Lake Rim Park

Lake Rim Park
2214 Tar Kiln Drive [ map ]
910-424-6134

Winter Park Hours are 7 am-5 pm; Summer Park Hours 7 am-9 pm

Office Hours 8 am-5 pm

Whether you are taking a stroll on the one-mile border trail through the wetlands to Bones Creek, playing a game of soccer with friends, or having a family picnic, Lake Rim Park offers something for everyone. An assortment of outdoor amenities, including picnic areas, horseshoe pits, walking trails, tennis courts, sand volleyball courts, athletic fields, natural areas, and children's playgrounds are here for you to enjoy. All facilities are open to the public on a first come, first serve basis unless they are reserved. To find out how you can reserve a picnic shelter or athletic field for your special event contact the park office.

Make sure to check the Parks and Recreation activities guide to find out about all the programs that are offered at the park. Park rangers teach classes and lead hikes on a variety of natural science and historical topics year round for the public. Many of our programs are free! Organized groups can call the office to schedule an appointment to have a class taught at the park or for a ranger to visit them.

For the more adventurous, Lake Rim Park offers a variety of outdoor adventure activities. Join us for a relaxing kayak tour of Lake Rim or for an all day excursion on one of our local waterways. We provide all the equipment and some basic instruction for beginners. You can be hitting the bull's-eye in no time with one of our archery classes that are taught by a certified archery instructor. If you like to fish, we sponsor several fishing events throughout the year at the John E. Pechmann Fishing Education Center next door to the park and we have fishing poles that you can borrow for 24 hrs anytime of the year.

So stop by the park, give us a call, or check out the activities guide to find out more about what Lake Rim Park has to offer you. We look forward to seeing you!

Fishing Tackle Loaner Program
Try your hand at fishing without buying the equipment. This program allows you to borrow a rod and reel for 24 hours and provides a great opportunity for the whole family to get outside. A free tackle box and goody bag is given to all participants 16 and under. A driver's license is required to register.
All ages; Mon.-Fri.; 8 am-5 pm; Free

Lake Rim Park Scavenger Hunt
Pick up a self-guided scavenger hunt worksheet from the office to take along with you as you explore the park. They are free and fun for families, groups, or individuals. There are several to choose from for various ages.
All ages; Mon.-Fri.; 8 am-5 pm; Free

Educational Group Programs
Lake Rim Park offers ranger-led environmental and history programs. Topics offered include: wetlands, animal adaptations, beaver ecology, tree identification, rocks and minerals, fossils, insects, the naval stores industry, local Native American cultures and more. Groups will have a chance to experience the natural world and visit actual historic sites on the property. Programs are offered by appointment only. This is a great opportunity for schools, churches, civic groups and scouts to learn about our world.
All ages; Mon.-Fri.; 8 am-5 pm; Free

NC Catch Clinic
Lake Rim Park staff will be offering special fishing clinics based on the CATCH curriculum. You will learn to fish as well as fishing ethics, NC native game fish identification, and water safety skills. Space is limited and you must pre-register by the Wed. prior to the clinic by calling Lake Rim Park. Classes will be held at the NC Wildlife's John E. Pechmann Fishing Education Center, next door to Lake Rim Park.
8-15 yrs; Mon., Sept. 21, Tues., Oct. 6, and Mon., Jan. 11; 1-4 pm; Free

Stars and Constellations
Winter nights are the premier time to view the night sky. Join us and other sky watchers as we explore the wonders of the sky. Learn about our constellations and other celestial objects and the folklore behind them. Pre-registration is required. Register by the Fri. prior to the program. Bring your telescopes and binoculars.
First series: All ages; Mon., Nov. 16 and Wed., Nov. 18; 6-7:30 pm; Free
Second Series: All ages; Wed., Dec. 16 and Thurs., Dec. 17; 6-7:30 pm; Free

Animals
North Carolina is home to a variety of animals. Join a park ranger to discuss some of the fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals found in North Carolina. An array of pelts, mounted animals, and skulls will be on hand to help identify different species of animals found in our area. Meet
at the NC Wildlife's John E. Pechmann Fishing Education Center located next to Lake Rim Park.
All ages; Thurs., Nov. 12 and Wed., Feb. 17; 3:30-4:30 pm; Free

