Johnston County Visitors Guide 2012-2013 - (Page 12) Nature Sites & Outdoor Recreation Arboretum at JCC 919-209-2052 1240 E. Market St., Smithfield | www.johnstoncc.edu/arboretum The Arboretum at Johnston Community College promotes the conservation of native species which are displayed in the “Southern Garden” and along trails for visitors to enjoy. Special events held throughout the year. Call for hours. Hatcher Bridge Tree Farm 919-603-8578 2810 Shoe Heel Rd., Kenly | www.hatchersbridge.com 120-acre tree farm that is used as an environmental education center also offers hiking, camping, and bird-watching. By appointment only. Seasonal, closed November to April. Groups welcome. Hexagon Wake Park at Tucker Lake 877-wakepark (9253-7275) 3025 Allen’s Crossroads Rd., Benson | www.hexagoncablepark.com Fun and supportive environment for beginners to advanced riders with daily lessons for both wake boarding and wake skating. Facility has two full size cable systems, one running clockwise and the other anti-clockwise. Admission. Benson Singing Grove 919-894-5117 406 E. Main St., Benson | www.townofbenson.com Home to the annual Benson Mule Days and the Benson State Singing Convention the park offers a stage, picnic shelter for 80-100 people with grills and a playground for children ages 2-12. To book the park and picnic shelter for concerts or family reunions call Benson Parks & Recreation. Howell Woods Environmental Learning Center 919-938-0115 6601 Devil’s Racetrack Rd., Four Oaks | www.johnstoncc.edu/howellwoods Howell Woods offers over 2,800 acres and 25 miles of unpaved roads and trails for small group horseback riding, mountain biking, bird watching, long-distance hiking, no-trace camping and fishing. Containing diverse flora and fauna. The site includes an exhibit hall, amphitheatre and nature resources library available for use by the public. Reservations are required for horseback riding, camping and fishing. Buffalo Creek Greenway 919-934-2148 600 Booker Dairy Rd., Smithfield Trail entrance located at the back of Smithfield Community Park, this 3-mile greenway travels along the Spring Branch to the Neuse River Walk at Smithfield Commons. Part of the Mountains to Sea Trail through Johnston County, the ten foot wide path accommodates hikers, runners and bikers. Langdon’s Fishing 919-779-0207 664 Cornwallis Rd., Cleveland Township Two ponds available for fishing. $2.00 per day per person, children under 10 years-old, free with adult. Clemmons Educational State Forest 919-553-5651 2411 Old US 70 W., Clayton | www.ncesf.org/CESF/home.htm Clemmons Forest offers a mix of pine and hardwood vegetation and a pleasant rolling terrain highlighted by streams and rock outcroppings. These features are made accessible by a series of well marked trails, accented by exhibits and displays about the ecology of a managed forest. A fascinating feature, especially to children is a selection of talking trees and rocks. Open Mid-March to Mid-November. Closed on Mondays. Legend Park - Mountain Bike Trail 919-553-1550 550 City Rd., Clayton | www.townofclaytonnc.com From beginner to advanced riders, this eight-mile bike trail offers rock gardens, boulders, jumps, and bridges. Trails are multi-directional. Free. Call for directions. East Clayton Dog Park 919-553-1550 2027 Glen Laurel Rd., Clayton | www.townofclaytonnc.org Separated area for large and small dogs. Wash station and picnic tables. Rabies tags required. Neuse Adventures Canoe & Kayak Rentals 919-553-3295 2975 Covered Bridge Rd., Clayton | www.neuseadventures.com 2-hour canoe trips along the scenic Neuse River begin 9am and 1pm weekends or 6-8pm weekdays during the summer. Groups up to 16-20 people welcome. Trips are self-guided unless a guide is reserved in advance. Flower Hill 919-833-3662 NC Hwy 231 N. & Flower Hill Rd., Middlesex Flower Hill is a 10-acre nature preserve owned and managed by Triangle Land Conservancy to protect rare populations of rhododendron, galax, and other montane plants. Trails are open to visitors year-round. Early May is typically when the magnificent pink Catawba rhododendron blooms. Powell’s Gardens 919-936-4421 9468 US Hwy 70 E., Princeton Enjoy a vast selection of Irises (late April-early May), Hostas (mid April-frost) and Daylilies (late June-July). Open year round. Loleta Powell introduced original garden plants such as Meredith Hues, which is the official flower for Meredith College. Free. 12 http://www.hatchersbridge.com http://www.johnstoncc.edu/arboretum http://www.hexagoncablepark.com http://www.townofbenson.com http://www.johnstoncc.edu/howellwoods http://www.ncesf.org/CESF/home.htm http://www.townofclaytonnc.com http://www.townofclaytonnc.org http://www.neuseadventures.com Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Johnston County Visitors Guide 2012-2013 Johnston County Visitors Guide 2012-2013 Contents History Facts & Maps Accommodations Things to do agri-tourism amusements art galleries day spas public libraries history & heritage nature sites & outdoor recreation golf courses Performing arts Places to shop Outlet shopping Places to eat Places to meet Transportation Annual events Johnston County Visitors Guide 2012-2013 http://www.nxtbookMEDIA.com