Lake Crabtree County Park (1400 Aviation Parkway)

919-460-3390

www.wakegov.com/locations/lakecrabtree.htm
This 520-acre lake offers boat rentals, playgrounds, open fields, cycling, hiking and nature trails. Fishing from the bank as well as a platform is allowed and the fishing pier is accessible to the physically challenged.

Lake Michael (Lebanon Rd., Mebane)

919-563-4573

This lake offers fishing, pontoon boats, paddle boats, volleyball, picnic shelters and walking trails.

Lake Wheeler (6404 Lake Wheeler Rd., Raleigh)

919-662-5704

At this 635-acre lake surrounded by 60 acres of park land, there is kayaking, canoeing, rowing, sailing, fishing, picnicking and volleyball. A small conference center, classes, and concessions are available at the Waterfront Program Center.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Gardens (At Rock Quarry Rd. & Martin Luther King Blvd., Raleigh)

919-834-6264

www.king-raleigh.org
This park features a life-size bronze statue of Dr. King surrounded by a vivid array of plants and trees. A 12-ton granite water monument pays tribute to other distinguished pioneers in the civil rights movement.

Montrose Gardens (320 St. Mary's Rd., Hillsborough)

919-732-7787

www.chocvb.org
Dating back to the 19th century, these gardens feature perennials, a plethora of flowering bulbs, dianthus trail, woodlands and a rock garden.

Neuse River Canoe Launches (Raleigh)

919-890-3285

Four canoe launches complete with gravel driveways, metal slide ramps and stone steps are located at Falls Dam (Falls of Neuse Launch); Elizabeth Dr. (Buffalo Rd. Launch); Old Milburnie Rd. off US 64 E (Neuse River East Launch); and Poole Rd. (Poole Rd. Launch).

Norman's Stables (5713 Norman's Rd., north of Hillsborough)

919-732-5739

Guided horseback rides through scenic woods in Orange County.

Pullen Park Raleigh

919-831-6468

At this 65-acre park in downtown Raleigh, where visitors can enjoy a twirl on the restored 1911 Carousel, a trip on the train, or a pedal boat ride on the lake. Picnic areas, concessions and swimming pool are also available.

Raleigh Municipal Rose Garden (301 Pague St., Raleigh)

919-821-4579

www.visitraleigh.com/visit/thingstodo/parks.html
This historic garden in a residential neighborhood near NC State features seasonal flowers (including over 1000 roses from 60 different varieties blossoming from late May until fall), trees, shrubs and an amphitheatre where performances are held.

Shelley Lake (1400 Millbrook Rd., Raleigh)

919-420-2331

Visitors will delight in canoeing, row boating, pedal boating, sailing, fishing, picnicking, biking and hiking along the trails that surround this 50-acre lake.

Silver Lake Water Park (5300 Tryon Rd., Raleigh)

919-851-1683

This water park offers boat rides, swimming, games, picnicking and a 5-story water slide.

University Lake (400 Old Fayetteville Rd., Chapel Hill)

919-942-8007

www.duke.edu/~cwcook/tbg/ulake.html
Features canoeing, paddle boats, fishing and picnic facilities.

William B. Umstead State Park (8801 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh)

919-571-4170

www.ils.unc.edu/parkproject
This park offers camping, fishing, row boating, picnicking and 17 miles of hiking trails. Horseback riding trails are also available.