If you’re looking for places to visit in the Carolina Forest area, you’ve come to the right place. The city is a census-designated place in Horry County, South Carolina. The population was 23,342 in the 2020 census. For many, it’s an upscale suburban community.
JC Raulston Arboretum
If you are looking for the best places to visit in Carolina Forest, a visit to the JC Raulston Arboretum may be the perfect option. This renowned botanical garden features the largest collection of landscape plants in the Southeast. The Arboretum also has several gardens designed by students from North Carolina State University.
A popular spot for nature lovers, the JC Raulston Arboretum has endless species of plants and is open every day, except Monday. The arboretum has both open and shaded areas and offers a great place for picnics. Throughout the year, you can attend a plant sale to learn about local plants and enjoy an afternoon out.
William B. Umstead State Park
The park has a diverse range of activities for visitors to enjoy, including hiking, biking, and fishing. The park is open year-round, except for Christmas. You can even bring your pet along. You can rent a canoe and explore the surrounding lakes. You’ll enjoy the serene setting and peaceful sounds of nature in Umstead State Park. The park has 22 miles of trails for hiking and 13 miles of biking trails.
The park’s trails are a great way to get a workout. If you’re looking for a challenging hike, try the Sal’s Branch Trail. This trail takes hikers along Sycamore Creek and Crabtree Creek. The trail is well-maintained and has very few tree roots. You can also take the Inspiration Trail, which is a short loop that follows a stream. Another trail is the Loblolly Trail. This trail leads to the NC State-managed Carl Alwin Schenck Memorial Forest.
While the park is a beautiful natural setting, there’s also a great deal of history to uncover. For example, the Wright Brothers National Memorial is here, which honors the duo’s amazing achievements. And if you’re looking for something different to do during your trip to North Carolina, try out the Moores Creek National Battlefield, which is one of the best hidden treasures of the region.
Another place to visit in Carolina Forest is the Shangri-La Stone Village, which was created by a hobbyist. It was once North Carolina’s first public park, and it’s now America’s fifth oldest amusement park. It has numerous attractions for children, including a classic carousel and a traditional carousel.
Laurel Park
There are plenty of things to do in Laurel Park, North Carolina. The town is home to dozens of grocery stores, cafes, and restaurants. The town is also quickly adding parks and fitness facilities. Currently, there is only one home for sale in the area. However, there are a few recent sales, open houses, and price reductions.
Another popular attraction in Laurel Park is Jump Off Rock, which offers panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Pisgah National Forest. Short hiking trails lead to the summit, which is 3,100 feet high. Jump Off Rock gets its name from a 300-year-old Cherokee legend. According to the legend, a young Cherokee maiden jumped off the rock after learning that her lover had been killed in battle. It is rumored that the ghost of the maiden is visible on moonlit nights.
If you love hiking, Laurel Park is a great place to go. The 2.8-acre area has a natural-surfaced figure-eight trail that’s less than a mile long. It also contains a small pond and gazebo.
There’s also a beautiful waterfall, Dupont Falls, a 16-mile drive away. You can also play Mountain golf. This is an excellent opportunity to get in touch with Mother Nature and experience a 50-mile vista of green.
Mills River
Visitors to Mills River will find a lot to love in this small North Carolina town. The area is full of beautiful scenery, fun outdoor activities, and exciting museums and history. Whether you plan to spend the day or spend the weekend, you’ll find that there are a lot of things to do in this town.
The area around Mills River is also home to the largest trail complex in the Pisgah Ranger District. The park is home to an extensive network of hiking and biking trails, as well as basketball courts, tennis courts, and a dog park. It also features a playground, picnic areas, and several other leisure activities.
For travelers looking to stay overnight, Mills River offers a great selection of inexpensive lodging options. There are motels and hotels in the area that offer affordable rates, comfortable beds, and free coffee. Many of these properties also offer free shuttle service and vending machines.
Dining options in Mills River include the popular Mills River Restaurant and Mills River Creamery. These two establishments offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily. The menu at Mills River includes traditional Greek and Italian dishes, as well as American favorites. And don’t forget to check out the Mills River Creamery, which is home to delicious, handmade ice cream.
The community of Mills River is in Henderson County, near Fletcher and Etowah. The town extends northward to the Buncombe and Transylvania County borders. The community is also bordered by several unincorporated communities.
