The Outdoors Experience in Raleigh

RALEIGH, N.C. (January 2005) – Greater Raleigh is proud to offer more than 4,300 acres of award-winning parks. Whether it's taking a guided tour or doing some self-exploration, Raleigh's vast green, open spaces provide ample opportunity to enjoy the outdoors.

With more than 41 miles of trails, Raleigh's Greenway system is the oldest of its kind in the Southeast. Many of the trails are equipped with picnic areas, and all of the trails are easily accessible. Frisbee. Golf. When the two are combined, they create an exciting spectacle. Two unique facilities are located at Cedar Hills and Kentwood Park, each offering 18 holes for frisbee and golf enthusiasts. Professional and amateur tournaments are held monthly. Cedar Hills Park: (919) 870-2880; Kentwood Park: (919) 890-3285.

Gardens

Voted one of America's "Greatest Garden Cities" in 2002 by Garden Design, the gardens in Greater Raleigh provide a truly sensual experience for enthusiasts. The J.C. Raulston Arboretum at N.C. State University features the most diverse collection of plants adapted for landscape use in the southeastern U.S. Unique gardens include the award-winning Perennial Border, a spectacular, 450-foot long, 18-inch deep marvel of color and texture, containing nearly a thousand plants. Tours are available to the public free of charge every Sunday at 2:00 PM from April-October.

Many of Raleigh's gardens have historical significance, such as the Ellen Mordecai Garden. This spectacular garden is recreated from first-hand descriptions of the Mordecai kitchen garden in the 1830s. It contains vegetables, herbs and flowers that were grown in the mid-19th century and arranged in squares of raised beds. Admission is free. (919) 834-4844.

Another historic treasure is the Raleigh Municipal Rose Garden, sweetly nestled in a residential neighborhood near N.C. State University. Its 1,200 roses of 60 different varieties are in bloom from late May until autumn. Seasonal flowers include bulbs, annuals, trees and shrubs. Admission is free. (919) 821-4579.

The oldest garden in the city, the Joel Lane House Gardens, stems back to the 18th-century, and features espalied fruit trees and pomegranate trees. Brick walkways lead the visitor through the wonderfully fragrant full-scale herb garden. Admission is free. (919) 833-3431.

Parks

Durant Nature Park, north of Raleigh, offers self-guided trails, including a walking tour of the interpretive butterfly garden and the one-mile Beavers of Sawmill Lake loop. Admissions is free.
(919) 870-2871.

Hike right into the heart of the woodlands at the William B. Umstead State Park with 17 miles of hiking trails that wander through a pine and hardwood forest. Camping, picnicking, renting a rowboat, fishing and horseback riding are also available. Admission is free.

The Falls Lake State Recreation Area, one of the largest recreational facilities in the state, also offers camping, hiking, fishing, boating and swimming, as well as picnic areas and playgrounds. Admission is $4 per car; during warm weather months.

Recreational opportunities in Pullen Park include TV Land's "Andy & Opie" statue, a 1911 Gustave A. Dentzel Menagerie Carousel, C.P. Huntington train ride, boat rentals, ballfields, tennis courts, picnic shelters, playground, concession stand and Theatre in the Park. Admission is free; small fee for amusement rides. (919) 831-6468.

Lakes

Start the boating season as early as February on Lake Wheeler. Sixty acres of parkland provide the picturesque setting for this 635-acre lake that offers fishing, sailing, canoeing, rowing and kayaking. The new Waterfront Program Center offers programs and classes, a small conference facility and concessions. Sand volleyball and picnic facilities also available. The Tar Heel Regatta is held here each spring, and bass tournaments are held throughout the summer. (919) 662-5704.

Lake Johnson features a 301-acre park with a paved greenway trail, picnic tables, grill areas and paddle and Jonboat rentals. Nature of the City programs and naturalist-led walks are offered weekly. This fishing and boating lake is known for its large-mouth bass and crappie fishing. (919) 233-2121.

The 50-acre Shelley Lake in north Raleigh is also accompanied by greenway trails. Lake visitors enjoy fishing, canoeing, sailing, rowboating, pedal boating, biking, hiking and picnicking. (919) 420-2331.