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Tuesday, June 16, 2020

Jones Lake State Park - Nice Spot for a Picnic and a Hike

Jones Lake State Park © Katrena
Jones Lake State Park was the first state park opened to African Americans in North Carolina. Of course, today all North Carolina State Parks are integrated and welcome people of all cultures, colors, nationalities, religions, etc.

Jones Lake Near Fayetteville, NC © Katrena
This state park is located 40 miles southeast of Fayetteville and offers picnicking, camping, fishing, and hiking. Admission to the park is free.

Welcome Center at Jones Lake State Park © Katrena
Tree Growing in Lake at Lake Jones © Katrena
Jones Lake has a roped off area for swimming and offers canoes and pedal boats as well as a welcome center, but we visited in June 2020 when the pandemic restrictions were in effect and the boats were not available and the welcome center was closed. The restrooms were clean and well stocked.

Pedal Boats and Canoes at Lake Jones © Katrena
Picnic Shelters at Lake Jones © Katrena
The park was quite peaceful and very few people were at the park when we visited. We walked out on the pier and saw quite a few bird nests there and in the large picnic shelters. One shelter has a large fireplace that looks like it would be great when cooking for large gatherings.

Hiking Trailhead at Lake Jones © Katrena
Bay Trail at Lake Jones © Katrena
We saw two trailheads from the picnic area - one on each edge of the lake. Unfortunately, the area had recently gotten a lot of rain and one trail was closed while the other became too muddy to continue hiking.

Outdoor Exercise Equipment at Lake Jones © Katrena
Volleyball Court at Lake Jones © Katrena
The park has soccer goals, some outdoor exercise equipment, a volleyball court, and horseshoe pits.

Handicap Accessible Picnic Table at Lake Jones © Katrena
Some of the picnic tables are handicap accessible and according to their web site, they also have a beach wheelchair.

Swing Overlooking Lake Jones © Katrena
We saw beautiful butterflies, dragonflies, and plants. The lake calls to photographers!

Beautiful Scenery at Jones Lake State Park © Katrena
If you would like to learn more about Jones Lake State Park, go to the North Carolina State Parks official web site. You might also like to see lists and pictures of animals and plants at Jones Lake.

Butterfly on Butterfly Bush at Lake Jones © Katrena
Additional articles by Katrena:
Lake Jones State Park in NC © Katrena
Thanks for visiting Travel NC With Kids!

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