Pettigrew State Park — Attraction in Creswell

~9 AM, Saturday, September 22, 2012 While kayaking on the Scuppernong River near Creswell about a mile upstream from the boat ramp at Spruill Bridge Rd., I first saw a small (3.5 ft) black bear climbing hand-over-hand down a tree from about 20 ft up. Immediately after reaching the ground she headed away. A cub (2-3ft.) descended the tree next to hers and followed her away into the dense growth along the bank. After they were out of sight, the first bear jumped into the creek and swam across about 100-120 ft upstream from my position. After reaching the opposite bank and jumping out, she turned around and waited while the the cub followed. They ran off together into the woods. Less than 30 minutes (est.) after sighting mama and cub, a larger bear (~4ft) came rapidly down a tree, not 50-75 ft to my right in what I can only describe as a controlled slide. I was alarmed at how quickly he came down that tree, but as fast as he hit the ground he scrambled away into the woods. I decided at this point, that as the creek was getting narrower, I should probably turn around and avoid a closer encounter. It gets better. After returning to the boat launch and my car to have a snack, make a few excited phone calls and generally collect my nerves, I continued paddling downstream this time several miles untill what do I see? Clambering around about 15 ft off the ground in a clump of trees too small to really hold his weight is Black Bear Number 4! He appeared a little over 3ft. in length. Seemed unaware or indifferent toward me until he began eyeballing me warily through the leaves. He then dropped down to the ground and disappeared into the swamp. It was only during the second sighting, when the larger bear and I really seemed to startle each other, that I felt any fear at all. It occurred to me, in that moment, how fast he was moving and that, if he wanted to come at me in such shallow water, he'd have been on me before I could really have reacted. The truth is, these animals wanted nothing to do with me - I came upon them quietly away from any trail. I paddle quietly, in nearly perfect silence sometimes, so I'm not surprised I got as close as I did before spotting we spotted each other. While on an early morning hike from Pettigrew State Park Campground, the next morning I observed a big ole pile of bear scat, a few miles from the campground. It looked like it contained mostly berries. I wouldn't be surprised at all if bears pass through the campground at night. My recommendation to campers would be not to avoid this beautiful place, but to talk with the Rangers whenever possible and learn what kind of critters are around. Certainly keep your food and trash locked in the car overnight, as even raccoons can make a mess of picnic table and ruin your stuff. Maybe carry a small bell or other noise maker ( a quiet one please) while hiking or paddling. But at the very least, just keep your eyes open and be aware of your surroundings! I've been more startled by the occasional Great Blue Heron squawking and taking off in a great bug huff at my approach, than I was at any of these bear encounters. My biggest fear is that National and State Parks like this will become too popular for their own good and the wildlife we go there to experience will...

The Pettigrew State Park is a nice area to bring the family. The bathrooms are very clean as well as the grounds. They need to install more signs better describing the trails. If you park near the picnic area there's a trail that leads to a nice beach. The water is crystal clear but the roped off area is small as is the dock that you swim off of. Further down the trail leads to a historic plantation site. Its pretty neat and has 20 or more old homes and structures to walk around and enjoy. That leads to another trail called the Bee trail which leads to a fishing pier. This hike has plenty of beautiful surroundings to look at. If you want to take the Cypress Point trail to the Moccasin Overlook you have to go the opposite way towards an old wooden canoe. You'll pickup the trail there. The trail itself runs along a road and is probably eight foot wide. Its heavily slanted and filled with tall grass that covers potholes and snakes. There's absolutely nothing to look at aside from tall bushes. This carries on for 2.2 miles until you come to a sign for the Moccasin Overlook stating .8 miles. We almost turned around because we weren't sure we were on the correct path from the get go. Inadequate signs. At this point the surroundings open up and you can see animals and something other than bushes. This will take you to the over look which is about an 12 foot by 12 foot wooden dock. The view from here is outstanding. The water is shallow and crystal clear. Too bad you can't swim at this location. Rinse and repeat back to the parking lot. Ultimately i would never care to take this hike again nor recommend it. Too bad the 2.2 mile portion of the hike don't look more like the last .8 miles. I however wouldn't mind going back to paddle board on the lake if I'm nearby but not worth a ride from Va Beach again. The very tall grass, and covered up pot holes make for a...

Pettigrew State Park is a hidden gem in the NC State Park System, although it's located just a few miles off US-64 on the way to the Outer Banks. It's remoteness, however, is one reason it's so nice. No crowds, no traffic, just an opportunity to be out in nature away from the hectic pace of everyday life. The main feature of the park is Lake Phelps, North Carolina's second largest natural lake at 16,600 acres. Boating opportunities are plentiful on the lake, the nearby Scuppernong River, and canals within the park. There is a small campground for camping on the lake and Somerset Place, a historical plantation and state historic site, is located within the park. Several hiking trails run along northern lake shore. Bee Tree Trail leads to an overlook, but it was closed when we visited. A spur leads to the Pettigrew Cemetery, where James Johnston Pettigrew, a Confederate general is buried. Moccasin Trail is just under six miles round trip from the park office to Moccasin Overlook and back. Although the trail runs along the lake shore, dense forest prevented views of the lake for most of the trail. Vegetation was so dense in a couple places that it formed a "tunnel" along the trail. At the end of the trail, a 350-foot boardwalk leads to the overlook. The overlook provided nice views of the lake, but the highlight was the swamp through which the boardwalk led. It was full of beautiful cypress trees draped in Spanish moss and really made the hike memorable. And we didn't see another person the entire time. As a warning, this swampy area can be very buggy in the warmer months. I would recommend visiting in the winter when the bugs are dead or bathing in bug spray...