Trails
Contact the park
910-436-4681
carvers.creek@ncparks.gov
Addresses
Long Valley Farm access
and park office
2505 Long Valley Road
Spring Lake, NC 28390
GPS: 35.197026, -78.976785
Sandhills access
995 McCloskey Road
Fayetteville, NC 28311
GPS: 35.170036, -78.894338
Hours
►
- November to February:
8:00am to 6:00pm
- March to May:
8:00am to 8:00pm
- June to August:
8:00am to 9:00pm
- September to October:
8:00am to 8:00pm
- Closed Christmas Day
►
- 8:00am to 5:00pm daily
- Closed Christmas Day
List of trails
The trail systems of the Long Valley Farm and Sandhills accesses are different in length and terrain.
At Long Valley, there are two trails, the Rockefeller Loop Trail and the Cypress Loop Trail, which is shorter and branches off to the north. Both trails are for hiking and bicycling only. From the Cypress Point Loop Trail, you can look toward the dam and see the pavilion, which used to be a sawmill in the 1800s, and the grist mill, which played a vital role in utilizing waterpower in the 1900s. In total, just under 3 miles of trail offers an easy walk on sand and gravel. These two trails were once roads during the peak of Long Valley Farm in the 1950s.
The trail system of the Sandhills access totals just over 10 miles, which is composed of seven trails on sandy soil. The parking lot and some sections of trail have crush and run rock where trail tends to be wet — boots or shoes are suggested for horses in these areas. Please do not take your horse off-trail as this can damage fragile longleaf pine ecosystems and wildlife. There are two separate parking lots, one for horse trailers and the other for pedestrian vehicles.
During your visit, you will likely see the active red-cockaded woodpecker trees (marked with a white band) and you may even see a fox squirrel scampering off into the woods. There are two creek crossings off Longleaf Pine Trail, the latter of which is footbridge. These trails are "pack in, pack out" — please bring enough water for your adventure and take your trash back to the parking lot with you.
When trails are closed for construction, poor trail conditions due to weather, or any other reason, they are closed both for visitor safety and for the protection of the trail and natural resources. Trails are expensive to construct, maintain, and repair. Disregarding trail closures results in:
- Delaying or prolonging construction or repair;
- Damaging the trails, resulting in significant costs and further closure time for additional repair;
- Endangering yourself in addition to both state parks and EMS staff who would work to get you out of harm's way if you are lost or hurt.
Thank you for respecting our park's natural resources, facilities, and fellow park visitors.
Long Valley Farm Access: Cypress Point Loop Trail
Location: Long Valley Farm Access
Description:
This trail winds along a peninsula overlooking the millpond and back to the James S. Rockefeller Trail through a longleaf pine forest. Along the way, you'll encounter historic structures viewed from across the millpond, a bank fishing access footpath and a floating observation deck with nice views of the millpond.
Surface: natural surface, sand
Length:
0.75 miles
loop
0.75 miles
loop
Difficulty:
easy hike
easy hike
Blaze:
blue circle
blue circle
Long Valley Farm Access: James S. Rockefeller Loop Trail
Location: Long Valley Farm Access
Description:
The trail travels between a native grass meadow and longleaf pine forests. It ends in front of the Rockefeller House and a large historical marker where the trail connects with the Cypress Point Loop Trail. Two wayside displays discuss edge habitat and the life cycle of the longleaf pine. Enjoy long views of open meadows, old farm silo in the distance, longleaf pine forests and good birdwatching. Please use this trail on your return hike to the park office/trailhead.
Surface: natural surface, sand
Length:
2.00 miles
loop
2.00 miles
loop
Difficulty:
easy hike
easy hike
Blaze:
white circle
white circle
Sandhills Access: Dead End Spur Trail
Location: Sandhills Access
Description:
This trail spurs off the Fox Squirrel Loop Trail and follows a small ridge before coming to a dead end at the state park boundary.
Surface: natural surface, sand
Length:
0.60 miles
one way
0.60 miles
one way
Difficulty:
easy hike
easy hike
Blaze:
yellow triangles
yellow triangles
Sandhills Access: Fox Squirrel Loop Trail
Location: Sandhills Access
Description:
This trail starts just after crossing the culverts of Carvers Creek. Along the trail is a small hill composed of paint rock, a rock type that is unique to the Sandhills.
Surface: natural surface, sand
Length:
1.10 miles
loop
1.10 miles
loop
Difficulty:
easy hike
easy hike
Blaze:
yellow hexagons
yellow hexagons
Sandhills Access: Little Pond Spur Trail
Location: Sandhills Access
Description:
This trail spurs off the Longlead Pine Trail and leads to a small pond. The pond is home to bluegill, amphibians and freshwater macroinvertebrates. Visitors might also spot evidence of beaver activity.
Surface: natural surface, sand
Length:
0.10 miles
one way
0.10 miles
one way
Difficulty:
easy hike
easy hike
Blaze:
blue triangles
blue triangles
Park Maps and Brochures:
Upcoming Events:
Monday, January 20, 2020 - 2:00pm
Saturday, January 25, 2020 - 9:00am
Sunday, January 26, 2020 - 9:00am