Holly Discovery Trail at Lake James State Park - Educational & Interactive

Holly Discovery Trail at Lake James State Park © Katrena

Lake James State Park, located at 7321 NC Hwy 126 in Nebo, North Carolina, was a quick stop for my family to break up the ride to Cherokee as we headed west on I-40.

Lake James State Park TRACK Trail © Katrena

We managed to find the park without incident by following directions from the web site - there were several signs along the road as well.

Hiking Trail for Families © Katrena

Entrance into the park is free. I particularly like the free parks in North Carolina! For me, enjoying the beauty of nature is a great family activity for all ages and abilities.

Beautiful Hiking Trail in NC © Katrena

After getting our NC state parks passport stamped in the welcome center at the lake, this trail was recommended by an employee.

NC State Park Family Interactive Hiking Trails © Katrena

Employees at the North Carolina State Parks are often a great resource and can offer advice for folks who are looking for activities that will fit within a time frame or particular abilities within the group.

Shaded Hiking Trail in North Carolina © Katrena

On the day we visited, the lake area had a well-kept, sandy beach with several lifeguards on duty. There is a fee for swimming.

Hiking Trail at Lake James State Park in NC © Katrena

The trailhead for Holly Discovery Trail is right by a large bridge with a parking area off to the side. This is a TRACK trail, designed with families in mind.

NC State Park Hiking Trail © Katrena

The trail is 0.75 mile and loops back into a circle in which hikers can choose either direction for navigating.

Interesting Hiking Trails for Families © Katrena

We opted to start on the left side of the trail and circle back to the right side. We visited in late June. I would highly recommend bug spray if you are visiting during mosquito season.

Lake James State Park in NC © Katrena

Water Activities for Families in NC © Katrena

This trail is quite shaded and near a body of water. You can see the stream from the bridge but not easily from the trail.

Interactive Hiking Trail at Lake James © Katrena

When we visited, the trail was well-maintained and clearly marked throughout the loop. The terrain is flat and paved with gravel.

Free Hiking Trail in NC © Katrena

I believe someone with a scooter designed to navigate gravel would be able to do this trail as long as it is dry.

Fun Family Activities in North Carolina State Parks © Katrena

This trail was loaded with interactive displays. The displays are colorful, interesting, and educational. They often encourage hikers to explore further with multiple senses or to learn more about the ecological system of the area.

Interact with Nature in NC © Katrena

Several areas beckoned visitors to stop and explore, but my hikers focused on finishing the trail because the bug spray was in my backpack in the car.

Unusual Hiking Trails in NC © Katrena

One of my kids was wearing flip flops, not exactly hiking attire, but she was able to hike the trail without any problems.

Free Park with Hiking Trails in North Carolina © Katrena

This park is large with 25 miles of hiking trails, many of which are open to mountain biking. Those who enjoy water activities may wish to swim or rent a boat or kayak at the lake. Picnics are another option while visiting a state park.

Learn About Nature © Katrena

Find detailed information about Lake James State Park on the NC State Parks official web site.

Educational Hiking Trails © Katrena

Thanks for checking out my Travel NC With Kids blog! You may wish to read more of my articles, such as:

• South Mountains State Park in NC - Great Hike, Beautiful Scenery, and More
• Mingo Falls in Cherokee - It's Beautifully Majestic 40 Years Later
• Mount Jefferson State Natural Area - Beautiful View!

Shaded Hiking Trails © Katrena

Hanging Rock State Park Window Falls Hiking Trail

Window Falls at Hanging Rock State Park © Katrena

Hanging Rock State Park in Danbury, North Carolina, offers hiking trails to five different waterfalls. The trail to Window Falls is shared by two other one-way trails. The Hidden Falls trail shares this trail for 0.4 mile; Window Falls is located 0.2 mile past Hidden Falls. Folks who want to continue hiking below the waterfall can continue on the 1.3 mile one-way moderate Indian Creek Trail just below Window Falls.

Window Falls Moderate Hiking Trail at Hanging Rock in Danbury © Katrena

The mileage for this one-way trail to Window Falls is 0.6 mile. The last 0.2 mile of the Window Falls hiking trail is a moderate hike with more rocks, elevation changes, and several steps to navigate when compared to the first 0.4 mile portion of the trail leading up to Hidden Falls. The hike to Window Falls is not handicap accessible (see photo above). Entry into Hanging Rock State Park and its hiking trails are free.

View of the Natural "Window" (near center of pix) at Hanging Rock State Park © Katrena

This waterfall has several unique features that make it one of my favorite hikes. As you come in sight of the waterfall, you will be able to see a large hole in the rock face just beyond the fence, hence the name Window Falls. If you peer through this natural "window," you can see another waterfall above the main waterfall.

Standing Under Window Falls at Hanging Rock State Park in NC © Katrena

Look to the left of the fence and you'll see some steps that will take you closer to Window Falls. This spot is especially fun because folks can cross Indian Creek below the waterfall and walk right under and behind the falling water. It is sort of like a natural shower. The water tends to be pretty chilly, which can be quite refreshing in hot summer months. We hiked here in July 2016 when it was 95 degrees. Whew!

