Steeped in history and ecological significance, the trails at Carvers Creek State Park weave visitors through Longleaf Pine ecosystems with wiregrass understory, past the longstanding Rockefeller House, and alongside habitats of federally endangered species. Approximately 13 miles of trails blaze through the 4881 acres of meticulously tended land.
Colleen Bowers, Ranger Supervisor at Carvers Creek State Park since 2010, detailed some of the restoration the property underwent in preparation for public access. She says it included reworking wetlands and a stream that was previously used as farm irrigation. The stream is now braided and runs across the front of the property. Restoration also includes regular controlled burns that regenerate and maintain the longleaf pine and wiregrass.
The ecosystem at Carvers Creek State Park is likely the most fire-adapted in the state, according to Bowers. She said there used to be about 90 million acres of longleaf pine in the southeast United States. Through turpentine harvesting and naval store industries in the 1700s, it was diminished to about three or 4 million acres. Longleaf pine sap is more plentiful and rich than other pine trees. They grow particularly tall, straight, and water-resistant. These raw materials were in particularly high demand at one time.
“It's definitely an ecosystem that we're losing but trying to preserve,” Bowers explained.
The preservation process requires controlled burns every few years. Bowers said they burn multiple units within the park on a 3-5 year rotation. The wiregrass meadow, however, is typically burned every year to maintain it as a warm-season grass meadow.
“In Fire-dependent ecosystems, the seeds cannot regenerate unless they’ve been exposed to fire in the summertime. So that way, when the seeds fall in the autumn, they're falling on nutrient rich, bare soil so they can sprout,” Bowers said.
This regenerative cycle and the habitat it provides endangered wildlife is the backdrop that hikers, bikers, and equestrian visitors enjoy on Carvers Creek trails.
Two trail access points, the Sandhills access, and the Long Valley Farm access, offer visitors distinct opportunities. Bowers explained that the Sandhills access trails are considered “multi-use,” meaning they’re open for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, and include horse trailer and pedestrian parking lots. The Long Valley Farm access trails are open only for hiking and biking, Bowers advised they can be challenging for bikes or strollers due to areas of soft, sandy terrain.
The Long Valley Farm access includes 2 trailheads: Cypress Point Loop Trail and Rockefeller Loop Trail. The Rockefeller loop trail features views of the Rockefeller house, the former winter escape of James Stillman Rockefeller. The house will eventually be renovated as a Visitor’s Center, but currently can only be viewed from the trail and is not open to the public. Bowers highlighted the first portion of the trail saying, “It’s a nice birding spot because there's a meadow on one side and then Longleaf Pine. So that's the first half mile of the trail is a great edge habitat for all of these birds.” She said sightings often include the Loggerhead shrike, Bobwhite quail, and Red-tailed hawk. The Cypress Point Loop trail runs along the millpond and features a 91-foot observation deck where visitors can access the scenic lake view.
The Sandhills access includes 7 trailheads. Bowers highlighted two. For an easy and approachable adventure, try the Wiregrass Loop Trail. Bowers said visitors don’t have to stray far for this activity, as the 1.4-mile loop starts and ends at the parking lot. For those interested in an up close look at the longleaf pine ecosystem, Bowers recommends the Longleaf Pine Trail. It’s 4 miles one way and does not loop, but visitors can turn around before the trail ends if they don’t wish to traverse all 8 miles. Not only do visitors get to see the towering trees on the Longleaf Pine Trail, but if they watch below, they’ll spy the creek. Hikers and cyclists cross on a footbridge, while horses ride through the water. The Sandhills access will also be the starting point for Fayetteville Running Club’s upcoming Deerfly Trail Race.
Humans and canines are both welcome at the Deerfly Trail Race with separate registrations and start times for both. Courses include an 11k and 6k that the Fayetteville Running Club describes as “fun and challenging race(s) for all ages and abilities.” The race will take place Saturday, Oct.19, at 8 a.m.
Bowers recommends visitors call ahead with questions and come prepared for their hike with important gear such as proper footwear, insect repellant, and plenty of water. Whether visitors are interested in walking, running, biking, or horseback riding, she encourages them to spend time on the trails and observe the unique ecosystems they spotlight.