Durant Nature Park a Hidden Gem of N. Raleigh (Pictures) (house, camp)

[North_Raleigh_Guy]

Today I stopped by the Durant Nature Park for the first time. I can't believe this park is just 5 minutes from my house in N. Raleigh. It is an amazing escape! It is 237-acres and has 2 small lakes and Five miles of trails to explore. There are different recreational and picnic facilities there and we even saw somebody throwing a child’s birthday party under one of those open air picnic lodges which I thought was a great idea. We took a 1.5 mile hike around the lake and saw several deer. Some of the trails are wide have a gravel base while others are more narrow bumpy with lots of roots under your feet, but it is a great place to go for a walk in the woods.

This park is very convenient to folks living in Bedford, Falls River, and Durant Trails. Below are a few quick pictures that I snapped while we were there. If you want to read more about the Duran Trails Nature Park and the events offered there check out these links:

Durant Nature Park | Features (http://www.raleigh-nc.org/portal/server.pt/gateway/PTARGS_0_2_306_209_0_43/http%3B/pt03/DIG_Web_Content/category/Leisure/Parks_and_Facilities/Durant/Cat-2CA-2007501-142720-Durant_s_Features.html - broken link)

Interesting info about an annual Halloween Event held at the Park. I don't know much about it, but thought I would post info about it here:

"The main annual event at Durant is the Halloween Trail, which draws hundreds for nature-based skits, hayrides, crafts, games and a campfire. The event is 6 to 9 p.m. Oct. 19 and 20. Cost is $5 for adults and children over age 3; $7 at the door. Kids 3 to 10 will probably have the most fun, but there are activities for any age group. Pre-registration is highly recommended."

Recent Article in the N&O about the Durant Nature Park:
newsobserver.com | Take A Child Outside (http://www.newsobserver.com/lifestyles/family_community/story/711032.html - broken link)

Map of the Park Location (8305 Camp Durant Rd., Raleigh, NC 27614)



View of one of the lakes in the park with a trail around the perimeter







View of open area of trail (Other sections are narrower and more wooded)



Some Turtles on a log in the lake basking in the hot sun!



A View of some of the recreational facilities. Lot of people were picnicing just beyond the trees.



A Camp Fire Pit than can be reserved for special occasions



Came across this guy as we were finishing our walk around the Lake !

[alice_61]

NRG,

Thanks for the photo tour! I will put the park on my list of nature places to visit.

Thanks,
Alice

[coltank]

I can't believe there is water!

[mdp_az]

DNP truly is a little oasis nestled between both residential and commercial establishments in N. Raleigh. It is actually an old Boy Scout camp, and you can see some of the remains of a few shelters just down from the boathouse. Not only is it a great place for hiking, but there is also a short 1.5 mile mountain bike trail in the park. This is a nice diversion after riding the Durant Trails and Falls River greenways nearby and is a favorite "short ride" of mine for evenings or when time is tight.

[North_Raleigh_Guy]

I made another trip to the Durant Nature Park today to enjoy this great weather. I found the little creek that follows the greenway. Here are a few quick pics from today. (February 9th, 2008)







Crazy lookin' crooked tree!





Part of the Greenway Trail

[rbercian]

Such a wonderful place! I go nearly every day to wander off the beaten path.

[gastric]

I've driven by the park entrance 1,000 times and each time have said "I wonder what it's like in there" and kept driving. Woodsy picnic here I come!!!

[sundaze]

WoW! Beautiful NRG. Thank you so much!

[PDXmom]

NRG, did you see any snakes this time? I know everyone says it's too cold for snakes now. But yesterday was a pretty warm day.

[dansdrive]

NRG great pics. Never been there but your pics convinced us to stop and take a look around. Thanks much!!!