Clark Park

J. Bayard Clark Park & Nature Center
631 Sherman Drive [ map]
910-433-1579

M-Sat; 8 am-5 pm

Clark Park is the city’s second largest regional park and is considered a gem by those who frequent it. It was designed, and remains, a natural woodland area dedicated to preserving the environment and educating the public on North Carolina plants and wildlife. Three trails wind through the park and along the Cape Fear River. The Nature Center showcases both static displays and live reptiles and amphibians. Park rangers educate visitors at the center, along the park trails and through school visits. They conduct yearly events at the park such as nature fairs, basic astronomy and animal print tracking.

A visit to the Nature Center can include a picnic at one of the eight tables on the back deck overlooking the woods and waterfall. The park also has a put-in point on the Cape Fear River for canoes. You must provide your own canoe and equipment.

For those interested in walking, jogging or bicycling, use the main parking lot to start your visit to the Cape Fear River Trail, a four-mile paved trail running between the park and the Jordan Soccer Complex. A sign at the corner of the parking lot directs patrons to the trailhead.

Educational Opportunities

The rangers at Clark Park offer a variety of ranger-guided environmental interpretative programs dealing with natural history, flora and wildlife for organized groups. These programs are by reservation only Tuesday-Friday. 

Nature Totes

The Nature Center now offers Nature Totes available for check out. Each tote is designed for children pre-K-4th grade. Nature totes contain books, games, lessons, hands-on activities, art and more. Totes can be kept for one week from the date of check out.  Subjects include birds, trees, mammals, wildlife gardening, spiders/insects and amphibians/reptiles. 

Cape Fear River Trail Golf Cart Tours

For seniors and persons of limited physical ability, interpretive golf cart tours along the Cape Fear River Trail are available for individuals or groups of up to five people.  Reservations are necessary. 

Camping

Camping can also be an added part of your adventure by staying overnight at Clark Park. A semi-primitive campground is available for rent that includes a fire-ring and outdoor restrooms with a cold shower. There is no electricity. An advance reservation with payment is necessary.Rates:
Family - $10/day Groups of up to 25 individuals - $25/day ($1 each additional person over 25)