Spring Hike at Raven Rock

Saturday, we took Alex for a spring hike at Raven Rock State Park.  We were hoping to see some wildflowers but it was a little too early.  Parking at the visitor center, we started off on Campbell Creek Loop Trail and went right at the split.  The creek and river were up with the recent rains.

The trail follows the creek down to where it emptied into Cape Fear River.

Looping around, we spotted a snail on the trail.

A little further, we took the split and went down to Lanier Falls.  The water was way up and it was difficult to get out on the wet works, so I didn't go all the way down to the creek.

As the trail looped back around, it passes an unmarked tributary with a small cascade over a rocky ledge.  Normally, there's not much water, but it was looking nice today.

The loop finished up at the bridge and we followed the trail back to the parking area.  Next, we got on Raven Rock Loop Trail.  About a mile in, we stopped at the overlook.

Then we continued to the park's namesake and took the steps down to the base.

It was very scenic down here and we stopped for a snack.

Then we had to climb the stairs back up and finish the loop.

After finishing our hike, we went to Aviator in Fuquay-Varina and had lunch outside with Alex.