Cape Fear River Trail, Fayetteville, NC

The Cape Fear River Trail is a 10 foot wide paved path for walkers, bicyclists, joggers and all other types of non-motorized transportation. While we were there we saw a lot of dog walkers, joggers, and people pushing strollers. There was even one couple pushing a stroller for their dog. The trail is a 4 mile long path through flat and slightly hilly terrain. There are wooden bridges, a covered bridge and a 700 foot boardwalk that goes through the marsh and wetlands near Clark Park.

There is a lot of wildlife and plant area along the trail. We saw only a few animals but there are trees and plants galore. My kids really enjoyed the moss that was growing on the ground next to the path. It was a great learing experiance for them.

Here is some great information before you head out to the trail:

• It is open every day from 8am to dusk. The hills and bridges can become icey or slippery depending on weather conditions so be sure you check the weather before heading out.
• We started the trail at the Jordan Soccer Complex and there are restrooms located here in case you need them.
• There are benches you can use to sit and enjoy the quiet.
• Security call boxes are places along the path in case of an emergency.
• We saw a security guy on a bike patroling the trail while we were walking. Good to know that is is patrolled.
• The trail has a beginning and an ending. It is not a circle so if you start at one end and go to the other you will have to walk all the way back or find another way back to the starting point.
• All animals we saw were on leashes. Having three little kids it was nice to be able to let them run ahead a little and not worry about animals.
• There are places along the trail to put your trash. The whole time we walked I didn't see any trash other then the little bit that was stuck in the pond.
• We took a picnic lunch and a blanket so when we returned to the van we were able to sit in the grass at the soccer fields and enjoy our lunch with plenty of room to not be interupted by other people.
• Everything about the trail is FREE. Parking is free, the trail is free, the restrooms are free.
• It's a great thing to do for every age as long as you are able to walk up and down the hilly parts.

I couldn't help but edit a few of my pictures I took along our walk. Editing is just about as much fun as the taking picture part is so here are a couple of my photo edits. These are my own photographs, please do NOT copy them for your own. Hope you like them!

With the three little kids I wasn't able to make it as far on the trail as I had wanted to but next time we will make it farther. We made it to the Mile 1 marker and just that first mile was awesome. It is definately a wonderful walk.