Hiking and biking trails
HIKING & BIKING
Cape Fear River Trail: This 10-foot wide paved path winds through nearly four miles of hilly woodlands and flat terrain alongside the Cape Fear River. Wooden bridges, a 700-foot boardwalk and a covered bridge make the trail memorable. It's open 365 days a year from 8 a.m. until dusk Monday through Saturday, and from 1 to 4:30 p.m. Sundays. Located at 1572 Sherman Drive.
Mazarick Park: Shady dirt trails are part of this 80-acre park. Some lead to a fishing pond and disc-golf course. The park is open from 8 a.m. until dusk. At 1612 Belvedere Ave. and 1368 Belvedere Ave.
Smith Lake: Known as a nice introductory trail for mountain bikers, the paths at Smith Lake on Fort Bragg are divided into three interlocking loops ranging from an easy green trail to the black trail's logs, climbs and bridges. Each trail is two to three miles long. Daily fee is $5, annual fee is $20. At 1129 Smith Lake Road.
Linear Park: A pedestrian trail follows Cross Creek from Ray Avenue to North Cool Spring Street downtown. Two bridges and a fountain are part of the trail, which has been completed in phases and eventually will join the Cape Fear River Trail.
Weymouth Woods: Six hiking trails and a bridle trail run 4.6 miles through this 898-acre Sandhills nature preserve. Ancient longleaf pines shade the paths, which are mostly sandy and flat. Hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. until October. 1024 Fort Bragg Road, Southern Pines.
Lake Rim Park: Wooden bridges and dirt trails are nestled in 30 acres near a fishing education center, old hatchery ponds and Lake Rim. The park is open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. during summer months. 2214 Tar Kiln Drive.