Forest Ridge Park

With a beautiful afternoon and a nearby park that I’d never visited, I went to check out the trails at Forest Ridge.

The trails at Forest Ridge Park are a mix of old logging roads and gravel paths. A three mike loop is used by beginning mountain bikers as well as hikers.

The park itself is fairly young, less than 2 years old. Its entrance is at the end of old NC 98, a deceptively rural area less than 10 miles from the densely populated state capital. The park borders the huge Falls Lake Recreation Area, a favorite destination for outdoor lovers in central N.C.

At this park, there’s a few short trails (.2 mile to 1.25 mile), easy to navigate on foot or bike. Fishing and watercraft are permitted, but there is no swimming or wading allowed at this park’s lake front.

Two nice covered picnic shelters and a playground are near the entrance, as well as a staffed welcome center, restrooms and an indoor classroom facility.

Of the natural areas I’ve visited along Falls Lake, Forest Ridge has the fewest amenities and is the most primitive. The simplicity actually makes its appealing, but it will not be a destination that will likely draw avid boaters or mountain bikers given the limited features compared to others nearby.

Still, it may be just enough, when getting back to nature is what is needed. In a matter of minutes the frenzy of city life can be temporarily left behind at Forest Ridge Park along Falls Lake.

Beaverdam Lake

A little known gem, Beaverdam Lake is located within the large Falls Lake State Park. Falls Lake was created by the damming of the Neuse River and straddles a 3 county area in central North Carolina.

On this visit, the plan was to explore the trail system at the Beaverdam Lake site.

However, when I found out this lake had a beach, and the heat index was topping 104, a dip in the water beat out a hike on the trails.

What a nice, secluded beach it is! A wide, sandy stretch is surrounded by a view of still, flat water and thick trees. The really nice feature is no motorized boating is allowed! So not only are the waters calm and cool on this really hot day, but kayaks, canoes, paddle boards and floats can put in without fear of being swamped by boats and jet skis.

Beaverdam Lake also has nice picnic spots, covered shelters, outdoor showers, a playground, large clean restrooms, and plenty of parking.

See that blue umbrella? That’s my spot. In 3 hours on this hot summer day, less than a dozen adults, most with kids, came to cool off. Granted, there is not an ocean breeze, so you end up in the water more than on the sand, but this place is a great alternative when a day by the sea is not doable.

But wait, there’s more! Beaverdam Lake does have trails. About 15 miles of mountain biking paths are mapped out on 4 loops, ranging from beginner to advanced, and a drop zone course. The trailhead has parking places, a convenient restroom, site maps and clearly marked directions to avoid head on collisions. Hikers are allowed to use the same trails, as well as leashed dogs. Just be very aware, as always, of your fellow trail users, and be courteous in giving bikers the right of way.

The park is patrolled by rangers and there is a nominal fee per car or bikers in most months. All visits end at dusk; there is no overnight camping at this location. Overall, this easy to find day park is one that offers a lot of recreational opportunities without a lot of crowds, even on the hottest of summer days. Check it out if you are in the area and see for yourself!

Blue Jay Point County Park

In my continuing summer quest to trek trails, I landed at Blue Jay County Park, another destination along the Falls Lake shoreline. What a find!

This well maintained and diverse natural habitat offers a number of activities and educational spaces. The visitor center has a number of hands on exhibits for young kids. Just outside there is an educational garden, including an herb section, butterfly garden, pond with turtles and fish and even a log garden that caters to insects and other critters.

The park also has a playground, t-ball field, overnight lodge, picnic shelters, and trails that lead to the lake. One of the trails is part of the state’s Mountains-to-Sea Trail, an added bonus. The trails are short and easy to navigate, so not a challenge for die-hard hikers, but for a dose of nature it is a wonderful spot to visit for awhile.

Plus, if you’re looking for a traipse through the treetops, Go Ape zip-line adventure is located there as well. No swimming is allowed, but leashed dogs are welcome.

And remember, please, leave no trace behind.