03 March . 2025
Parking It
Spring has (almost) sprung! Wendell Falls is conveniently situated near a lineup of multiple spectacular North Carolina State Parks within a 3-hour drive from your home. And don’t forget to partake in the Passport Program to collect a stamp for each state park you visit!
Here, we showcase seven of our favorites—although there are so many more state parks worth visiting beyond this list—because what better way is there to welcome in warm weather than an outdoor day trip?
William B. Umstead State Park
Approximately 30 minute drive
Just 25 miles from Wendell Falls, Umstead State Park is a sprawling outdoor oasis for hikers and bikers alike to find a bit of solace from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Beyond foot and wheel traffic, the park offers three human-made lakes that make great fishing spots, along with a smattering of picnic shelters for a snack break.
Eno River State Park
Approximately 1 hour drive
Situated in Durham, Eno River State Park is a popular hot spot for birdwatchers, fishers and photographers to come and enjoy—along with a peaceful riverbank to relax. For those seeking to get their steps in, the park is one of North Carolina’s state parks nestled along the Mountains-to-Sea trail.
Raven Rock State Park
Approximately 1 hour drive
Named for its 150-foot crystalline structure, Raven Rock State Park is home to an abundance of trails for walkers and bikers lined with wildflowers and views overlooking the Cape Fear River. Visitors can also find stellar views of notable landmarks such as Lanier Rapids, Fish Traps Rapids and the remains of the Northington Lock and Dam at this Harnett County park.
Cliffs of the Neuse State Park
Approximately 1 hour drive
Enjoy a rainbow of colors and a spectrum of sights at Cliffs of the Neuse State Park, which hosts sand, clay, seashells, shale and gravel, all combining to create a kaleidoscopic look. In addition to the riverside views of the Neuse, outdoor enthusiasts can also enjoy an 11-acre lake offering seasonal opportunities for water-related recreation.
Morrow Mountain State Park
Approximately 2 hour drive
Say hello to a new summit of adventures when visiting this mountain-centric park that touts tons of trails, horseback riding, a seasonal swimming pool, boat rentals, a museum and more. This state park is also just a hop, skip and jump away from Lake Tillery and has many Native American artifacts that are used to create several of the park’s structures.
Singletary Lake State Park
Approximately 2 hour drive
About 50 miles northwest of Wilmington is where you’ll spot Singletary Lake State Park for a day chock-full of hiking, fishing and paddling activities. The water-centric outdoor oasis also offers close proximity to White Lake and Bay Tree Lake for those seeking to explore multiple outdoor spots in one trip.
Carolina Beach State Park
Approximately 2.5 hour drive
While it might not be warm enough to take a full-on swimming and sunbathing beach trip, a stop at Carolina Beach State Park to hike, bike, paddle and picnic might scratch the itch until summertime rolls around. This New Hanover County state park is home to many interesting habitats and species—including the carnivorous Venus flytrap and the 50-foot tall Sugarloaf Dune, which once operated as navigational assistance for river boat pilots.
Don’t feel like driving? Good news: Wendell Falls boasts a plethora of parks so close it’s basically in your backyard. Park it on the website to explore our community’s outdoor spaces, parks and trails.
Wendell Falls is located just 15 miles from downtown Raleigh, North Carolina, one of the fastest-growing metro areas in the U.S. Explore artfully crafted new homes and townhomes from the low $300,000s – $900,000s+.