Waterfall Hero Hikes: Turnbull Creek Educational State Forest

Turnbull Creek Educational State Forest is an 890-acre North Carolina State Forest located in Elizabethtown within Bladen County, nestled among the unique Carolina Bays of the state's Coastal Plain. Originally part of the larger Bladen Lakes State Forest, it serves as a living outdoor classroom dedicated to teaching visitors about forest ecology, sustainable management, and North Carolina's rich natural and cultural heritage. The forest features a diverse mix of timber stands, with longleaf pine as its signature tree, supporting one of the most biodiverse ecosystems in North America. Self-guided trails wind through the landscape, passing educational exhibits on topics like fire ecology, tree identification, and the historic naval stores industry, highlighted by an authentic turpentine still from the late 1800s and early 1900s. Open to the public for hiking, picnicking, and group programs, Turnbull Creek offers a peaceful blend of recreation and learning right next to Jones Lake State Park.

Contact Information:

4803 Sweet Home Church Rd.

Elizabethtown, NC 28337

Phone: (910) 588-4161

Map:

Trails:

Duncan Trail

Duncan Trail makes a 4-mile loop around the forest showcasing diverse forest types.

Mountains-to-Sea Trail

Segment 13 of the statewide Mountains-to-Sea Trail runs through the forest. The trail enters from Jones Lake State Park and runs for about a mile to the forest entrance.