Travel NC With Kids

Wednesday, June 17, 2020

Singletary Lake State Park - Cypress Trees in the Lake are a Photographer's Dream!

Singletary Lake State Park © Katrena

Singletary Lake State Park, located 50 miles northwest of Wilmington, used to only be available for group camping but now offers visitors opportunities to hike, fish, go boating, or simply enjoy nature.

Restrooms at Singletary Lake State Park © Katrena

Statue Honoring Civilian Conservation Corps by FDR © Katrena

We visited Singletary Lake in the spring of 2020 on the way to Carolina Beach State Park. Several parts of the park were closed due to military training, but we were able to see one group camping area and walk down to the pier at the lake. The restrooms were located next to the parking area and they were open. We also saw a statue honoring the Civilian Conservation Corps by Franklin D. Roosevelt, who built much of what is in the park today.

Camp Ipecac at Singletary Lake State Park © Katrena

Camp Ipecac is named for Carolina ipecac, an herb that grows in the region's sandy soil. As a nurse for many years, I remember syrup of ipecac being administered to children who had ingested certain poisonous substances in order to induce vomiting, so I couldn't help but smile and become intrigued by that name.

Group Camping for Boy Scouts, 4-H, etc. at North Carolina State Parks © Katrena

The group camp site reminds me a little of group camping in 4-H. This park has been used by organizations such as Boy Scouts and 4-H for summer camps since 1939. According to the website, the group camping offers dormitory-style accommodations, modern bathrooms and a mess hall. Camp Ipecac is normally open for up to 84 people April through October while Camp Loblolly Bay is typically open year-round for up to 48 people. Due to a pandemic with a novel coronavirus, all group camping was cancelled at the time we visited.

TRACK Trail at Singletary Lake State Park near Wilmington © Katrena

We were the only visitors to the open part of the park when we visited. We were able to access the TRACK trail, which is a short trail to the lake. The trail was well-maintained with a paved surface. TRACK trails include educational boards along the trail so that visitors can learn more about the area.

Canoeing, Fishing, and Boating at Singletary Lake State Park © Katrena

In addition to hiking, visitors are welcome to bring in canoes, kayaks, or watercraft with electric motors to hop on the lake. The canoes at the lake and swimming area are for group campers only. Visitors can fish from the pier or from watercraft, but fish populations tend to be low due to the acidity of the water.

Carolina Bay Lake Near North Carolina Coast © Katrena

Beautiful Lake Photo Opportunities in NC © Katrena

This protected area is one of a handful of Carolina bay lakes in North Carolina. The water has a distinct black hue to it due to its acidity. The cypress trees emerging from the waters of Singletary Lake provide striking photo opportunities. Some of the trees are more than 400 years old.

500-foot Pier at Singletary Lake State Park © Katrena

The 500-foot pier beckoned my crew to enjoy the scenery. As you can see from the photo, the pier was in good shape. The area was quite serene and peaceful and a wonderful place to dip one's toes into the water to cool off from the deck. One of my daughters saw a snake silently slithering on top of the water.

Water Level at Singletary Lake State Park © Katrena

The lake's deepest portion is 12 feet. Like many bay lakes, Singletary Lake is shrinking as the bay forest grows into the lake. It is currently 44% smaller than its original size and may one day become a bog.

Dragonfly and Other Wildlife at North Carolina State Parks © Katrena

The 133-acre Turkey Oak Natural Area lies within the park and will remain in its natural state for scientific and educational study. Some rare plants like the white wicky and carnivorous plants grow in the park. Like many of our state's parks, nature provides unique opportunities to see a wide variety of plants and animals that are unique with each visit.

Cypress Trees Growing in Lake © Katrena

If you are visiting in warmer months, I would recommend sunscreen and bug spray before going out to hike. Plan to go slow and savor the moment in time, leaving only footprints and taking only photos.

Storm Clouds Over Lake © Katrena

For more information about Singletary Lake State Park, visit the official web page, where you can find directions, hours, fees for group camping, historical information, information about the flora and fauna, a short video, and more. Visit the Natural Resources Inventory Database to find lists and photos of plants and animals found at the park. Click here to find links to all TRACK trails in the North Carolina State Parks system.

Singletary Lake Cypress Trees © Katrena

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Outdoor Activities in North Carolina © Katrena

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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

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Lake Jones State Park in NC © Katrena

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Sunday, June 14, 2020

Weymouth Woods Sandhills Nature Preserve - Home of Longleaf Pines & a Million Dragonflies!

Weymouth Woods Sandhills Nature Preserve Welcome Center © Katrena

Weymouth Woods Sandhills Nature Preserve, located 35 miles northwest of Fayetteville in central North Carolina, greets guests with a longleaf pine forest that is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including the rare red-cockaded woodpecker, also known as the Yankee Doodle woodpecker.

Longleaf Pine at Weymouth Woods Sandhills Nature Preserve © Katrena

The park has a welcome center with restrooms. When we visited in the spring of 2020, the welcome center was closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but the bathrooms were open. The restrooms were clean and well-stocked.

Birds at Weymouth Woods © Katrena

A plethora of birds, about 160 species, live in the preserve. We saw red-headed woodpeckers, warblers, sparrows, waxwings, cardinals, and more. Sitting and listening to the birds while eating a picnic lunch was a real treat for us.

Self-guided Educational Sign at Weymouth Woods © Katrena

Picnic Table at Weymouth Woods © Katrena

Picnic tables are located in several places near the parking lot, including some behind the welcome center near some birdfeeders. Educational signs offer added information about various interests at Weymouth Woods.

