Are you ready for Carvers Creek part two? You might remember I have already blogged the Long Valley Road access section of this park, and today I am following it up with the other side. Truth be told, I went there on a whim expecting it to be the same as the first one I had done. I thought I’d be out for a quick hike then home for lunch, but no. This one’s a lot bigger and there’s a lot more to explore. By the time I was done I was happy for the time in a beautiful area but starving! Here’s what you need to know to prepare for the Carvers Creek Sandhills Access park so you are ready for an awesome adventure out there.
How To Hike The Carvers Creek Sandhills Access Park
Disclaimer
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FAQ for hiking at Carvers Creek
Where is it located?
Fayetteville.
Is there an entrance fee?
No, it’s free.
Is it kid-friendly?
Yes – of course, you know your kids better than anyone though so use this guide to judge if it is appropriate for your kids.
Is it dog-friendly?
Yes, dogs are allowed and must be on a leash.
What hiking skill is required?
Beginner.
What facilities are available?
Free parking, toilets, map at the beginning of the trail.
Who is it good for?
Families, solo hikes, trail running, horse riding, time in nature.
What should you bring with you?
- Comfortable walking shoes – these are a good beginner hiking shoes
otherwise regular sneakers are good for this hike. - Water – I use this insulated bottle.
- Snacks, lunch or energy gels – I always have a few of these with me when I hike.
- Camera – this is my favorite action camera for hiking.
- Sun protection/ whatever you need for the elements.
otherwise regular sneakers are good for this hike.
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The sign that directs you from the parking lot to the start of the trails
Before we get started
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Where to park
To get there use ‘Carvers Creek State Park Sandhills Access’ in Google Maps and it was take you to the parking area.
Since there are two sections to the Carvers Creek State Park, just make sure you’ve got the Sandhills Access in there otherwise it defaults to the other section.
The parking area is huge, well signed, and hard to miss. There’s also a toilet block in the parking area if you need.
From the parking lot, walk across the road to get to the start of the trails and there is a sign to direct you.
View of the parking area
Path from the parking area to the start of the trails
Which trail to choose
Once you get across the road, there’s a large information sign with a map so you’ll be able to check that and get your bearings. I also took a photo of the map to keep on my phone to double check while I was out hiking.
You’ll see it on the map, but from here you can go left or right. Going left will take you to the Wiregrass loop trail and going right takes you on the Longleaf Pine Trail which connects to a series of other trails.
If you have a day then you can do them all so no pressure on which to choose first.
Also, if you start with the Longleaf Pine Trail and don’t have time to finish it all, it’s easy to find your way around and head back to the parking lot.
Here are the trails in the park and their trail markers:
- Wiregrass Loop Trail – blue circle
- Longleaf Pine Trail – white triangle
- Little Pond Spur Trail – blue triangle
- Fox Squirrel Loop Trail – yellow circle
- Dead End Spur Trail – yellow triangle
- RCW Trail – red circle
- Turkey Oak Loop Trail – white circle
View of one of the trails
Nature’s art – love the colors in this
Map of the trails
What to expect on the trails
The trails are super well maintained and this, along with the trail markers and signs, makes it really easy to find your way around.
If you’re a beginner hiker, it’s a perfect option because it’s easy to hike and there aren’t any big hills or ridges or anything like that.
There’s a mix of terrain from firm dirt and gravel to soft sand like walking on a beach. The soft sand section will give you a nice calf workout!
Aside from that, it’s just a beautiful, scenic area and very peaceful. Perhaps it’s the size of this section of the park, but especially when you get further into the trails, it feels a lot further out than it really is. The echo of the woodpecker taps were so clear and loud in the serene setting.
I also saw a family of deer and lots of birds while I was out.
It’s a popular spot for horse riding so don’t be surprised if you see horses on the trail (or just horse poop!)
Which is better Long Valley Road Access or Sandhills Access?
In my opinion, one is not better than the other, they’re just different.
The Long Valley Road access is a smaller area so it’s a great option if you have less time or just want a quick and easy hike adventure.
Whereas, there’s more to keep you occupied at the Sandhills Access section so if you want to be out hiking for a longer time frame or want to feel more further out in nature, then it’s a good option.
Safety tips
Use the usual safety precautions you would with any other outdoor adventure so check the weather forecast, prepare for the outdoors, and stick to the trails.
If you’re hiking solo, make sure to tell someone where you’ll be.
Overall, it’s a safe, family-friendly hike so aside from the normal precautions there’s not much particularly noteworthy.
Other guides you might enjoy
How To Plan A Day Out Hiking in Weymouth Woods, Southern Pines
What To Bring On A Short Hike – Essentials To Always Have On You
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We just PCS’d to Bragg and found your You Tube video on the things you like/dislike about NC. It was hilarious! We sat and watched your video reviews all afternoon (we totally get the sarcasm). I wish we had found you years ago, your advise on travel is excellent.
We will keep watching and following your travel advise!
Wow thanks so much for sharing that with me! I really appreciate that and it made my day! Hope you have a great time in NC! Thanks again.