One of my favorite things during the Summer of 2020 has been exploring different Triangle parks. With COVID-19, there aren’t as many normal activities we can enjoy but luckily, getting outside and getting fresh air will always be a good choice. And as long as you practice social distancing and wear a mask when necessary, taking a trip to the local park can be fun and safe.
To me, there’s nothing better than soaking up the sunshine at a beautiful park. So, I thought I’d share the love with my readers by putting together a short list of some for you to check out as well! Whether you live in Cary, Raleigh, or Durham, these 6 parks are all only a short drive away.
Fred G. Bond Park
Bond Park is my go-to park. The park surrounds a beautiful lake and has a huge green field perfect for picnics, frisbee, etc. It also multiple trails for you to explore, but I highly recommend the 2.5-mile loop around the lake. I’ve also walked the trails alone before without ever feeling scared or unsafe.
Overall, it’s a wonderful place with plenty of space for activity. Additionally, they hold tons of great events like Dog Days at the Park, Baristas and Bakers, and concerts! However, events are currently canceled/postponed due to the pandemic. I am very excited for their events to safely start back up.
Umstead State Park
Umstead State Park is one of the most well-known and popular parks in the Triangle area. The park is enormous with 5,579 acres of woodlands to explore. You’re bound to see various different wildlife while visiting, including birds, snakes, and deer!
The park offers tons of different hiking trails ranging from beginner to expert. As well as, campgrounds for rent and 3 man-made fishing lakes. So, pack a lunch and plenty of water because it’s easy to spend the whole day here.
Back when I lived in Glenwood Avenue, I used to frequent Umstead all the time and still get lost. It seemed there was something new to discover each time I went. Umstead provides a nice escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Lake Crabtree Park
Lake Crabtree Park is by far my favorite park for water activities. Lake Crabtree offers multiple great boating rentals for free. You’re welcome to take a kayak, canoe, paddleboard, or duck boat out on the lake for a few hours at no cost. However, it is first-come, first-serve so I suggest getting to the park early. (2020 update: Boating rentals are temporarily closed due to COVID-19. Yet, you can still take your own kayak, canoe, or paddleboard on the lake.)
Even if you’re not into water activities, Crabtree Lake is still an awesome park. With boat rentals temporarily closed, we’d wear our bathing suits and lay out towels on the small “beach” by the boat house. It’s a pretty small area of sand but the perfect size to pretend you’re in paradise. You also can go knee-deep in the water to cool off.
Don’t leave without climbing to the top of the boathouse and getting this incredible view of the whole park.
Lake Lynn Park
Lake Lynn is my dog’s favorite of the Triangle parks to walk. I enjoy it too because of the great views and exercise! The trail is approximately 2 miles around the lake and part-terrain, part-gravel. There are also some lovely stops along the way to sit and catch your breath.
The reason Kona loves Lake Lynn so much is because of the ducks. You can always find ducks swimming in Lake Lynn. And if you’re lucky, sometimes baby ducks too! Kona loves sticking her head through the boardwalk’s fence and checking them out.
Eno River State Park
The Eno River State Park is a 4,312-acre state park that spans through Durham and Orange County, North Carolina. The park is enormous with over 25 great hiking trails along the river. I recommend Cox Mountain Trail or Holden’s Mill Trail for your first trip.
There are also multiple spots to take a short swim along the river. However, over the years, the river has seen more erosion and become fairly treacherous. Unfortunately, there have been multiple reports of swimmers losing their lives at Eno. Please be careful.
Pullen Park
Pullen Park is at the heart of N.C. State campus. It is located on Ashe Avenue and is adjacent to the Main and Centennial campuses. Meaning, the park typically has a lot of foot traffic and there are tons of attractions nearby.
However, I think the best part of Pullen Park is the rides! Interestingly enough, Pullen Park is the 5th oldest operating amusement park in the United States. There are multiple kiddie rides at Pullen including a train, pedal cruisers, and carousel! Tickets are $1.50 per person and required for each ride in Pullen Park.
Other than the rides, Pullen Park is also a great place to pack a lunch and enjoy at one of the many shelters. While there aren’t any hiking trails, there is plenty to do and explore.
No matter if you’re a hiker, fisher, camper, or just a nature lover, there’s something for everyone at these Triangle parks. I’m sure you’ll be planning your second trip soon enough.
If you’ve been to any of them, which was your favorite and why?
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