There were ample camping/picnicking sites near the water. There was plenty of shade and the sites…read morewere clean.

Who knew that this huge lake existed?! My native North Carolinian buddy Tim did, apparently! After…read morea bit over an hour long car ride heading east of Winston-Salem, we found ourselves unloading our fishing boat at the dock of B. Everett Jordan Lake. Everyone there was so friendly, quick to wave as you passed them by while zipping over the waters. The beauty of this place - from the flora to the fauna - is breathtaking; perfect location for camping, fishing, swimming and/or water sports fanatics such as myself. Even the wildlife (falcons, cranes, etc.) will stun you.... in the best way! Whatever (ahem) floats your boat, if you're looking for a quiet, serene location to escape the insanity, Jordan lake is definitely it! My friends (seen pictured upon the boat, in the background) didn't believe me when I said I would dive into the deepest end of the lake and swim my way back to shore... so these selfies snapped are proof of my claims! Hopefully, next time we return they'll be brave enough to join me in making a splash!!

This marina is a quaint and relaxing "jumping off point" for getting out on the pristine Lake…read moreBrandt. For just $6 you can bring your own kayak, SUP, or canoe to launch on their sandy little beach. Or you can rent one of their kayaks. Even on weekends with decent weather I've seen them mostly available on the spot. There are also options for an annual pass, fishing, and even a paved ramp to put in motorized boats. You could also very easily just sit and relax here by the waterside or stroll around. But if you want to get on the lake, this is the prime spot. Bird watching along the shoreline is great from the vantage point of the kayak. With a vast array of birdsong to ID, you can even see kingfishers ducking, diving, and doing anything to ruin your chances of proving they exist with a photograph. But at least you can enjoy a quiet and relaxing float to ease the soul.

I'm not much on boating or kayaking, but this is great spot to enjoy nature. The water is calming…read more The path is somewhat clear and when it's dry you can have a leisurely walk under the tree tops!

This is a relatively easy trail with some fairly consistent inclines. From the parking lot to the…read morequarry and back is about 1.9 miles, so a decent hike that shouldn't take too long. We went in the winter when there were no leaves on the trees and only one other car in the parking lot. We also went in the late afternoon and didn't realize that they closed a 5:30. We got to the car at 5:31 and there was a ranger waiting. We apologized profusely and promised to pay better attention next time. The hike is nice but the quarry is absolutely gorgeous and definitely worth the walk. I know that this is a popular spot in the summer but I truly cannot imagine swimming here as it doesn't exactly look safe. I need to go again soon because I bet it's lovely right now with all of the leaves changing colors. You will not regret making this hike!

Starting at Eno River Pleasant Green access, you can access the Laurel Bluffs trail which will take…read moreyou out and around the Eno Quarry. The trail is 3.2 miles total and there is good shade throughout, with the quarry as the perfect spot to cool off midway point on the hike. The trail was relatively easy with some minor inclines and tree roots to keep an eye out for. If you go on a weekday you'll have the trail to yourself, though I have yet to have a problem finding parking at the trailhead on weekends.

Lake Johnson Park is one of Raleigh's best spots when you want a workout that actually comes with a…read moreview. The 3-mile loop gave me the perfect mix of cardio, scenery, and just enough challenge to keep things interesting. The trail is mostly paved and very well maintained, but there are also a few off-road paths if you want to switch things up. The lake views are gorgeous throughout the walk, and the heavily wooded sections make it feel peaceful and shaded even on warmer days. I also appreciated that the trail has a few solid uphill stretches. I'd say it's ideal for intermediate walkers, runners, or cyclists looking for a scenic challenge without venturing into hardcore hiking territory. The only downside is the parking situation, which can get pretty tight during busy hours. Still, once you're on the trail, it's absolutely worth it. Raleigh really lucked out with this gem of a park.

Natures finest!…read more Local park with free (but limited) parking. Walking trails. Kayak and paddleboard rentals. Birdwatching. Clean picnic and public bathrooms. Great place to go and enjoy nature.

I loved this! There's something for everything it's very family friendly too. If you're an adult…read morethis will take you back to your childhood. I can see how this is an all day affair. The life guards were very attentive. This is the perfect summer time activity or even date. We brought a cooler with sandwiches and Gatorade, you'll def want to utilize that perk of bringing your own cooler. I really like that you also can buy admission without waterpark access , different strokes for different folks! Everyone's covered and considered in their ticketing

Such a fun place to take kids or if you wanna be a big kid yourself! I like how they have teenagers…read more(maybe some college kids) working there. They're all so friendly and welcoming! Gives them an opportunity to earn some money during the season. We got the aquabana as they call it, for half a day (4 hours) and it was worth it ! We didn't swim but the kids did and they had a blast! You're able to bring a cooler with food and drinks ( juice, tea, soda, water. No alcohol) they have a food truck on site, as well as a "dirty soda" stand. Flavored sodas with cream (very popular in Utah but slowly making their way to the east coast) as well as a first aid bungalow. Everyone gets a life vest but kids under 18 MUST wear theirs at all times! I like that rule! Keeps the kids safe. Of course the teens working there are certified lifeguards just in case! They also offer scuba classes/lessons at the quarry. Would I come back? YES! Maybe one day I would try the courses and swim or paddle board but the go around it was nice relaxing and letting the kids live carefree in the lake!

Easy trail around the island with nice river views. Good for beginners but lots of rocks and tree…read moreroots on the path.

Excellent Park to visit. Lush vegetation and a well worn trail that runs along the edge of an…read moreisland in the middle of the Haw River. Great views of the Haw River. Nearby is a great Cafe to go to also.

Always fun and reasonable. Staff is great and always catch fish. It is so peaceful. We had luck…read morethroughout the lake.