Carvers Creek State Park, Sandhills Access — Attraction in Spring Lake

This is a wonderful, quiet, park with multi purpose trails.

The south entrance road comes to a dead end with a gravel parking lot for both cars and equestrian trailers. There are also very clean, handicap accessible bathrooms with hand sanitizer before you begin hiking

Make sure you bring water with you as there is no potable water on site!

The trails are mostly unimproved and consist of sand, light grass, and in some places crushed rock. They vary between 3' to 6' across and are pretty well marked. The markings consist of plastic colored blazons in different shapes nailed to trees periodically along the trail about 6' up. They are small blazons so they could be easy to overlook.

At every junction where it could be confusing about which path to follow there are nicely carved signs directing you to the trail path or where trails split.

A couple of items worth noting:

While the paths are mostly clear there are some areas where the weeds grow tall in the middle. Might want to bring some bug spray for any ticks and the occasional fly and mosquito population that might annoy you.

There is (1) bench about half-way down the path on the right contributed by an eagle-scout. After that there are no other benches or anyplace to sit down along the trail. If you want to sit and rest a bit as you walk I would highly recommend a folding camp stool or chair.

Be wary of horse manure on the trail, this is very prevalent and a it is apparent not all equestrian riders pick up after their horses.

Trail signs are oriented towards walking from the south lot, when walking back they could be overlooked as you can only see the blank brown back of the sign. With the blazons this isn't too big a deal but for an inexperienced hiker this might cause...

8-12-23

This review is strictly from a hiker standpoint, although the trails are for hikers, bikers, and horses.

The hours show open at 8 am but we arrived at 7:30 and the parking lot gate was open with folks already doing their thing. Lot is massive. Has bathrooms and trash cans. At the far end of the lot is a marquis with maps/stickers on the right side of it.

We hiked every trail (almost 15 miles per Strava). Would recommend getting a map. All the trails really are the same. Expect sand, some roots, straw, and wide well-formed trails. The surrounding area is pine forests, not very dense, and doesn't vary much. Plainly put, the scenery is ordinary. Trails are easy to moderate with occasional hills. Semi shaded at best, so expect direct sun at times. Bring gear accordingly.

I mentioned that all the trails are pretty much the same. They are not scenic. I do believe this is a great park for fitness hiking or speed work. Perhaps a better biking and horse park. There were plenty of soldiers with backpacks working on their fitness as well, and this was the neatest thing I saw.

It's ok, but I like the Long Valley Farm (main area) access better. Would use this for getting in some miles but not...

A true hidden gem and a perfect escape into nature for all ages and interests. Whether you're an avid hiker, a casual stroller, a nature lover, or just looking for a peaceful spot to unwind, this park has something to offer.

The trails are well-maintained and easy to follow, winding through beautiful pine forests and open meadows that showcase the unique Sandhills landscape. It’s an ideal spot for birdwatching, photography, or simply enjoying a quiet walk under the trees. There's a peacefulness here that makes you forget you're just minutes from town.

The facilities are clean and accessible, and there’s plenty of parking. It's also family-friendly, with wide trails perfect for kids or leashed pets. Whether you’re out for a morning walk, a weekend picnic, or an afternoon hike, Carvers Creek is a refreshing and welcoming place to connect with nature.

Highly recommended for locals and...