Howell Woods

We woke early on a crisp Sunday morning to biting cold. Even Amaroq had burrowed under a blanket during the night. After breaking camp, we set out for a hike in the opposite direction along the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, heading into Bladen Lakes State Forest. The path followed old forest roads, offering a peaceful, warming walk beneath the trees.

After a few pleasant miles, we turned back, left the park, and began the drive home. 

Along the way, we made a stop at Howell Woods in Johnston County for a short hike.

We started on the Leopold Loop behind the learning center, then branched off onto the Bartram Trail, which led us to Howell Drive.

We followed the road for about a mile, passing a quiet pond and winding through swampy lowlands.

Near here, a delicate atamasco lily was in bloom.

At the gate, we turned around and made our way back, this time staying on the trails.

We took the Sandhills Trail through a beautiful pine forest before signing out at the entrance.

Before leaving, I made a quick detour to the raptor exhibit.

There were several owls, eagles, and other birds of prey, along with a few bobwhites.

After snapping a couple of photos, we finally headed home.

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.