Lumber River State Park - National Wild and Scenic River with Tea-colored Water

Lumber River State Park Chalk Banks Access © Katrena

My family visited six state parks in two days when traveling toward the southeastern part of North Carolina. Lumber River State Park was our last stop.

Lumber River South of Fayetteville © Katrena

We visited the Chalk Bank Access in Wagram. The state park has another access, Princess Ann, about an hour away in Orrum. Lumber River State Park follows the river through four North Carolina counties and 115 miles.

State Park in Wagram NC © Katrena

The entrance road at the Chalk Bank Access is gravel and we could see several trails branching off on each side. We found a small parking area by a small pond. The park is rather natural and untamed in many ways.

TRACK Trail at Lumber River State Park © Katrena

Lumber River TRACK Hiking Trail © Katrena

We saw what looked like the beginnings of a TRACK trail beyond the parking area. One informational sign was up. At this point the trail is not paved, but it looks like they may be working on paving the area in the future.

Tea-colored Water of the Lumber River in NC © Katrena

Lumber River - Black Water River Federal Designation at a National Wild and Scenic River © Katrena

The water here at this park is an unusual tea color and according to the web site, it is a black water river with a federal designation as a national wild and scenic river. The color comes from leached tannins from vegetation decaying along the water. The Lumber River, previously called Drowning Creek, is divided into sections: recreational, scenic, and natural.

Handicap-access Camping at Lumber River State Park © Katrena

Beyond the TRACK trail, we found primitive campsites. They are shaded, have ample room, and each site has a picnic table. One looks to be handicap accessible with a picnic table that will allow someone with a wheelchair to sit at the table.

See Wildlife at Lumber River State Park © Katrena

Lumber River State Park Bridge Over Tea-colored Water © Katrena

My crew explored one of the small trails on the other side of the pond. A birdhouse was close to the road and a bridge crossed the water.

Hiking Trails at Lumber River State Park © Katrena

Wildlife at NC State Parks © Katrena

We found quite a few dragonflies or damselflies along this section. One dragonfly landed on two of us! Any outdoor area near water in most warmer months is going to have mosquitoes, so I would recommend bug spray if you plan to hike.

Fun Outdoor Activities for the Family at North Carolina State Parks © Katrena

Since this was the last stop on our six-park excursion, my crew was pretty tired and ready to hit the road back home, so we only explored a few minutes at this park. It looks to be in progress and is very much geared toward those who are interested in taking to the waters by boat or perhaps fishing along the shore.

Photo Opportunities at State Parks © Katrena

If you're interested in finding more information about the park, including maps, location, camping, history, ecology, or videos, go to the Lumber River State Park official page on the North Carolina State Parks web site. Click here to find a word search puzzle I designed related to Lumber River State Park. Find lists and photos of plants and animals at the park at the Natural Resources Inventory Database.

Wildlife at State Parks in North Carolina © Katrena

You can read more about my family's visits to various state parks and other locations in North Carolina at the site map or you might start with these nearby state parks:

• Lake Waccamaw State Park Boardwalk Trail 2 - Hidden Treasures Await!
• Carolina Beach State Park Near Wilmington and the North Carolina Coast
• Singletary Lake State Park - Cypress Trees in the Lake are a Photographer's Dream!

Butterfly in NC © Katrena

Thanks so much for visiting Travel NC With Kids!

Unusual Rivers in NC © Katrena