If you’re looking for a getaway destination in North Carolina, Afton is one of the best places to go. It’s a census-designated place (CDP) in Albemarle and Nelson counties. It is currently listed as an unincorporated community, but is newly listed as a CDP for the 2020 census.

Ijams Nature Center

If you’re looking for a fun outdoor activity, the Ijams Nature Center is the place for you. The grounds are surrounded by undisturbed woods and feature miles of hiking trails. Visitors can choose from either the Wildlife Sanctuary Trail System, with almost four miles of hiking-only trails, or the Quarry and Natural Area Trail System, which has seven miles of multi-use trails.

Visitors can explore nature in a variety of ways, starting with the raptor exhibit. The center features over 300 acres of woodlands and meadows. There are also hiking trails and an observation deck. The park also has a boardwalk along the Tennessee River.

Lake Murray State Park

There are a variety of activities available at this park. The area features a lodge, stables, trails, and boating. It also has an area for ATV driving. Golf is also available for the outdoor enthusiast. If you’re a sports enthusiast, this park has plenty of courses for you to choose from.

There are plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation in this park, which is located just south of Afton. The park is located along the St. Croix River and is surrounded by mature trees. It’s a great place for a picnic and a hike.

One of the most popular attractions at Lake Murray State Park is the Tucker Tower, a historic structure built by the Works Progress Administration and the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1933 as Governor Murray’s summer retreat. Later, the Tucker Tower was turned into a geological museum and nature center. It is 65 feet high, offering spectacular views of the lake.

Another popular spot for camping is the Buzzard’s Roost Campground, located south of the main entrance. This campground is less busy and offers RV and tent camping. It also has a centralized kitchen and provides dishes for all campers. During winter, this campground is closed to camping but offers group camping.

If you like to hike, there are plenty of trails in the area. The Beaver Creek Recreation Area has more than 20 miles of hiking and cross-country ski trails, with some sections suitable for snow shoeing. It also offers a sliding area.

Colter’s Lodge

The historic Colter’s Lodge was built in 1928 and is now a cozy hotel with a steakhouse and an Old West-style bar. The interior is decorated with murals of life in the American West. Whether you’re looking for a place to spend the night or a great dinner, Colter’s Lodge is one of the top places to visit in Afton.

Guests of Colter’s Lodge can enjoy horseback riding, bowling, cycling, and other activities. The hotel also offers complimentary Wi-Fi, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and ATM/banking services. Guests can also take advantage of free self parking.

Located in Afton, Colter’s Lodge offers rooms with air conditioning and free WiFi throughout. It also has a restaurant, a bar, karaoke, and free parking. Rooms are equipped with cable TV, air conditioning, and a refrigerator. In addition, some rooms offer a seating area. Guests are also provided with bed linen and towels.

Natural Falls State Park

One of the best things about Afton, Minnesota, is the park, which spans over 16,000 acres and features the St. Croix River. It is also known for its dense forested trails and prairie grasses. During winter, it is a perfect place for cross-country skiing, and in the summer, you can go horseback riding or enjoy a sunny hike in the park. In addition to the trails, the park also offers cabins and yurts for rent.

For the hiking enthusiast, Natural Falls State Park offers more than four miles of trails that are connected. Hikers can choose which trails they want to explore, and they can tailor the length of the trek to suit their needs. Highlights of the park include the Dripping Springs Trail, which will take you straight to the waterfall. From here, you can also hike to a nearby fishing area. Once you have finished hiking, you can come back and relax in the picnic shelter.

Natural Falls State Park offers an array of lodging options, including cabins and yurts that sleep two to four people. Some of the yurts are furnished with bunk beds and futons. Some even have air conditioning, a mini-fridge, and a dining table. However, you should note that while the yurts are equipped with these modern conveniences, you won’t find running water or a bathroom.

The park has a lot to offer, as it is free to enter and pet-friendly. Natural Falls State Park is located near the Arkansas-Oklahoma border. There is a 77-foot waterfall in the park that features a railed observation deck at the base of the falls. The park is also the location of the 1974 movie “Where the Red Fern Grows.”

Ijams Ranch

Ijams Ranch is the perfect outdoor playground for families with children. This nature center offers miles of diverse hiking trails that wind through undisturbed woods. The Wildlife Sanctuary Trail System is nearly four miles long and is dedicated to hiking, while the Quarry and Natural Area Trail System includes 7.0 miles of multi-use trails. In addition, the Sanctuary also offers boat rentals and a private ropes course.

There’s also a 1.4-mile walking trail that connects the Ijams Nature Center to the Forks of the River Wildlife Management Area. You can also use the River Landing at Ijams, which is a free public launch on the Tennessee River. The parking area is close to the river, and it’s a short distance to carry kayaks.

Located just minutes from downtown Knoxville, Ijams Nature Center is a great place to take the entire family. The facility is free to visit and is accessible to all ages. It’s been a favorite of Knoxville residents since the 1960s and has recently expanded its facilities to accommodate more visitors.

Ijams Quarries is another great place to visit if you love mountain biking. While most people don’t bike to the Quarries, you can take a bike ride up to the keyhole. This is a scenic area with tall rock walls that provide an oasis of peace and quiet. The Appalachian Mountain Bike Club has built trails in the Quarries area for mountain bikers.