One of North Carolina’s newest state parks was once the home to James Stillman Rockefeller, a member of the prestigious Rockefeller family in America. Rockefeller was an olympic gold medalist in rowing and would eventually become president of what is now Citicorp.

Visitors to Carvers Creek State Park in Spring Lake can visit the Long Valley Farm, the winter estate of James S. Rockefeller (who was the great-nephew of John D. Rockefeller, of Standard Oil). In addition to the farm house and a historic pond, the state park also boasts a network of trails to explore the 4,530 acres that make up the park.

Carvers Creek State Park is open year round, with the exception of Christmas Day.
alltrails/Scott Lloyd
Adventuring through the relatively new park, which opened in 2005, is fun in any month of the year.
Google Maps/Brandi Hall
And since the park is found just outside of Fayetteville, it sees a lot of visitors!
TripAdvisor/jmpncsu

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But since it's a day use park only (there are no campgrounds), it's only on a rare occasion that the public gets to explore the park after dark.
TripAdvisor/jmpncsu
That occasion is coming up on November 21, 2020, when visitors will get to take a ranger-guided night hike from the Long Valley farm house around the old Mill Pond.
TripAdvisor/jmpncsu
The hike begins at 6:00 p.m. and space is limited so you'll want to get a ticket soon to ensure you can go.
TripAdvisor/Rick B
Hikers will meet up at the Welcome Center before embarking on a dimly lit, two-mile journey to the Mill Pond.
Google Maps
You'll need to bring your own flashlight or headlamp for this activity.

The cost is absolutely free. Learn more from the official website for Carvers Creek State Park in North Carolina.

If you love exploring oddball (and beautiful) places in North Carolina, then check out this trail that follows along the leading edge of the tallest cliffs in North Carolina!

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Featured Addresses
Carvers Creek State Park, 2505 Long Valley Rd, Spring Lake, NC 28390, USA