Last month, North Carolina's newest state park opened just a few miles north of my house (Cumberland County's first state park.) Carvers Creek State Park is a former farm that has been transformed into recreation area for the people in the Fayetteville area. Although the mill pond located on this property has existed since the mid-1800s, it gained larger fame when the farm was purchased by the famous Rockefeller family (so that John S. Rockefeller would have an escape while he was serving his military duty on Ft. Bragg during World War II.)
Although the state plans to eventually expand the park, it currently has just 1.75 miles (2.8 km) of hiking trails. The park begins with a half-mile walk along an overgrown pasture (with thicker forest in the distance.) Sadly, this "trail" apparently served as the original road to the Rockefeller House, so it a wide, featureless expanse of sand. Fortunately, when you finally arrive at the forest (and the Rockefeller House), you are greeted by a more welcoming environment.
Sadly, the Rockefeller House is currently closed to the public. However, the true highlight of the house is actually the mill pond located immediately to the back of the house. This small pond is the true highlight of Carvers Creek! To the left of the Rockefeller House is the second trail in the park, the Cypress Point Loop Trail. This short loop trail circles along the pond's banks before turned into the woods for a short return trip.
While the two trails are an enjoyable little trek (and would be perfect for those living in the immediate area who just want a little afternoon exercise), the main activity at this park seems to be fishing. The entire pond was surrounded by anglers; hopefully, the hiking trails will be expanded and receive a little more attention once the park finally reaches its full size.
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