Miles of Outdoor Adventure

Greater Fayetteville -- Few would argue that spring has to be the prettiest time of year in southeastern North Carolina. The weather is mild, the dogwoods and azaleas are in bloom and we all do our best to spend as much time as possible outdoors. Whether you want a relaxing Saturday evening stroll, a location where you can revel in nature, or a place to train for your next big race.

The Cape Fear Botanical Garden ( www.capefearbg.org ) is situated on 79 acres of land where the Cape Fear and Cross Creek meet. The Garden offers many specialty gardens – including a child’s garden based on Gulliver’s Travels, a Hosta garden and a Camelia garden. In addition to the specialty gardens, miles of shaded walking trails lead through an urban forest to the Cape Fear River.

The Cape Fear River Trail ( www.fcpr.us ) is a 4-mile, 10-ft. wide paved trail for walkers, joggers, and non-motorized transportation. Interpretive signage discusses the diverse wildlife and plants throughout the trail – over 700 types of trees and plants, and 150 types of birds are found along the trail region. The Cape Fear River Trail is part of the East Coast Greenway, a series of nature trails within urban areas. It is being developed as an urban alternative to the Appalachian Trail.

Jambbas Ranch ( www.jambbas.com ) is great for parents and kids. When you walk through the gate, animals will greet you; and kids have an opportunity to feed the animals. As you travel further from the entrance area, walk along an estimated 1.5 mile loop – larger animals are found grazing in large enclosed areas – including gazelle, deer, buffalo and many others. Jambbas Ranch also offers a picturesque swinging bridge over a small lake.

The All American Trail ( http://www.fortbraggmwr.com/aatrail.php ) is a 10 to 15-ft. wide unpaved pathway designed for use by hikers, runners and bicyclers. The trail (currently 11 miles long) follows the perimeter boundary of Fort Bragg through North Carolina’s Sandhills Region. The terrain is mixed with sections ranging from nearly flat to fairly hilly.

Interpretive signage identifies and describes the unique plants and wildlife. There are more than 1,500 species of plants and trees, and over 400 species of wildlife – including the endangered Red Cockaded Woodpecker- along the trail.

These are just a few places where to enjoy the beauty of spring in southeastern North Carolina. For a complete list of things to see and do in greater Fayetteville, visit www.VisitFayettevilleNC.com