Nature Adventures in Wake Forest

Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve is a tranquil destination for nature lovers, offering diverse outdoor experiences. The preserve is home to a unique community of Eastern Hemlock trees and other mountain species. Visitors can enjoy 3 miles of mulched trails, scenic overlooks, and abundant birdwatching opportunities. The Stevens Nature Center provides engaging educational exhibits and programs for all ages. The park also features a children's nature trail, making it a great spot for families to explore and learn about nature.

• 23.4 mi away

• 2616 Kildaire Farm Road, Cary, NC, 27518

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Lake Michie Boathouse is located within Lake Michie Park and Marina in Bahama, NC, offering a range of outdoor activities, including boating, fishing, and picnic areas. Visitors can enjoy largemouth bass fishing and rent motorboats, canoes, and kayaks to explore the scenic lake. The facility features ADA-accessible amenities, such as a boathouse, dock, and canoe/kayak launch. The lake is open seasonally from mid-March to early November and provides a peaceful environment for outdoor recreation. Additionally, campsites are available in the nearby Spruce Pine Lodge and Holly Grove areas for those seeking a more immersive nature experience.

• 23.5 mi away

• 2802 Bahama Road Bahama, NC 27503

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Step into authentic farm life at our family-owned and operated haven. Hidwell farm offers personal encounters with gentle alpacas, adorable rabbits, free-range chickens, and more! Experience the charm of rural living through our guided tours and savor the freshest farm-to-table eggs from our own ethically raised chickens. Join us for an authentic agricultural adventure that educates and delights visitors of all ages.

• 23.7 mi away

• 7621 Blaney Franks Rd., Apex, NC, 27539

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The Sarah P. Duke Gardens consist of approximately 55 acres of landscaped and wooded areas at Duke University. There are 5 miles of allées, walks, and pathways throughout the gardens. The gardens are divided into four areas, the Historic Core and Terraces, the H.L Blomquist Garden of Native Plants, the William Louis Culberson Asiatic Arboretum, and the Doris Duke Center Gardens (including the Page-Rollins White Garden). The gardens are a memorial to Sarah Pearson Duke, mother of Mary Duke Biddle and wife of Benjamin N. Duke, one of Duke University's benefactors. There is a small shop and cafe available. While admission is free, parking fees apply.

• 23.7 mi away

• 420 Anderson St., Durham, NC, 27705

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Nestled on 33 acres, Crowder District Park offers a variety of activities including animal encounters with ducks, turtles, and fish. The park features a paved walking path around a scenic pond, picnic shelters, playgrounds, and restrooms, making it an ideal spot for outdoor recreation.

• 24.5 mi away

• 4709 Ten Ten Road, Apex, NC, 27539

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For over 30 years, this locally owned gemstone panning facility has been a family-friendly destination. Enjoy gemstone panning, a playground, and a mineral cave for digging—all included in the experience. You may even encounter friendly goats and other animals during your visit.

• 25.4 mi away

• 1823 NC HWY 55 West, Cary, NC, 27519

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Juniper Level Botanic Garden boasts a stunning 28-acre collection of rare and exotic plants, drawing gardening enthusiasts from around the globe. Don’t miss the adjacent Plant Delights Nursery, offering unique perennials for sale to enhance your own garden.

• 25.5 mi away

• 9241 Sauls Rd., Raleigh, NC, 27603

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The Piedmont Wildlife Center in Durham features outdoor raptor exhibits and offers educational programs focused on wildlife conservation in its natural park setting.

• 26.8 mi away

• 364 Leigh Farm Rd., Durham, NC, 27707

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Waller Family Farm, located in Durham, is a working farm offering a variety of fresh, locally grown produce, including strawberries, honey, eggs, and flowers. During the season, visitors can pick their own produce directly from the fields. The farm also sells homemade goods such as pound cake and strawberry jam. Established in 1943, Waller Family Farm has shifted its focus from tobacco to strawberries, while still maintaining livestock. The farm remains a family-operated business, and the farm’s owners encourage customers to check for updates on weather and availability before visiting.

• 27 mi away

• 5030 Kerley Road, Durham, NC 27705

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Hilltop Needmore Town Park and Preserve spans 143 acres of green space, including ponds and trails. With 5 miles of trails offering varying difficulty levels, visitors can enjoy walking, jogging, and biking. The park also provides bike trails, restrooms, parking, and scenic views, making it a perfect location for outdoor activities.

• 27.2 mi away

• 4621 Shady Greens Drive, Fuquay-Varina,, NC, 27526

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Pleasant Park, located in Apex, offers a 92-acre facility with diverse amenities, including 6 multipurpose fields, tennis, pickleball, and basketball courts. The park features a 1.5-acre Enchanted Forest with 9 inclusive play villages for all ages and abilities. Open daily from 6:30 am to 10:00 pm, the park also includes Splashlantis, a water play area that opened in May 2024 with seasonal hours from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.