Christmas Plants
The Christmas Season is associated with many customs and traditions. Some of these traditions have to do with plants. Learn the stories behind the different plants used as decorations and food at Christmastime. Then join a park ranger for a short hike to learn about some of our local
Christmas plants growing in their natural habitat.
All ages; Wed., Dec. 2 and Thurs., Dec. 17; 3:30-4:30 pm; Free

Beaver Ecology
Beavers are found all over the country including Lake Rim. Learn about these fascinating mammals; where they are found, what they eat, and how their adaptations help them to survive. Meet at the NC Wildlife's John E. Pechmann Fishing Education Center located next to Lake Rim Park.
All ages; Fri., Dec. 11; 3:30-4:30 pm; Free

Winter Hike
It may be chilly outside but that's no excuse not to get out and go for a walk. Bundle up and join a park ranger on an interpretive hike as you explore the park this winter. Bring binoculars to view birds and learn about a variety of evergreen plants that bring color to the forest even in winter.
All ages; Tues., Dec. 22, Wed., Jan. 20, and Thurs., Feb. 25; 3:30-4:30 pm; Free

Fossils
Learn about life from the ancient past as you study fossils. Find out how they form, where they are found, and how to identify them. Bring your own fossils for help with their identification. Meet at the NC Wildlife's John E. Pechmann Fishing Education Center located next to Lake Rim Park.
All ages; Thurs., Jan. 14; 3-4 pm; Free

Tracking
We don't always see the animals when we venture into the woods but we will often find the "clues" that they leave behind. A park ranger will teach participants about animal tracks, gait patterns, nests, signs and other clues that can help you identify and locate animals. Meet at the NC Wildlife Commission's John E. Pechmann Fishing Education Center located next to Lake Rim Park.
All ages; Mon., Jan. 25; 3:30-4:30 pm; Free

Insects
Find out how to identify insects, where they live, what they eat, which ones are beneficial and which ones you should be careful around. A park ranger will discuss and display many insects that you may or may not be familiar with. Meet at the NC Wildlife's John E. Pechmann Fishing Education Center located next to Lake Rim Park.
All ages; Thurs., Feb. 4; 3:30-4:30 pm; Free

Rocks and Minerals
Specimens will be displayed and passed around as participants learn about a few of the thousands of
different types of rocks and minerals and their many uses. Meet at the NC Wildlife's John E. Pechmann Fishing Education Center located next to Lake Rim Park.
All ages; Wed., Feb. 10; 3-4 pm; Free

Going Birdie
If you are crazy about birds, then this class is for you. We will talk about bird behavior, identification, feeding, and watching. You will also have a chance to help us count the birds in the park for the Great Backyard Bird Count. Be prepared for a short hike and bring binoculars if you have them.
5+; Mon., Feb. 15; 10-11:30 pm; Free

Teen Explorations of Lake Rim
Teens will get up close and personal with nature during the hands-on activities. Topics to be covered include lake ecology, the biodiversity of soil invertebrates, and conservation. Pre-registration required by Feb. 12.
15-18 yrs; Mon., Feb. 15; 9 am-4 pm; Free

Holiday Lake Rim Kayak Tours
Join us to explore the world of kayaking on Columbus Day, work off all that turkey after Thanksgiving, relieve some of the pre-holiday stress in December, or spend some quality time with your sweetheart on Valentine's. All the equipment is provided and all experience levels are welcome. Pre-registration is required by the day before the event.
10+ with a participating adult;
Mon, Oct. 12; 2-4 pm;
Sat., Nov. 28; 10 am-Noon; Wed., Dec. 23; 10 am-Noon;
Sun., Feb. 14; 2-4 pm; $20

Fly-Fishing Clinics
Learn the basics of fly-fishing from casting and knot tying to regulations and ethics with the beginner class or sharpen your skills with the advanced class. Pre-registration required through Lake Rim Park. Please wear a brimmed hat and eye protection. All equipment is provided. Clinics are held at the John E. Pechmann Fishing Education Center next door to Lake Rim Park. Registration begins Dec. 1.
12+ with a participating adult; Beginners Clinics: Sat., Jan. 9,
Jan. 23, and Feb. 6; Advanced Clinic: Sat., Feb. 20;
9 am-3 pm; $5/person