So you’ve been sent to Fort Bragg and now you need to figure out what to do on the weekends, right? If you like the outdoors, this one is for you. Here’s my guide to 10 awesome hikes 1 hour from Fayetteville to help you plan your adventures. The list starts with the hikes closer in to Fayetteville and moves further out as it goes along. I often find that when I move to a new place that’s a good way to start exploring as I get used to the area after a move. Happy hiking!
10 Awesome Hikes 1 Hour From Fayetteville – Kid And Dog Friendly
Cape Fear River Trail
Location: Fayetteville
If you’re new to Fayetteville, the Cape Fear River Trail is a great place to start. I still go there quite often because it’s just a nice place to get out and walk around without needing to drive too far.
This paved trail will get you out in nature where you can walk amongst the trees, a large pond, and even a waterfall. The covered bridge is pretty neat too.
Here’s my full guide to the Cape Fear River Trail for more information.
Cape Fear River Trail
Waterfall at the Cape Fear River Trail (off the main trail)
Lake Rim Park
Location: Fayetteville
Check out Lake Rim Park for an easy hike, playgrounds, lots of room for the kids to run, and a splash park. The hike here is short and sweet but still gets you out in nature and is a nice place to walk around.
If you want to take a picnic and make a day of it, there’s also a couple of covered seating areas.
Here’s my full guide to Lake Rim Park for more information.
Lake Rim Park
Part of a trail at Lake Rim Park
Clark Park
Location: Fayetteville
At one end of the Cape Fear River Trail is Clark Park – the River Trail actually runs through the middle of this park.
This park opens up a range of easy hikes, a playground for the kids, waterfall, river views, and even a couple of dinosaur statues.
The woodland trails are all well marked, easy to follow, and it’s a lot of fun for the whole family. I think this is the best park in Fayetteville – what do you think?
Here’s my full guide to Clark Park for more information.
Clark Park
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Carvers Creek State Park – Long Valley Farm Access
Location: Spring Lake
Carvers Creek State Park has two different sections to it.
The Long Valley Farm Access section is a cool place to go for some easy hiking through the pine forest and some gorgeous views. I love the reflections off the millpond – they’re mesmerizing.
It’s not only hiking though, you can also see the historic house of James Rockefeller while you’re there.
Here’s my full guide to Carvers Creek State Park for more information.
Carvers Creek State Park
Start of the trail at Carvers Creek State Park
Carvers Creek State Park – Sandhills Access
Location: Fayetteville
Over at the Sandhills Access section you have a bigger area of hiking trails to cover, about 10.4 miles of hiking through the longleaf pine forest in total.
Of course you can do a short trail if you don’t have much time, but it’s a good place to go if you want to start getting into longer hikes.
There’s a range of things to see on the trail from interesting flowers, ponds, wildlife, and a couple of stream crossings. It’s a popular horse riding area so you might even see some horses while you’re there.
Here’s my full guide to the Carvers Creek State Park Sandhills Access section for more information.
One of the trails at Carver Creek State Park – Sandhills Access
Carvers Creek State Park – Sandhills Access
Weymouth Woods
Location: Southern Pines
Another nice hiking area is Weymouth Woods over in Southern Pines.
There are a number of well marked, easy trails in this long leaf pine forest and it’s a fun place to get out and explore amongst the huge trees.
An added bonus, whether you want to stop for brunch or an ice-cream, Southern Pines is also a charming place to stroll around after your hike.
Here’s my full guide for Weymouth Woods for more information.
Weymouth Woods
Weymouth Woods
Reservoir Park
Location: Southern Pines
Another Southern Pines gem is Reservoir Park.
At this spot you can hike the easy path around the large lake. Keep an eye out for wildlife like turtles, ducks, geese, and heron to name a few.
I definitely recommend stopping by Dunrovin Country Store on the way back to see the exotic bird sanctuary and get some local goodies.
Here’s my full guide for Reservoir Park for more information.
Reservoir Park
Reservoir Park
Raven Rock State Park
Location: Lillington
Possibly one of the coolest and most popular day trips from Fayetteville is up to Raven Rock State Park.
Go early and you can easily spend a whole day here on all the trails.
As if being amongst the gorgeous nature and wildlife isn’t cool enough, you’ll also see some cool rock formations and amazing scenic views.
Here’s my guide for Raven Rock State Park for more information.
Raven Rock State Park
Raven Rock State Park
Mott Lake
Location: Raeford
A cool thing about Mott Lake is that you can hike for a quick 20 minutes, or a few hours. It’s really open to whatever you feel like.
The scenic lake is quite gorgeous, there’s a lot of pretty foliage, and you might even spot some cool wildlife if you’re lucky.
It’s not my favorite place to go because of the excessive amount of trash bringing down the vibe, but certainly worth a visit.
Here’s my full guide for Mott Lake.
Mott Lake
Mott Lake
Historic Yates Mill
Location: Raleigh
For a park with hiking, huge pond, scenic natural surrounds, and a historic mill, check out Historic Yates Mill.
It’s a fun day trip away from Fayetteville with a range of cool trails that are all easy to follow and relatively short. I did all of them in the one visit.
It’s also close to a Trader Joes to stop at while you’re in the area 😀
Here’s my guide for Historic Yates Mill for more information.
Historic Yates Mill
Historic Yates Mill
For even more adventures
For an easy way to fill your chapter at Fort Bragg with adventures, check out my Ultimate Fort Bragg Bucket List.
It’s a huge guide of day trip ideas – with everything from museums to mountains, long weekend destinations, and unique North Carolina events you don’t want to miss.
Simply put, it’s got everything you need to experience the area to the fullest!
Other guides you might enjoy
A Detailed Guide On How To Find The Waterrock Knob Plane Crash
The Top 8 Places To Go For A Scrumptious Brunch In Fayetteville, NC
Where To Swim At Jordan Lake, NC – Complete Beach Hopping Guide
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