One of the loveliest city parks in the area can be found at the City Lake Park. This 90 acre park is built around the 112 acre City Lake. The lake once was a reservoir and served as the counties drinking water supply. In 2000…Read More

One of the loveliest city parks in the area can be found at the City Lake Park. This 90 acre park is built around the 112 acre City Lake.

The lake once was a reservoir and served as the counties drinking water supply. In 2000 the city began plans to have the lake turned into a city park. The lake was drained and cleaned up. It was then filled and stocked with fish. In 2003 the park was open to the public as part of the parks and recreation department.

Upon pulling into the park’s drive, you take a ¼-mile drive along a beautiful tree lined drive. There is plenty of open space between the roads for walkers and runners who do not wish to go into the park. There is parking when you first arrive for those only wishing to walk the driveway.

Once you come into the park there is another large parking lot surrounded by a magnificent collection of trees and flowers. There is a playground for the children and a covered picnic area next to it. The shelter can be rented for special occasions. There are also several other picnic tables near the lake.

Fishing is permitted on the lake and permits are not required. There is s public boat launch on the lake as well. The lake areas is a beautiful place to just sit and relax, kick back and read, or do like many local artists and bring your sketch pad and pencils. There are also a number of ducks running around so bring some bread for an even better time.

At the end of the paved walking path you will find an entrance into the woods that leads to the rest of the lake and the hiking trail. There are a number of well marked trails leading around the edge of the lake offering stunning views of the water and the wildlife. If you follow the path on around you will find the falls area which leads to Long Creek. There is a path that will take you out to the bottom of the falls and from there will lead you down the pathway of the creek. This heavily wooded area offers a variety of trees, plants, and wildflowers that are worth taking the time to stop and enjoy. There are several interesting things along the way including what looks like an old retaining wall that is broke now allowing the water to wander on its path. There is also the remains of a 1920s water waste management building that is currently being restored and will one day be open to the public for touring and for rental for parties and weddings.

If you find your self here while it is raining your in for a treat. Last time Jaz and I were here it was pouring rain and we had the park to our self. The canopy of trees along the hiking path keep you dry, and the sounds of the rain hitting the trees were peaceful to say the least. This is also a favorite walking spot for Jaz and I. As you can guess, pets are permitted on a leash.

Future plans for this already wonderful park include more hiking trails, additional picnic shelters, and an outdoor amphitheater. The park opens at 8am and closes an hour before sunset. It is located directly off of Hwy. 73. For more information you can go to www.stanleycountyonline.com and click on parks and recreation.

Highly recommended

Just a scant 10 minutes from Albemarle, you can find yourselves transported to another place and another time. Welcome to Morrow Mountain. Come and enjoy this spectacular state park where you can experience life pretty much as the natives once found it. The mountain ranges…Read More

Just a scant 10 minutes from Albemarle, you can find yourselves transported to another place and another time. Welcome to Morrow Mountain. Come and enjoy this spectacular state park where you can experience life pretty much as the natives once found it.

The mountain ranges here is amongst the oldest mountain ranges in the eastern part of the country. The forces that drove these mountains began almost a million years ago and after years of erosion have reduced the Uwharrie range to less than 1,000 feet. During the 1930s the state began development on the park and by 1937 had over 3,000 acres of land. In 1939 the park was finally opened to the public as a NC state park. Over the years development was added and by the 1960s the land grew to encompass more than 4,742 acres.

Today’s modern visors can find a variety of options here in the park. There are more than 15 miles of well marked trails throughout the area. You can hike the easy .6-mile Laurel trail to the 9.3-mile Long Loop. There are also three bridle trails. During the summer months, park rangers conduct a number of nature classes for all ages. Pets are permitted on a leash.

Fishing is permitted in Lake Tillery with a permit. From June through Labor Day you can beat the summer heat with a dip in the lake. There are changing rooms and showers available in the bathhouse as well as a place to grab a snack or cold drink. There are several boating ramps. Or if you don’t have your own, rowboats and canoes may be rented at the boathouse. There is also a swimming pool within the park.

Make sure to take the time to stop and see the Kron House located at the foot of Fall Mountain. Dr. Kron was a prominent local physician, horticulturist, and educator. His family home, his office, and greenhouse (which were reconstructed in the 1960s) are a great place to wander or to enjoy a picnic. The buildings are not open except on special occasions.

There are two picnic areas within the park. There are both picnic tables and near the pool a large 10-table picnic shelter which can be rented out for private use. If not rented then the shelter is on a first come first serve basis. You can find 106 campsites for both tents and RVs within the park. Restroom and showers are provided as well as dump stations for RVs, but hook ups are not. They are also first come, first serve and a modest fee is charged. For the not so adventurous there are six rustic, yet comfortable vacation cabins for rent. During the summer they rent by the week and in the spring and fall they also have weekend rentals.

This truly is a magnificent place to visit. It has become a favorite place for Jazzy and I to go for our walks. Make sure to take the drive on up to the scenic overlook. From here you can a breathtaking view of the mountains and valley below. There are also picnic areas and restrooms here. There are so many beautiful things to see here so make sure you bring your camera. For more information as well as park hours, directions, information on classes and camping please go to www.ncparks.net and click on Morrow Mountain Also given the long history here, this place is bound to attract a few spirits who seem to like this place as much as the living. One of our senators is also a well regarded historian, folklorist, and author. Daniel Barefoot has a collection of ghost stories that gives spine tingling tales from each of our 100 counties. The one from Stanley county deals with an odd occurrence at Morrow Mountain. Make sure to check out NC Haunted Hundred to see exactly what happened here!

Highly recommended