• 28.3 mi away

• 3400 Pleasant Plains Road, Apex, NC, 27502

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Discover the natural beauty of Bass Lake Park, a year-round outdoor destination spanning 54 acres of pristine lakefront. Part of the NC Community Fishing Lake Program, the lake offers excellent fishing for catfish, bass, bream, and crappie, with complimentary equipment available through our Tackle Loaner Program. Enjoy seasonal boat rentals, explore our extensive greenway trail network, or visit our Nature Center featuring local wildlife exhibits. The park includes Sugg Farm's 117-acre special events space, complete with archery field, RC field, and dog park. Open 8 a.m. until sunset daily, except major holidays.

• 28.6 mi away

• 900 Bass Lake Road, Holly Springs, NC, 27540

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The North Carolina Botanical Garden inspires conservation and appreciation of plants through its gardens and programs, promoting sustainable relationships between people and nature.

• 29.8 mi away

• 100 Old Mason Farm Rd., Chapel Hill, NC, 27517

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Breadbox Farm is an urban homestead and rabbitry located in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. The farm specializes in raising high-quality Netherland Dwarf rabbits, known for their excellent temperament, and is a member of both the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) and the American Netherland Dwarf Rabbit Club (ANDRC). The farm also focuses on sustainable living practices, providing educational resources on topics like rabbit care, nutrition, and health. It offers a range of services including kid’s classes, events, and the adoption of rabbits as companion animals. Breadbox Farm promotes responsible pet ownership and the benefits of a human-animal relationship.

• 31.2 mi away

• 338 Wesley Dr Chapel Hill, NC

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Fuquay Mineral Spring, discovered in 1858 by Davey Crocket Fuquay and Stephen Fuquay, was once believed to have healing powers, attracting visitors from far and wide. Today, the spring is commemorated in Fuquay Mineral Spring Park, featuring a restored spring house, memorial brick path, picnic tables, and scenic walking areas. Located near downtown Fuquay, the park offers a peaceful setting to relax and explore, with a walking track for exercise.

• 32.1 mi away

• 105 West Spring Street, Fuquay-Varina, NC, 27526

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Experience the natural beauty of Kerr Lake State Recreation Area, spanning two counties along the Virginia border. This 50,000-acre reservoir paradise features eight access areas with multiple boat ramps and hundreds of campsites. Enjoy premium fishing in one of the East Coast's top lakes, along with modern amenities including community buildings and beach access. Camping options range from basic tent sites to full-service RV hookups, with fees from $15 to $145 nightly.

• 32.9 mi away

• 6254 Satterwhite Point Road, Henderson, NC, 27537

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Discover Jordan Lake State Recreation Area, a magnificent outdoor destination featuring seven access points across Chatham County. The park offers over 1,000 diverse campsites, excellent boating facilities, and pristine swimming areas. Home to a thriving bald eagle population, the park provides unique wildlife viewing opportunities. Visitors enjoy comprehensive amenities including boat rentals, picnic shelters, and educational facilities. Seasonal entrance fees apply, with free off-peak access.

• 33.2 mi away

• 280 State Park Road, Apex, NC, 27517

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Harris Lake County Park, a 680-acre park located near New Hill, NC, offers a wide variety of activities. Visitors can explore the sensory garden, ride the Hog Run Mountain Bike Trail, or enjoy a round of disc golf. The park is also home to a playground, fishing opportunities, and geocaching. The site provides educational programs for schools and groups, offering both in-person and virtual experiences. A great destination for outdoor lovers and those seeking an adventure in nature.

• 33.4 mi away

• 2112 County Park Drive, New Hill, NC, 27562

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Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park is a premier outdoor destination in western North Carolina, located approximately 25 miles southeast of Asheville. The park's centerpiece is the iconic 315-foot granite monolith known as Chimney Rock, which offers visitors panoramic 75-mile views of the Hickory Nut Gorge and Lake Lure. Accessible via a 26-story elevator or the Outcroppings Trail featuring over 500 steps, the summit provides breathtaking vistas of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains. In addition to the Chimney Rock itself, the park boasts a variety of hiking trails suitable for all skill levels, including paths leading to the 404-foot Hickory Nut Falls—one of the tallest waterfalls east of the Mississippi River. The park's diverse ecosystems support over 90 rare plant species and offer opportunities for wildlife viewing.

• 213.1 mi away

• 431 Main St, Chimney Rock, NC 28720

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The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located along the border of North Carolina and Tennessee. It is renowned for its rich biodiversity, ancient mountains, and cultural history, making it the most visited national park in the U.S. The park offers stunning scenic views, hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and opportunities to explore Southern Appalachian culture. Visitors can experience attractions like Cades Cove, waterfalls, backcountry camping, and the famous synchronous fireflies event.

• 270.9 mi away

• Oconaluftee Visitor Center, 1194 Newfound Gap Rd, Cherokee, NC 28719

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Explore Wake County parks through a mobile tour that enhances your experience with maps, photos, audio, and text. As you visit various parks and preserves, the tour guides you to significant features and points of interest, offering a deeper understanding of the natural surroundings. New tours will be added regularly, so be sure to check back for fresh content and explore the parks in an entirely new way.

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