Eno River State Park
The Eno River State Park offers visitors secluded wilderness trails. Visitor can hike along the Eno River, and pass historic mills at a location just minutes from Raleigh in Durham. Five access points within Eno River State Park--Cabe Lands, Cole Mill, Few's Ford, Pleasant Green, and Pump Station--offer entry into the 3,900-acre unspoiled river environment. Campsites are available for overnight visits, and several spots are available for fishing along the trail.
Eno River State Park
6101 Cole Mill Rd.
Durham, NC 27705
919-383-1686
ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/enri/main.php
Falls Lake State Recreation Area
Fishing, boating and swimming opportunities are available at the Falls Lake State Park, located just minutes away from Raleigh in nearby Wake Forest. Visitors can also hike, camp and mountain bike throughout the 26,000 acres of woodlands. The Falls Lake Trail takes visitors around the south portion of the park's 12,000-acre lake. Other paths include the one-mile loop around the home of naturalist B. W. Wells, and shorter trails like the Rolling View, Sandling Beach, Beaverdam and Holly Point trails.
Falls Lake State Recreation Area
13304 Creedmoor Rd.
Wake Forest, NC 27587
919-676-1027
ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/fala/main.php
Jordan Lake State Recreation Area
The NC Division of Parks and Recreation operates nine recreation areas around the 14,000-acre lake, including Crosswinds Campground, Ebenezer Church, Parker's Creek, Poplar Point, Seaforth, Vista Point, Robeson Creek, New Hope Overlook, and White Oak Recreation Area. These areas offer recreational activities such as fishing, boating and hiking. Picnic areas can be found throughout the park, along with campground sites. Visitors exploring the park will likely catch a glimpse of a bald eagle, since the park is one of the largest summertime homes of America's state bird.
Jordan Lake State Recreation Area
280 State Park Rd.
Apex, NC 27523
919-362-0586
ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/jord/main.php
William B. Umstead State Park
Tucked within the city limits of Raleigh, the William B. Umstead State Park is an oasis of calm. The park offers visitors plenty of opportunities to spot birds, beavers and ducks. The park has wooded areas full of beech trees, a lake area and picnic sites. Visitors can boat and fish, hike the nearly 6,000-acre park, or even horseback ride along the trails. Rent a canoe or rowboat or reserve a campsite and stay in the park overnight. With the pine trees surrounding the park, visitors may forget they're in a city.
William B. Umstead State Park
8801 Glenwood Ave.
Raleigh, NC 27617
919-571-4170
ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/wium/main.php
