Carvers Creek State Park

Beautiful fall day spent here. Well maintained trail around a small pond.

Carvers Creek is a relatively new addition to the NC State Parks, having recently opened its short-​term facilities to the public. A little north of Fayetteville and bordering Fort Bragg, it’s pretty easy to find, but watch the signs once you get to Long Valley road. While there’s only one entrance, it’s easy to head down the service road instead.
Although the park is nearly 4000 acres, the initial two trails give an easy hike. One is about a half-​mile to the Rockefeller house and the second, a connecting Cypress trail loop, is about three-​fourths of a mile. The paths are flat, except for the occasional tree roots breaking through.
It’s a fascinating walk, one side is open field and the other a forest of pines. As you approach the Rockefeller house, where you can pick up the connecting Cypress trail, you get the initial glimpse of the pond. Near the main house is the mill, pavilion, and canoe house. If you continue walking toward the fishing spot, the pond is on one side and a swamp on the other. The Cypress trail shadows the swamp and the forest. Along the initial path and heading toward the fishing pier, there are picnic tables set up for lingering and picnicking on nice days. Right now there’s no overnight camping, but you can bring your (leashed) dog and enjoy the sights.
It’s beautiful on a gray winter day. It has to be stunning on a bright summer day.
Stop at the ranger station as you enter; pick up a map, although it probably isn’t needed for these short hikes, and information about future park development.