Events and Programs

Sunrise at Falls Lake State Recreation Area

The following Falls Lake areas and facilities are currently open as part of the state's reopening plans for modified Phase 3:

BEAVERDAM: boat ramp (non-gasoline powered boats only), swim beach, hiking trails, mountain biking trails (weather dependent), picnic shelters (reservations available), restrooms, playground
BW WELLS: group camping, boat ramp (campers only), bathhouses
HIGHWAY 50: boat ramp, restrooms
ROLLING VIEW: family camping, group camping, boat ramp, swim beach, hiking trails, picnic shelters (reservations available), restrooms/bathhouses, playground, community building closed
SHINLEAF: hike-in camping, group camping, hiking trails, restrooms/bathhouses

HOLLY POINT: closed for the winter
SANDLING BEACH: closed for the winter

The visitor center is open on weekdays, but hours vary, depending on staff availability. Please call the park to confirm the hours. A properly worn mask or face covering, covering both the nose and the mouth, is required to enter the visitor center.

Day-use entrance fees are not charged from October through March. Open areas may be operating with limited capacity and will close once capacity is reached. Cleaning bathrooms will take longer than normal due to disinfecting procedures. Trash cans will not be available at the campsites, so campers will have to take their own trash to the dumpsters. Park visitors are not allowed in any areas marked as closed.

Campers must have reservations to camp, but reservations for available campsites may be on the day of arrival up to 9 p.m. Campers may make reservations by calling toll-free 1-877-722-6762 or through our reservations website.

Hikers can hike the entirety of the Falls Lake sections of the Mountains-to-Sea State Trail by parking at any of the trailheads where the trail crosses a road. Please ensure that your vehicle does not block a gate or the roadway.

Please note that this alert is updated only when something changes. Generally, state parks are following the phased reopening statewide. As of October 23, we are following the new guidelines under modified Phase 3.

Please check with our partner agencies about the status of their access areas on Falls Lake:
US Army Corps of Engineers
NC Wildlife Resources Commission
Wake County Parks
Raleigh Parks and Recreation

Last updated on: Monday, November 2, 2020

Bike trails:
OPEN TODAY

Contact the park

919-676-1027

falls.lake@ncparks.gov

Addresses

Visitor center

13304 Creedmoor Road
Wake Forest, NC 27587

GPS: 36.0116, -78.6888

Beaverdam

14600 Creedmoor Road
Wake Forest, NC 27587

GPS: 36.0362, -78.6850

B.W. Wells campground

1630 Bent Road
Wake Forest, NC 27587

GPS: 35.9861, -78.6315

Highway 50

13900 Creedmoor Road
Wake Forest, NC 27587

GPS: 36.0216, -78.6902

Holly Point campground

14424 New Light Road
Wake Forest, NC 27587

GPS: 36.0100, -78.6575

Rolling View

4201 Baptist Road
Durham, NC 27703

GPS: 36.0085, -78.7291

Sandling Beach

14601 Creedmoor Road
Wake Forest, NC 27587

GPS: 36.0423, -78.6984

Shinleaf campground

13708 New Light Road
Wake Forest, NC 27587

GPS: 35.9938, -78.6595

Hours

►

November to February:
8:00am to 6:00pm
March to April:
8:00am to 8:00pm
May to August:
8:00am to 9:00pm
September to October:
8:00am to 8:00pm
Closed Christmas Day
Not all day-use areas are open year-round. Please check the park's operating season schedule for dates.

►

All campground gates have 24-hour access when the campground is operating.
Please check the park's operating season schedule for dates.
Closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

►

September 3, 2019
to April 11, 2020:

Open Monday to Friday:
8:00am to 5:00pm

closed on state holidays

April 12, 2020 to
September 7, 2020:

Open daily:
8:00am to 5:00pm

Operating season

► 2020 Schedule

Scheduled events

Falls Lake State Recreaton Area offers a variety of learning opportunities for all ages. Typically led by park rangers, these interpretive programs allow the public to gain perspective into what makes North Carolina state parks naturally wonderful.

Most of the events are free, though some require pre-registration. All give park visitors deeper insight into the natural world. Call the park office for more information.

Fall Hikes at Falls Lake

Come explore local hiking trails on Falls Lake and the Mountains-To-Sea trail. Beginner and experienced hikers welcome!

If you’ve dreamed of hiking, but have yet to try it or don't want to go alone, it’s time to get out there! Experienced hikers and those new to hiking are welcome to join on moderate paced afternoon hikes exploring the Mountains-to-Sea Trail (MST) and other trails on Falls Lake. Meet at different locations to see the beauty our local trails have to offer. Come rain or shine!

Location will vary by date, please click the link below for locations (will include distance and trail difficulty).

We do ask that everyone continue practicing social distancing during the hikes and wear masks. Please stay home if you have been or are experiencing signs and symptoms of COVID-19 which includes: Fever or chills, Cough, Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, Fatigue, Muscle or body aches, Headache, New loss of taste or smell, Sore throat, Congestion or runny nose, Nausea or vomiting, Diarrhea. Thank you for keeping us and everyone else safe!

Click the link for additional information and to see available dates. Please sign up online in advance to participate.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/falls-lake-hikes-tickets-126960844303

Date of Event:

Mon, 11/09/2020 - 1:00pm to Mon, 11/30/2020 - 1:00pm

Start Location:

Falls Lake State Recreation Area

Park Maps and Brochures:

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OPEN TODAY