Regional Data Book, Vol. XI,  2009

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RECREATION

Southeastern North Carolina provides recreation in a variety of forms. These include:

• Boating
• Camping
• Canoeing
• Fishing
• Golfing
• Hiking
• Hunting
• Recreational Sports
• Swimming
• Surfing
• Water skiing

The coast along southeastern North Carolina offers miles and miles of shoreline for the water enthusiast and is home to many natural barrier islands as well. For those who enjoy water-related recreation, the area has deep sea and freshwater fishing available along the coast and in the region’s numerous lakes, rivers, and ponds. Swimming and other water related activities are available, including power boating, sail boating, jet skiing, water-skiing, parasailing and surfing.

For the golf enthusiast, more than 100 championship golf courses are located in close proximity to the region, bordered by Pinehurst to the northwest to Myrtle Beach’s Grand Strand to the southeast. Pinehurst Resort is home of the 1999 and 2005 US Open.

Many tennis courts and clubs, public and private, are also available throughout the area. There are opportunities to participate in numerous amateur leagues including baseball, soccer, and basketball for children as well as adults.

North Carolina’s beautiful mountains can be reached in less than a day’s drive. This offers over 250 miles of the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway or 200 miles of the Appalachian Trail, the wilderness route from Maine to Georgia, for viewing, hiking, or camping pleasure. Eight ski resorts and fifteen popular white water rivers provide rafting and winter sports experiences.

North Carolina’s Zoological Park at Asheboro is in close proximity to the region. It is the world’s first completely natural habitat zoo with animals separated from the public by natural barriers.

Trails/Walks

Cape Fear River Trail, Fayetteville

Covers 4.2 miles through wooded land adjacent to the Cape Fear River. Most of the trail consists of 10-foot wide paved surface appropriate for many modes of non-motorized traffic. Over 700 species of plants and 150 species of birds are in the area.  Trail is not only a relaxing escape from modern life, but a wonderful educational opportunity. Signs along the trail educate users about the many natural resources. Three bridges cross ravines that provide wonderful views, including a covered bridge.
With the opening of this trail, Fayetteville is linked to the East Coast Greenway currently in development across the east coast; the East Coast Greenway will be the nation's first long-distance, city-to-city, multi-modal transportation corridor for cyclists, hikers and other non-motorized users. Open daily 8am-dusk. Call 910/433-1547 or see website for more information www.greenway.org

Festival Park, Fayetteville

Downtown Fayetteville is being connected to the Cape Fear River and Methodist College via 10 miles of walking trails. Festival Park, a 13-acre gathering space with a fountain and sculpture garden, starts the trails. From Festival Park, follow Cape Fear Linear Trail to the Cape Fear Botanical Garden. This trail will run along Cross Creek to the Cape Fear River. From the Botanical Garden, visitors can walk, jog, skate, or bike to the Cape Fear River Trail, which connects the Botanical Garden to Methodist College. For more information call: 800/255-8217 or 910/483-5311 or visit the website:  www.VisitFayettevilleNC.com.

The Riverwalk, Lumberton
Walking, running, and biking trail along the picturesque Lumber River. 3-mile loop from downtown Lumberton to Luther Britt Park and back.

Riverfront Park, Wilmington
Riverfront Park epitomizes Wilmington life. Once congested with the wharves of the state's busiest port, the newly expanded Riverwalk is now a place for quiet strolls, sightseeing, shopping, live outdoor music and dining. The sternwheeler Henrietta III docks here. You'll also find a visitors information booth. Historic sailing ships visiting town often dock here and usually offer tours.

Public Parks, Pools, and Recreation Centers

Source: Internet Search, February 2009.

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