Outdoors/Parks

Farm Life

Gillis Hill Farm Gillis Hill Farm - Tour a real working farm. The Gillis Family has farmed in Cumberland County for eight generations, since the 1700s. Learn about how changes in technology have affected farming and farm life. Take a wagon tour. Enjoy some home made ice cream, see an animal show. Wagon tours available for groups, self-guided tours are also available.
2701 Gillis Hill Rd. 910-867-2350

Fishing

Cape Fear River - Boats can access the Cape Fear River at the N.C. Wildlife Ramp, at the junction of US 301 & Old NC 87. 485-3161. Or utilize the ramp at Riverside Sports Center. 1122 Person St. $3/24 hours a day. 483-1649 or 868-5003.
N.C. Wildlife Ramp, at the junction of US 301 & Old NC 87 485-3161
Fishing - Fresh water fishing for large-mouth bass, crappie, blue gill and perch is popular throughout the area. Please call for information about fishing permits, boat motor restrictions and special regulations.
Throughout the area.
Fort Bragg - Thirteen lakes are open to the public. Lakes over 20 acres include Big Muddy Lake (71 acres), Little Muddy Lake (25 acres), McArthur Lake (45 acres) and Mott Lake (96 acres).
Fort Bragg 396-7506
Glenville Lake in Mazarick Park -
1368 Belvedere Ave. 433-1575
Hope Mills Lake - An 88-acre lake.
Main St. 424-4500
Lake Rim -

A display depicting a tar kiln/naval stores operation and several artifacts from the Weed Lightwood Plant is located in the Visitor Center at the park.  Evidence has been found that indicates Native Americans once inhabited this site.  It is a popular place for walking and jogging.  Ask us about nearby fishing locations.


Old Raeford Rd. 868-5003

Gardens

Cape Fear Botanical Garden Cape Fear Botanical Garden -

Consisting of 85 landscaped acres overlooking Cross Creek and the Cape Fear River, the grounds include a restored farmhouse, perennial gardens, a natural amphitheater, wildflowers, majestic oaks, nature trails, numerous species of native plants and a "water-wise" gardening exhibit.  Displays of historical farming tools and techniques show how tobacco, cotton, and other southern crops were gown in the southeastern United States.


536 North Eastern Blvd 910-486-0221
Fayetteville Rose Garden Fayetteville Rose Garden - Established in the early 1970's at Fayetteville Technical Community College, this garden features more than 1,000 rose bushes and participates in the All American Selection. Enjoy the beautiful gazebo, fountains, and flora - best times are from April until the first winter's frost. Rose talks can be given by an on-staff horticulturalist.
2201 Hull Road 910-678-8228

Hiking

Cape Fear River Trail Cape Fear River Trail - The Cape Fear River Trail is a 10-foot wide path that winds through a beautiful blend of trees, plants, and wildlife for 4.2 miles.  The terrain is both flat and hilly, with bridges and spectacular views of the river.  It is open to walkers, joggers, bicyclists, and others utilizing non-motorized transportation.  There are more than 700 species of plants and trees, and 150 species of birds.  The River Trail is home to an unusual combination and diversity of hardwood trees, some of which hare found in the mountains.  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.
Trailheads at Jordan Soccer Complex 910-433-1547
Clark Park Nature Center Clark Park Nature Center -

Situated about two miles north of Historic downtown Fayetteville it's eastern boundary fronts the Cape Fear River.  The 4.2 mile Cape Fear River Trail can be accessed from this park.  The nature center has a number of animal, plant, and environmental exhibits.  It is a great place for bird watching and offers a variety of indigenous plant life.  There are several scenic spots that overlook the river.


631 Sherman Dr. 433-1579

Horseback Riding

Fort Bragg Riding Stables - Open to the public, offering open riding, pony rides, riding lessons, trail rides and hay rides.
Reilly Rd. and Butner Rd. 396-4510

Parks

Arnette Park Arnette Park -

A popular place for walking and jogging, the park features several scenic spots that overlook the Cape Fear River.  An variety of plants can be found, particularly along the banks of the river.  Squirrel, rabbit, opossum, raccoon, fox and, on occasion, white tail deer often make appearances at the park.  The park is also an excellent place for bird watching.


