Jones Lake Hikes

On Saturday, I took Amaroq on a weekend hiking and camping trip to Carolina Bay Country in Bladen County. We started at Jones Lake State Park and headed out on the Mountains-to-Sea Trail into Turnbull Creek Educational State Forest.

I was pleased to find the bridge had been replaced, finally making the trail continuous through the forest.

We connected with the Duncan Trail and followed it to the forest entrance, where the MST veered off.

Continuing on the Duncan Trail, we made a pleasant loop around the forest.

A short side loop on the Turnbull Creek Trail offered nice views of the creek the forest is named after.

Near the trailhead, a friendly ranger stopped to say hello and of course, to pet Amaroq.

Along the way, we passed several interesting forestry exhibits, including some vintage trucks along the trail.

Near the end of the loop, we came across a beautiful patch of irises just beginning to bloom.

After completing the loop, we returned via the Mountains-to-Sea Trail back to Jones Lake. From there, we headed to the campground and set up at site 10. With plenty of daylight left, we set off again on the Bay Trail.

The last time I visited, this trail had been flooded, but this time we were able to hike the full loop.

Past the visitor center, we took the Cedar Loop, which led to a scenic overlook of the lake.

Continuing on the Bay Trail brought us to another overlook, then out onto sandy roads and the familiar section I’d hiked before.

We eventually closed the loop back at the campground, where I was delighted to discover another large patch of irises blooming right at our campsite.

Unfortunately, the state forest service had issued a burn ban, so we couldn’t have a campfire to take the edge off the unseasonably cold evening.

Amaroq's 5 Overlooks Hike

On Sunday morning, we rose early, broke camp, and drove to the Hanging Rock State Park visitor center to tackle the classic 5 Overlooks hike. We kicked things off with a return climb up the Hanging Rock Trail.

Starting at first light, we were only the second group to reach the summit, savoring the peaceful morning views all to ourselves before the crowds arrived.

On the descent, we passed a steady stream of hikers heading up, proof that our early start had paid off.  From there, we followed the Wolf Rock Trail to its dramatic overlook, where we shared the spot with just one other small group.

Continuing along Cook’s Wall Trail, we reached House Rock and paused for a quick snack with a great vantage point.

The next highlight was Cook’s Wall itself, the fourth overlook, offering beautiful panoramic views stretching in both directions.

We then looped back via the Magnolia Spring Trail down to Moore’s Wall before beginning the climb back up.

This section felt like the steepest of the day, especially as temperatures climbed into the warmth of late morning. By the time we reached Moore’s Knob—the final overlook—it was noticeably busier.

We found a spot for a short lunch break, soaked in the sweeping vista one last time, and then started the descent. Unfortunately, the visitor center was closed when we returned, so we couldn’t pick up Amaroq’s park patch, we’ll just have to make another trip to claim it.

With that, we pointed the car toward home, already looking forward to the next weekend adventure. Another perfect camping getaway in the books.

Hanging Rock Bike Trails

Saturday marked Amaroq's and my first camping trip to Hanging Rock State Park and we made the most of every hour. We left early and headed straight for the Bike Trailhead, a section of the park I'd never explored before. After crossing the road, we picked up the Round-necked Trail, a winding path that climbed to bluffs overlooking the Dan River before looping back as an out-and-back.

Near the trailhead, I noticed the bridge over Cascade Creek had washed out, so we crossed back over the road and joined the Original Loop instead. The Original Loop wound through gorgeous, quiet forest before connecting with the Major Tom Trail.

We followed it up to a ridge along the edge of the property, where Moore's Knob came into view - stunning, though the harsh midday sun made a photo impossible. From the top, we descended via the Rattler Trail, passing a trail-building crew hard at work on the way down.

A detour at the Farmhouse parking area brought us to a small waterfall on Cascade Creek.

A worthwhile stop before we looped back and finished out Major Tom and the Original Loop. 

Hungry and satisfied, we grabbed pizza at Rocky River Cafe. I had my heart set on a beer from Green Heron Ale House, but they were closed for the season, so we headed back to the park for one more hike, the new Hanging Rock Trail.

