 210, then north to
Lillington and US 421. Head west until you turn right on Raven Rock
Road to reach Raven Rock State Park.
Named for the impressive rock cliff that towers over the Cape Fear
River, the park's hiking trails emerge from the forest above the bluffs
and follow the river into wetlands, showcasing a wide variety of
natural environments. North of the river are special horse trails.
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Raleigh to
the Sandhills
Major towns near the tour offering food and lodging include: Raleigh,
Cary, Sanford, Pinehurst, Southern Pines, and Fayetteville. The Raleigh
area is rich in cultural, historic and entertainment sites, including
the North Carolina Museum of Art with its sculpture park, Museum of
Natural History with rich exhibits on the state's natural habitats, and
Museum of History with exhibits on everything North Carolina, from
basketball to civil rights. Pinehurst is home to major golf courses and
a former US Open host. Sanford is renowned for its pottery and Fort
Bragg offers armed forces tours and museums. You can use one of these
as your home base and enjoy all of the parks during your stay. Be sure
to also check out the area for other historic sites, museums, golf
courses, craft shops, and outdoor recreation |
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Published by Friends of State Parks PO Box 37655 Raleigh NC 27627
Copyright © 2010 by Friends of State Parks
Photos: Raven Rock by Adam Prince, Umstead by Elijah Sarver, Weymouth
Woods by ASH of NC Division of Parks and Recreation, others by Bob Sowa
© 2010
Your membership and the 501c Non Profit
status of Friends of State Parks support this program.
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