Carvers Creek State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Carvers Creek State Park |
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IUCN Category III (Natural Monument)
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Swamp at Long Valley Farm, Carvers Creek State Park
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 Carvers Creek State Park
Location in North Carolina
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| Location | Spring Lake, Cumberland, North Carolina, United States |
| Area | 4,530 acres (18.3 km2) |
| Established | May 4, 2005 |
| Named for | Carvers Creek |
| Governing body | North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation |
| Website | Carvers Creek State Park |
Carvers Creek State Park is a beautiful state park located in Cumberland County, North Carolina, in the United States. It's north of Fayetteville. This park covers about 4,530 acres (18.3 square kilometers) in a special area called the Sandhills.
The park gets its name from Carvers Creek, which flows through it. This creek is a small river that feeds into the much larger Cape Fear River. Carvers Creek State Park also shares a border with Fort Bragg. The park is currently split into two main parts: the Long Valley Farm area and the Sandhills Property. The state is still working on plans for the park and hopes to add even more land in the future.
On September 9, 2013, some parts of the park were opened to visitors for the first time. These first areas included a ranger station where you can get information, a picnic spot, and access for fishing in the lake. There were also two hiking trails ready for everyone to explore.
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Exploring the Trails
Carvers Creek State Park has some great trails for hiking and enjoying nature.
James S. Rockefeller Loop Trail
The James S. Rockefeller Loop Trail is the main path in the park. It's about 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) long. This trail connects the park's office and picnic area to the historic Rockefeller House. After visiting the house, the trail loops back around. It ends near the parking lot entrance, making it a convenient walk.
Cypress Point Loop Trail
Another fun trail is the Cypress Point Loop Trail. It's about 0.75 miles (1.2 kilometers) long. This trail starts close to the Rockefeller House. It takes you on a loop around the southern edge of the old mill pond. It's a great way to see the water and surrounding trees.
The Rockefeller House and Mill Pond
One of the most interesting parts of Carvers Creek State Park is the historic Rockefeller House. It sits right next to a large, 100-acre (0.4 square kilometer) mill pond.
History of the Rockefeller House
The Rockefeller House was once the winter home of James Stillman Rockefeller. He was the great-nephew of John D. Rockefeller, who founded the famous Standard Oil company. The house is quite large, with two floors of living space, an attic, and a basement. Much of the house still has its original wooden floors and walls. Only the kitchen and servant areas were updated in the 1970s.
The Rockefeller House, along with other buildings nearby, was added to the National Register of Historic Places in the early 1990s. This means it's recognized as an important historical site. Usually, you can't go inside the house on your own. However, the park often offers one or two guided tours each month, so you can see the inside with a ranger.
The Mill Pond's Past
The large mill pond next to the house has a long history. It dates back to the 1800s. Back then, the property was used for cutting and processing lumber. The pond was held in place by an old dirt dam on its southeast side. Underneath a pavilion, which used to be a logging deck, there were three water gates. At the other end of the dam, there was a more modern gate. This gate was used to power a gristmill, which grinds grain.
At the far end of the Cypress Loop Trail, there was an observation deck. This was a popular spot for fishing. You could also go canoeing on the pond, but swimming was not allowed.
The Mill Pond's Transformation
On September 29, 2016, something unexpected happened. Heavy floodwaters rushed down Carvers Creek. The force of the water broke the dam, and most of the mill pond's water drained away. The pond turned back into a creek. Just a few weeks later, Hurricane Matthew brought even more floodwaters, making the damage worse.
Because the pond is gone, you can no longer go fishing or canoeing at Carvers Creek. For safety reasons, access to the observation deck, the pavilion, the gristmill, and the dam is currently restricted. The good news is that the state plans to rebuild the dam. It might take a few years, but the goal is to bring the mill pond back to life!
