Waterfall Hero Hikes: Jones Lake State Park

Jones Lake State Park is a 2000-acre North Carolina State Park in Bladen County. The park protects two Carolina Bay lakes - Jones Lake and Salters Lake. Carolina Bays are mysterious oval-shaped lakes found throughout the coastal plain region. The origin of Carolina Bays is unknown, but some theories include meteor showers, wind action and sinkholes. The federal government began buying depleted farmland in the area during the 1930s in the area under the Resettlement Administration. The Civilian Conservation Corps built most of the park’s amenities during this time and the land was leased to the state in 1939 and formally transferred in 1954. Today, the park has picnic areas, a swim beach, a campground and hiking trails to access the lakes.

Contact Information:

4117 NC 242 North
Elizabethtown, NC 28337

Phone: (910) 588-4550
Email: jones.lake@ncparks.gov
GPS: 34.68274,-78.59542

Directions:

From Fayetteville, head west on NC-53 for about 10 miles and bear left on Turnbull Road. Drive a total of 13.5 miles on the road, which becomes Old Fayetteville Road in 8.5 miles. Turn right on NC-252 south and go 9 miles; the park entrance will be on the right.

Map:

Trails:

Bay Trail:

Length: 4 miles (loop)

Difficulty: Moderate

Blaze: White Diamond

Bay Trail makes a loop around Jones Lake and the surrounding bay forest. The trail can be accessed from either end of the picnic area. This trail is subject to flooding; we couldn't go around the entire loop as part was completely under water.