Carroll Howard Johnson Environmental Education Park
The looping, natural trails through Carroll Howard Johnson Environmental Education Park uncover beautiful overlooks, bridges and wooded pathways. Just south of downtown Fuquay, this 28-acre park focuses on environmental education, with plaques along the trails identifying trees and natural features.
The Creekside Trail allows access to — surprise! — the banks of a creek where two-and four-legged hikers can wade and splash.
TIP: A map of the trails is depicted on a sign near the parking area. Take a photo of the sign so you can reference it as you explore the park.
Carroll Howard Johnson Environmental Education Park
301 Wagstaff Road, Fuquay-Varina
fuquay-varina.org
There’s a dash more greenway now open in Fuquay. The Park Depot Greenway Trail connects Old Honeycutt Road Park to South Lakes subdivision and features a boardwalk over picturesque wetlands.
Access the trail from the Old Honeycutt Road Park walking trail or from the trailhead parking lot on Hwy. 55 near the John Deere plant.
Crowder County Park
Boardwalks meander above the lake at Crowder County Park in Apex, offering views of local wildlife.
Wander the park’s Outer Loop Trail and pass themed gardens, such as Bird, Butterfly and Prairie Gardens, and enjoy the Story Walk — pages of a children’s book displayed at intervals along the path to be read along the way. This paved trail is less than a mile and connects to the scenic Pond Loop Trail containing a boardwalk and observation deck over Crowder Pond. Another branch, the short Cooper’s Hawk Trail, is an interpretive nature trail spotlighting native trees.
According to the National Parks Service, interpretive trails tell a story, often about the setting’s plants, animals or history. Informative signs typically mark the path.
Self-guided nature lessons, called discovery boxes, are available to check out from the park office. Boxes contain hands-on activities, equipment and story books. Topics include Crowder’s Critters, Bugs and ABC Hike, best suited for preschoolers and young elementary-aged children.
Crowder County Park
4709 Ten Ten Road, Apex
(919) 662-2850
wakegov.com
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