View From Behind Window Falls at Hanging Rock © Katrena

The water pools in a few areas below the waterfall, and I've often seen children and adults playing in those pools. I suggest packing extra clothes so they can be dry on the road back. There's something about a waterfall trail that tends to get the kiddos a little wet! If you have tiny hikers, I would suggest a baby backpack or sling because it would be very difficult to navigate a stroller on this trail.

Hanging Rock State Park - Window Falls © Katrena

The hike back is pretty much all uphill with the steepest grade the 0.2 mile near Window Falls. It is a good idea to pack plenty of drinking water and a snack, making sure to leave nothing but footprints behind. The trail is bordered by a variety of trees. Ensure that everyone in your group is wearing good hiking shoes before heading to this trail. This is not a flip flop or sandal kind of hike.

Close-up of Natural Window at Window Falls in Hanging Rock State Park © Katrena

Discover more about Hanging Rock State park, including hours, programs, and directions at the Hanging Rock State Park web site.

Waterfall Behind the Window at Hanging Rock © Katrena

Additional articles by Katrena

• Hanging Rock State Park Hidden Falls Hiking Trail
• Hanging Rock Upper Cascades Hiking Trail
• North Carolina State Parks Trivia Game

View from the Top of Window Falls © Katrena

I hope you enjoy my articles on Travel NC With Kids! Have you hiked to Window Falls? Feel free to share your experience in the comments section beneath this article.

5 Great Reasons to Visit North Carolina State Parks

Many people have lived in North Carolina for years and have not yet discovered the wealth of wonderful outdoor opportunities offered through the NC State Park system. Here are five great reasons to explore North Carolina's state parks with your family!

Enjoy North Carolina State Parks © Katrena

#1 Variety

North Carolina boasts 39 state parks scattered across all regions. The Tarheel state offers a nice array of topography, from coastal regions and plains to the foothills and mountains. State park visitors might enjoy an amazing view atop Mount Mitchell, go kayaking on the Dismal Swamp Canal, explore on a Turtle Talk at Fort Fisher, enjoy rock climbing on Rumbling Bald Mountain at Chimney Rock, or camp along the Jacob Fork River at South Mountain. This is a great way to beat boredom by going outside and getting active with the kids.

Fun Family Activities at NC State Parks - Petting a Ferret! © Katrena

#2 Fun Family Activities

Before packing the car and heading out, consider exploring options with the family, getting input from everyone in order to determine an adventure that appeals to everyone. After determining preferred activities, you can easily navigate the NC State Parks web site to choose state parks that offer those activities and more. Family pets are also welcome on a leash, a big plus for those who love to enjoy vacations with the furry family members. The parks offer some areas and even hiking trails that are handicap accessible – research individual parks to determine which ones best suit your needs regarding special accommodations.

Learn About Plants and Wildlife at NC State Parks © Katrena

#3 Natural and Unique Beauty

North Carolina state parks highlight the area's natural beauty, encouraging an appreciation for nature. Outdoor activities provide a unique experience as each day brings different flora and wildlife to enjoy. Visiting the same park during different seasons might offer a completely different backdrop dappled with views reflecting the temperature and time of year. Those who enjoy nature may be more likely to strive to preserve our natural resources for future generations.

Low Cost Family Vacations - Great Way to Relieve Stress! © Katrena

#4 Minimal Cost

One can enjoy most of North Carolina's state parks absolutely free. Only three of the parks charge an entry fee: Falls Lake, Jordan Lake, and Kerr Lake. A mini vacation at a state park can be very reasonably priced as one might only spend gas money to travel to the destination. Many people who visit the state parks pack a picnic to enjoy together. Enjoying a state park can become a time of rejuvenation without all the electronic devices and modern conveniences that tend to get in the way of one-on-one conversations and interactions. The lack of commercialism is a welcome relief to many people who have discovered the often unsung beauty of nature.

Hands-on Educational Activities at North Carolina State Parks © Katrena

#5 Educational

Learning opportunities abound at North Carolina state parks! Taking a nature walk always provides educational opportunities. Many of the parks offer guides related to the animals and plants commonly found in the area. Rangers may offer a wealth of information related to the park as well. Children can participate in the Junior Ranger program that offers educational activities, newsletters, and patches related to the parks. Curriculum guides are available that highlight competency goals in science, social studies, math, and language arts that are unique for each park as well. In addition, the state park system highlights a different animal with educational events, games, and quite a few resources geared toward the chosen topic. This year, 2014, is the Year of Lepidoptera.

If you have not discovered the amazing opportunities found in North Carolina's state parks, perhaps today is the day to begin a new family journey! Feel free to share your own experiences in North Carolina state parks in the comment section below.

Related articles:

• Hanging Rock State Park Upper Cascades Hiking Trail in Danbury NC
• South Mountains State Park in NC – Great Hike, Beautiful Scenery, and More
• Catawba College Ecological Preserve – A Hidden Treasure Awaits!
• Linville Caverns – Enjoy North Carolina's Only Show Cave

If you liked this article, you might want to check out my blogs:

• Travel NC With Kids
• Love 2 Travel With Kids
• Wildflower Bouquets (includes unique scavenger hunts and printables)
• Fit Tips 4 Life