15 Local Parks for Outdoor Escapes

Jaycee Park, Morehead City

What is a cool and peaceful way to beat the heat and enjoy fresh air that doesn’t cost anything? A walk in a park, of course! And North Carolina has plenty of them. We found the best quiet parks and nature trails in 15 towns across the state. Here are a few serene spots (listed roughly from west to east) in areas predominantly served by North Carolina’s electric co-ops:

1Waynesville
waynesvillenc.gov
The 8-acre Vance Street Park [map ] includes a walking trail beside Richland Creek.

Vance Street Park in Waynesville, NC. Photo courtesy of Glenn Gasner via Google Local Guides.

2Marshall
madisoncountync.gov   
Barnard Park [map ] marks the start of the classic whitewater rafting, canoeing and kayaking section of the French Broad River. The fishing spot also features a walking loop and picnic tables.

3Forest City
townofforestcity.com
Florence Mill Park [map ] downtown is newly created and named for the historic Florence Mill; joins the popular James F. Crowe Park [map ] on Cherry Mountain Street, which has several large shelters that can be reserved for special events.

4Winston-Salem
cityofws.org
Minutes from downtown, Salem Lake Park’s [map ] 365-acre lake is often referred to as “the diamond” of the city’s many parks. A 7-mile hiking trail offers scenic views of the lake. Quarry Park [map ] also has trails, seating and beautiful sightlines. Lockland Park [map ] features a shelter and playground. 

Pee Dee National Wildlife Refuge near Wadesboro, NC. Photo courtesy of Pee Dee NWR and photographer Keith Henderson.

5Wadesboro
co.anson.nc.us
Little Park [map ] has all manner of athletic facilities and a swimming pool, but its quiet Loop Trail is a manicured 1.7 miles through the woods that connects to Fox Squirrel Trail for a total of 3 miles of trails, named for the creatures you may spot. The Pee Dee National Wildlife Refuge [map ] north of town is an expansive waterfowl habitat.

6Asheboro
ci.asheboro.nc.us 
Park Street Park [map ] is less than an acre but offers a cozy wooded spot with picnic tables and grills; Bicentennial Park [map ] downtown features a fountain and a memory walk.

7Sanford
leecountync.gov
San Lee Park [map ] sprawls over 177+ acres in Lee County, with hiking trails, two stocked lakes for fishing, picnic facilities and a nature center.

Father and son overlook the Eno River at River Park in Hillsborough.

8Hillsborough
visithillsboroughnc.com   
River Park [map ] abuts the Eno River, perfect for strolling and picnicking, and is part of the popular Riverwalk Greenway, particularly attractive to visitors.

9Fayetteville
visitfayettevillenc.com
Cape Fear River Park’s 5-mile trail [map ] includes a boardwalk traversing marsh and wetlands; Cross Creek Linear Park [map ] is a winding greenway skirting downtown, winding through history sites. Cape Fear Botanical Garden (capefearbg.org) is a truly lovely setting, and a model railway will traverse the grounds through August 31. There’s an admission fee, but it’s worth it. 

10Wake Forest
wakeforestnc.gov
H.L. Miller Park [map ] offers 2 acres of wooded greenspace behind Wake Forest Town Hall. North of town, E. Carroll Joyner Park [map ], has 3 miles of paved walking trails around a pond, over creeks and through an old pecan grove. Restored farm structures include a log cabin, mule barn and tobacco barn.

H.L. Miller Park in Wake Forest, NC

11Burgaw
townofburgaw.com
Johnson Park [map ] has a gravel pathway, tree-shaded garden and grassy area; Burgaw Greenway Trail  is a 2¾-mile loop along Osgood Canal connecting several wooded areas, including Pecan Park [map ] (in a pecan grove, with benches).

12Jacksonville
jacksonvillenc.gov   
Wilson Bay Park  [map ] offers visitors a covered gazebo and a walk by the water. Jacksonville Landing  [map ] offers boat ramps, a boardwalk and greenspace along the New River at Buddy Phillips Bridge.

13Ahoskie
ahoskienc.gov
Cardinal Park [map ] is a tranquil spot to see the town’s tall clock and relax for a time. Also in the area is Merchants Millpond State Park [map ].

Mitchell Village Park in Morehead City, NC

14Morehead City
moreheadcitync.org
Jaycee Park [map ] is a waterfront space with benches and picnic tables. Take a break on a bench swing at Mitchell Village Community Park [map ] for views of Bogue Sound and endless boat- and bird-watching.

15Hatteras Village
hatterasonmymind.com
Gaze out at Pamlico Sound and enjoy cooling breezes from the southernmost community on Hatteras Island. Cape Hatteras Electric Cooperative recommends the Sea Breeze Trail [map ] as a favorite serene and educational nature trail/park/walkway. The Buxton Woods Trail [map ], near Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, offers views of the ocean through tranquil maritime forest.