Hiking Trail at Weymouth Woods © Katrena

We hiked several trails at Weymouth Woods. They were well-maintained, clearly marked, and offered quite a mix of biodiversity. All of the trails we hiked were natural surface and one trail had a short bridge. It was a quiet, serene, peaceful, and enjoyable time for our family.

Trail Map at Weymouth Woods © Katrena

Printed trail maps were not available on the day my family visited due to the pandemic, but the park does offer a large map to the right of the welcome center. Visitors are welcome to take pictures of the maps or you might wish to print a trail map at home.

Bower's Bog Trailhead © Katrena

Bower's Bog Trail is a 0.3 mile easy loop that is an easy hike in view of the parking lot. Longleaf pines, ferns, and sassafras were plenteous along this hike.

Observational Deck at Weymouth Woods Sandhills Preserve © Katrena

Bench Dedicated to a Beloved Dog Named Liam at Weymouth Woods Sandhills Preserve © Katrena

Pine Barrens Trail is a mile-long meandering loop trail that is also an easy hike without a lot of steps or steep hills to navigate. An observation deck that offers a view of the back of the welcome center is near one end of the loop.

Dragonfly at Weymouth Woods © Katrena

Daddy Longlegs at Weymouth Woods © Katrena

We found a wide range of dragonflies, damselflies, plants, and other creatures along this trail and the detour trails we took. If you slow down and really look, you might be surprised at what you can find!

Gum Swamp at Weymouth Woods © Katrena

The Gum Swamp Trail is another loop trail that takes a detour off the Pine Barrens Trail. This half mile trail takes hikers along James Creek and a swamp under the canopy of hardwoods.

For me, it was well worth the detour as the wildlife diversity was quite different and interesting near the swamp.

From Gum Swamp Trail, we went 0.1 mile to Moccasin Crossing, which takes hikers to a short bridge over the James River. Hikers who wish to continue on in that direction will find a 1.8 mile loop called Holly Road Trail. My crew turned back and headed back to the Pine Barrens Trail.

We did manage to find some carnivorous plants, including the venus flytrap and pitcher plant. The venus flytrap in particular is quite rare and only found naturally in the world within about 75 miles of Wilmington, North Carolina. They are federally protected.

I would highly recommend bug spray for hiking these trails if mosquitoes are out. I would also recommend sunscreen despite the shade as the sun does come through in patches throughout the trails.

We are blessed with lots of beautiful protected natural areas in North Carolina. To keep them beautiful, take only pictures and leave only footprints. Enjoy the time together in nature and make memories!

For directions, trail maps, information on history and ecology, visit the Weymouth Woods Sandhills Nature Preserve page on the official North Carolina State Parks web site. You might also wish to see lists and photos of plants and animals along with their scientific names at the preserve. Looking for educational materials related to Weymouth Woods? Click here for free teacher resources.

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Sunday, December 29, 2019

Winterfest at Carowinds Amusement Park on the NC and SC Border

Carowinds, an amusement park on the North Carolina and South Carolina border located off interstate 77 began offering limited evening November and December hours in which visitors can enjoy holiday lights, entertainment, activities, and a parade. In 2019, visitors could either pay an entry fee or enter with a season pass. Some season pass holders could also have a limited number of guests to enter with them at a discounted rate. Carowinds charges $20 for parking unless you have a season pass with parking included.

Those who are only interested in riding coasters or other rides would do well to check the Carowinds web site before deciding to visit Winterfest. Many rides like Fury 325 and the Intimidator were not open; however, Copperhead Strike, Afterburn, fair-type rides, and many of the rides for small children were open. Winterfest was crowded both times we visited. With few larger rides running, the lines were long, sometimes longer than an hour wait, which is a consideration when the park is only open for a few evening hours.

We thought the holiday lights were nicely done at Winterfest. Some lighted areas were themed, such as Candy Cane Lane and Celebration Plaza. One of my favorite ways of enjoying the lights was to ride the Carolina Skytower and see the motley array of festive colors from above. That ride will hold a large number of people, so even if there are lots of people standing in line, you probably won't have to wait a terribly long time before getting to ride.

Live entertainment abounded at Winterfest. One indoor show, Charlie Brown's Christmas Spectacular, included singers and dancers who interacted with several Peanuts characters. My family enjoyed the show. Most of the other entertainers appeared in various outdoor areas throughout the park. A wide variety of styles from bluegrass, jazz, brass, drumming, and more were offered at various times throughout the park. We got a schedule of events but only planned around the Charlie Brown show. As we walked around, we had the opportunity to enjoy several musical numbers that were nicely done in that particular genre.

Many employees were dressed in costume and offered photo opportunities for the shutterbugs in the crowd. Examples of other activities included a large tic-tac-toe area, a place to write a card for someone in the military, line dancing, and a Christmas tree lot with a Charlie Brown Christmas tree nestled in the middle. For an extra fee, visitors could go ice skating, ride Ripcord or Slingshot, decorate cookies, hang out in an "igloo," play several carnival-type games, or go for a horse-drawn carriage ride.

Winterfest offers a parade near the end of the evening, but my crew opted to exit before the parade to avoid a long wait to get out of the parking lot. We saw a few of the floats near the south gate as we were leaving and it looked like the parade would have been fun to watch.

Overall, my family enjoyed Winterfest. The lights and entertainment were festive and fun. I would recommend a season pass that includes free parking, especially if you wanted to go to Carowinds several times in a year.

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