2165 Old Wilmington Road 910-321-6506
Christine Smith Park - Basketball courts, baseball field, picnic shelter, splash pond and volleyball court, and a recreation center.
500 Fisher Rd. 433-1572
Cross Creek Park Cross Creek Park - Features a magnificent central fountain, flower garden and statue of the Marquis de Lafayette.
Green St. 910-433-1547
East Side Park - Walking trail, picnic shelter, playground, basketball courts.
Shad Bush Lane 433-1547
Honeycutt Park - Includes a quarter-mile walking trail, children's play area, picnic area, three baseball fields and a recreation center.
Fort Bragg Rd. at 352 Devers St. 433-1568
Lake Rim Park Lake Rim Park -

A display depicting a tar kiln/naval stores operation and several artifacts from the Weed Lightwood Plant is located in the Visitor Center at the park.  Evidence has been found that indicates Native Americans once inhabited this site.  It is a popular place for walking and jogging.  Ask us about nearby fishing locations.


2214 Tar Kiln Dr. 424-6134
Mazarick Park Mazarick Park -

Milton E. Mazarick Park contains 80 acres and a variety of activities for patrons.  From fishing at Glenville Lake, to walking, to disc golf and picnics, this park meets many recreational needs.


1368 Belvedere Ave. 433-1547
Nature Sites - To learn about nature study and other programs, call the City of Fayetteville Parks and Recreation Dept. at 433-1547, or the Cumberland County Parks and Recreation Dept. at 485-3161. Parks are open daily 8am-dusk unless otherwise noted.
Fayetteville 433-1547
Rowan Park - Features picnic areas, playground and tennis courts, as well as a bandshell which hosts many community events and entertainment during the year.
W. Rowan St. 433-1547
Seabrook Park - Picnic shelter, baseball fields, swimming pool, and a recreation center.
708 Landgon St. 433-1572

Riverboat Cruises

Cape Fear Riverboat Cruise - Leslie Selph offers 2 hour tours on the Cape Fear River. leaves from Riverside Highway 87 boat landing, near Arnette Park. Can accommodate 12 people, minimum of 8 needed for a tour. Price - $15 per person.  Call for more info.
3901 Saint Michaels Drive 910-489-4411
River Boat Cruises by Freddie Mims - Freddie Mims offers 2, 4 and 8 hour rides on the Cape Fear River. His cruises start at Riverside Marine at Cambellton Landing. Prices vary depending on the size of the group. Call for more information. 910-630-1475.
245 Person Street 910-630-1475

Tennis

Fort Bragg Tennis Club - Six lighted, hard courts. Normandy Dr., Bldg. #1-5426, Fort Bragg. Open to civilians
Normandy Dr., Bldg. #1-5426 910-436-1171
Massey Hill Park - Two lighted, hard courts.
1612 Camden Rd. 910-433-1547
Mazarick Park Tennis Center - Eight lighted, hard courts.
1612 Belvedere Ave. 910-433-1576
Terry Sanford High School - Six lighted, hard courts.
2301 Fort Bragg Rd. 910-433-1547
Tokay Park - Six lighted, hard courts.
328 Hamilton St. 910-433-1547
Westover High School - Hard courts.
277 Bonanza Dr. 910-433-1547

Water Parks

Fantasy Lake Fantasy Lake - Fun for the whole family!  Enjoy the water park with slides, volley ball and basketball, and horseshoes.  A complete water park featuring paddle boats, trapeze swings, picnic areas with grills, video arcade and sandy beaches.
5869 Permastone Lake Rd. 910-424-9999
Lake Pines - This two-acre spring-fed lake features a sandy beach, picnic area, two volleyball courts, tennis court, two horseshoe courts, diving boards and slides.
1129 Lake Pines Dr.
Smith Lake Recreation Area - Enjoy swimming, cable water-skiing, sandy beaches, paintball games, mountain bike trails, playgrounds, picnic areas, volleyball and basketball courts, paddleboats and a water ski pro shop.
Smith Lake Rd. 910-396-5979
Waldo's Beach - Enjoy beaches, picnic areas, paddleboat and canoe rentals, fishing, swimming pools and more.
Waldo's Beach Rd. 910-423-8701

Zoos

Jambbas Ranch Jambbas Ranch - Enjoy a leisurely visit and see our buffaloes, llamas, elk, cows, deer, camel and a whole ranch full of friendly, domestic, exotic birds and animals.  Scenic views and attractions include our Welcome Center, Covered Bridge, Fort Rest, No Chance Gold Mine, Swinging Bridge and the beautiful Cape Fear River.
5386 Tabor Church Rd. 910-484-2798