Page 14 - Wilkes County NCG 2023

W. Kerr Scott Reservoir

Carter Falls is accessed by a 0.5-mile
(one way) trail through old-growth forest.
Visitors enjoy the falls from a lower area with
views from the banks of Big Elkin Creek and
an upper area vantage point from a massive
rock outcrop. Water flows through various
fissures in the rock for approximately 100 feet
before dropping to the pool below.
Intersection of Pleasant Ridge Rd. & Martin Byrd Rd.
Elkin, NC
Recreation State Forest showcases magnificent
Rendezvous Mountain Educational

mountain hardwoods accessible by a series
of well-marked trails, accented by exhibits
Live Your Best Outdoor Life depicting the ecology of the managed forest.
Picnic sites are available, as well as a shelter
(with reservation) featuring a stone fireplace
and ample seating. An amphitheater is
also available.
The massive granite dome at Stone
W e have what you are seeking in Mountain State Park keeps watch over park 1956 Rendezvous Mtn. Rd., Purlear, NC 28665
Wilkes County: pristine forests,
(336) 667-5072 | ncesf.org
cascading waterfalls, rushing
rivers, and fly-fish perfect winding streams. visitors enjoying nearly every type of outdoor
activity – camping, hiking, climbing, fishing,
Our sense of place is found in the outdoors. picnicking, horseback riding, and more. There WILKESBORO PARKS
It’s no wonder western North Carolina is the are more than 18 miles of trails, matched by Cub Creek Park
outdoor industry hub of the East. The Blue more than 20 miles of designated trout waters. 206 S. Bridge St.
Wilkesboro, NC 28697
Ridge Mountains are the backdrop as the Rock climbing is allowed by permit on the 600- (336) 667-8804
Yadkin River gently flows through its namesake foot granite face of the mountain, and climbers wilkesboronc.org/cub-creek-park
valley, providing a scenic and serene setting for look down on Hutchinson Homestead, a Heritage Square Splash Pad
daily life. 100 E. Main St.
restored mid-19th century mountain farm. Wilkesboro, NC 28697
Parks & Trails Unreserved picnic shelters are available first- (336) 838-3951
The 9.2-mile Yadkin River Greenway come, first-served (reservations suggested). wilkesboronc.org/heritage-square-splash-pad
runs from W. Kerr Scott Dam in Wilkesboro to 3042 Frank Pkwy., Roaring Gap, NC 28668 Westwood Park
Smoot Park in North Wilkesboro. While several (336) 957-8185 1030 Fletcher St.
sections are natural paths and rock dust, the Camping & Shelter reservations: (877) 722-6762 Wilkesboro, NC 28697
(336) 667-8804
majority is paved and ideal for family walks or ncparks.gov/stone-mountain-state-park wilkesboronc.org/westwood-park
bicycling. yadkinrivergreenway.com
Popular N.C. Birding Trail sites Dropping almost 200 feet, Stone
in the area include: E.B. Jeffress Park, Lewis Mountain Falls is just one of many great
Fork Overlook, Mahogany Rock, Stone features of the area’s most popular natural
Mountain Park, Thurmond Chatham, W. Kerr wonder, Stone Mountain State Park. While the
Scott Reservoir, Whippoorwill Academy and hike to the falls is moderately challenging, a
Village, and the Yadkin River Greenway. set of wooden stairs makes the 1.2-mile trek
ncbirdingtrail.org from the upper trailhead parking lot doable
The 1,475-acre W. Kerr Scott Dam and for family groups. A more scenic route from
Reservoir offers excellent boating, canoeing, the lower trailhead will take you by the
kayaking, fishing, and swimming opportunities. Hutchinson Homestead and the view field to
Miles of biking and hiking trails surround see the granite dome of Stone Mountain as
the lake, including a 6-mile section of the you continue to Stone Mountain Falls, a 3-mile
Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail.
499 Reservoir Rd., Wilkesboro, NC 28697 round trip.
(336) 921-3390 3042 Frank Pkwy., Roaring Gap, NC 28668
www.saw.usace.army.mil/Locations/District-Lakes- (336) 957-8185 Leatherwood Mountain Resorts
and-Dams/W-Kerr-Scott ncparks.gov/stone-mountain-state-park

10 Recreation Wilkes Chamber of Commerce