Near the base of the rock, the new section branches off along an old road and makes a sweeping switchback to the summit. It was crowded at the top, but I enjoyed a good conversation with a park ranger about trails in the area before we made our way back down. By then, it was finally time to check in.

With the tent pitched, we took a leisurely walk down to the lake and on to Upper Cascade Falls.

The sun had dropped low enough to soften the light, and I got a decent shot at last. Then it was back to camp with a fire crackling, the day finally slowing down around us.

Fort Macon Hike

On Monday morning, with the rain finally cleared, I rose early and took Amaroq for a refreshing beach walk. We strolled a few miles west along the shoreline, turning back just as the first hints of dawn appeared. The return journey was breathtaking - the sky gradually brightened, painting everything in soft, glowing light.

We timed it perfectly, arriving back at the hotel right as the sun rose over the horizon.

After a quick pack-up and checkout, we enjoyed one last breakfast at Banks Grill before heading to Fort Macon State Park for a final beachside adventure. We brought the stroller, but Harper surprised us by hiking a good portion of the Elliot Coues Nature Trail on her own. We began on the soundside, passing the historic Coast Guard station and winding through a serene maritime forest filled with stunning views of Bogue Sound.

The path was dotted with vibrant yaupon holly berries, adding pops of red to the greenery.

The trail soon crossed over to the oceanside, where a short spur connected us briefly to Atlantic Beach.

Looping back, we climbed through the rolling dunes, rewarded with beautiful vistas of the beach and Atlantic waves.

With the loop complete and spirits high, we started the drive home, making a tasty stop for lunch at East Coast Wings in Kinston. It was the perfect, relaxed way to cap off our coastal getaway.

Pine Knoll Shores Aquarium

Sunday turned out to be a thoroughly rainy day, but we made the most of it. The morning started with just a light drizzle, so I took Amaroq for an early beach walk. We strolled several miles in both directions, reaching the piers and lingering a bit past sunset.

The overcast skies kept things quiet, with not much wildlife or activity to spot, but the fresh air and steady pace felt refreshing.

After our long walk, we headed back and enjoyed a hearty breakfast at Banks Grill. By then the rain had picked up, so we decided on the perfect indoor alternative: the NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores, an ideal rainy-day outing.

The aquarium beautifully traces North Carolina's aquatic journey from mountains to sea.

We began in the mountain region, passing an impressive artificial waterfall and exhibits featuring pickerel, bass, and other freshwater fish.

Moving into the Piedmont section, we spotted two adorable screech owls (not aquatic, but charming nonetheless).

Although the otters were napping, the turtles were active.

I really liked the albino loggerhead sea turtle and a fascinating snapping turtle.

Harper was captivated by the colorful array of fish and marine life, particularly the mesmerizing jellyfish displays.

The highlight was the massive Living Shipwreck tank—a 306,000-gallon ocean habitat teeming with sharks, rays, sea turtles, and schools of vibrant fish.

Our tour finished up through the coastal areas.

After exploring the main galleries, Harper spent some joyful time in the Discovery Bay play area, crawling through tunnels and interacting with hands-on exhibits.

When the rain eased momentarily, I slipped out for a quick stroll along the Alice Hoffman Trail in the adjacent Theodore Roosevelt State Natural Area.

This easy half-mile loop winds through marshy ecosystems, complete with a floating bridge near the end.

I was rewarded with sightings of a graceful great egret wading in the shallows and a small flock of white ibises farther along - peaceful moments amid the drizzle.

Later, while Harper napped, Amaroq and I popped over to Nacho Brewing in Morehead City.

Despite the persistent rain, dogs were welcome inside. Amaroq quickly made friends with the bartender's dog, charmed everyone with his talkative personality (earning plenty of treats and laughs), and kept me company while I enjoyed a Fruit Isn't Real beer. By evening, we returned to pack up and prepare for checkout the next morning. A full, cozy day despite the weather!