Today was a learning experience. My first Parks loop was to stop at Raven Rock, Carvers Creek, Weymouth Woods & Jordan lake.
Raven Rock
This was the largest of the three parks with many facilities. I came in the back way on a dirt road, no gravel, dirt! After 2 miles I had to cross a creek, 12" of water, but easy enough. This was the most interesting park and I will go back possibly to camp and explore. It is also the largest of the State Parks I visited today.
Lesson 1: GPS doesn't distinguish between service entrance and front gate. They were only a mile apart.
Lesson 2: Wear walking boots or carry hiking shoes. The Parking is at the Visitors Center and all trails radiate out from there. There is no vehicle access beyond there. Everyone I saw was carrying a backpack and a walking stick.
Lesson 3: Starting 1/2 mile from the gate there were signs on the shoulders saying NO Parking! Not a lot of parking so go on weekdays!
Carvers Creek
Fairly small with parking at the Visitors Center and 9 trails that radiate out. Also, a gravel entrance road.
Weymouth Woods
It's a nature preserve. I couldn't find it because there was a major festival in Southern Pines and cars had clogged everything. Avoid weekends.
Jordan Lake
This is not a state park but a Recreation Area. I stopped at the visitors center to get my stamp. I really enjoyed the ride in the country. Beautiful horse farms, good roads and a fun route.
The extra treat was lunch at the Pik-N-Pig at 12:30 with no crowd, I walked right in.
165 very enjoyable miles.
Pik-N-Pig http://www.pik-n-pig.com/
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