My idea of a wonderful park is one that offers a beautiful lake or pond, walking trails, playgrounds, and more. The Triangle area of North Carolina is home to many parks that fit this description; the Cary region is no exception. The city of Cary has more than 30 public parks and natural areas with many more in the surrounding area. I’ve visited some of them alone and others, with my family and dog, Nina. I hope you’ll visit one of my top, five favorite parks in the Cary area!
Fred G. Bond Metro Park: Go for a Picinc!
Whether you’re a runner, walker, fisherman, ballplayer, or boater, you’ll enjoy visiting Bond Park. The park is really a premier recreational destination within the city limits.
Families enjoy picnicking beside the beautiful lake and using the grounds for games and sports. You’ll often see people playing with frisbees and frolicking with their dogs in the big field, adjacent to the lake. Walkers and runners regularly use the Greenway which cuts through the park; even stopping to use the fitness equipment along the trail. I’ve rented a paddle boat with my granddaughter. Sadly, guests cannot rent boats during the pandemic, but I recommend this activity once the pandemic is over. The Boat House also rents kayaks, canoes, rowboats, and Sunfish sailboats. Many local festivals, theatre productions, and sporting activities are usually held at the Park. The 310-acre property also houses a Senior Center, Community Center, playground, Amphitheater, and picnic shelters. Fred G. Bond Metro Park truly offers something for everyone.
Fiitness Along The Trail/K.Rusch 
Boat House/K.Rusch 
Greenway/K.Rusch 
Ampitheatre/K. Rusch 
Ballfield/K. Rusch
Location:801 High House Rd, Cary, NC 27513 Website:https://bit.ly/2YU190W
Lake Crabtree County Park
The Triangle area is lucky to have such a gem like Lake Crabtree County Park. The property may sit close to Interstate 40, but you still feel enveloped by nature within the Park. Features of the site include gardens, picnic shelters, nature trails, play areas, playgrounds, fishing, volleyball, and boat rentals (when open). We enjoy picnicking by the Boat House, walking the trails, and admiring the lake views. In fact, the last time we visited I spotted an osprey and a Great Blue Heron. I’ve noticed that avid bicyclists like the park as well as families with small children. We met a family with a toddler along the Old Beech Nature Trail. It’s an accessible trail that features numbered signs that correspond with information about trees, wildlife, and more. You can find a brochure with the corresponding information at the start of the trail.
Old Beech Nature Trail/K.Rusch 
Lake Crabtree/K.Rusch 
Lake Crabtree/K.Rusch
Location:1400 Aviation Parkway, Morrisville, NC 27560 Website:www.wakegov.com/parks/lakecrabtree
William B. Umstead State Park: Take a Hike!
Just a few exits down on I-40 from Lake Crabtree County Park sits the beautiful Umstead State Park. (Actually, this park has two entrances as stated below.) My family and I have picnicked by a stream, taken photos by the lake, and used the nature trails. (Umstead State Park is a great place to go for a hike) Other features of the Park include an exhibit hall; camping; reservable facilities; trails for hikers, runners, bicyclists, and equestrians; canoe and rowboat rentals, fishing, and picnic grounds with fireplaces that can be reserved. At certain times, park rangers lead interpretive programs about North Carolina state parks. Most programs are free but require advance registration. Leaders can arrange a special exploration of Umstead State Park for their group or class through the park office.
Umstead Park Trails/Ph: Niloy Alam 
Lake at Umstead Park in Winter/Ph: Sourabh Katariya 
Umstead Park/Andrew Churchill
Location: Crabtree Creek access and visitor center: 8801 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh, NC 27617 Reedy Creek access: 2100 N. Harrison Ave., Cary, NC 27513 Website:https://www.ncparks.gov/william-b-umstead-state-park/
Historic Yates Mill County Park
If you’ve never visited the Historic Yates Mill County Park in south Raleigh, you are in for a treat. Guests enjoy all features of the 174-acre wildlife refuge and environmental research center. I recommend not missing its 3 miles of pretty trails.
If you are short on time, enter the nature trail to the left of the Visitor Center. From here, it is just a short walk through woodlands to the historic mill and dam. The water-powered grain mill served Wake County for more than 200 years. Today, the historic mill offers guided tours from March to November, and costumed corn-grinding demonstrations. A more strenuous walk can be had on the High Ridge Trail (0.8 miles) and the Creekside Trail (1 mile). If you are lucky, you may spot a beautiful Rosy Maple Moth, Great Egret, or scattered, curious mushrooms. Keep in mind that pets, bikes, off-road vehicles, and horses are prohibited.
While the park does not offer recreational opportunities besides trail walking, fishing, and picnicking it does host educational programming. The A.E. Finley Center for Education and Research offers virtual programs and site-based multi-disciplinary programs and camps for all ages. Virtual field trips include the Online Park Explorer Packs and Yates Mill educator-led presentations. Self-Guided activities like Create your Own Waterwheel Craft and the Yates Mill Mobile Tour can be found on the park website.
Location:4620 Lake Wheeler Road, Raleigh, NC 27603 Website: https://bit.ly/3jxnL0A
Crowder County Park (also known as Crowder District Park)
Residents and visitors can explore the 33 acres of this lovely site situated on the border of Apex and Cary. The popular, but still peaceful, park is a perfect place to walk, run, or take the kids. In fact, the shaded park always seems well-kept with unique amenities that appeal to children, such as a turtle pond and an area where children can try out musical instruments. Other amenities of the park include gardens, open play areas, picnic shelters and areas, playgrounds, trails, volleyball, educational programs (including virtual), and interpretive exhibits. Crowder County Park is a small property compared to the others on this list, but well worth the visit!
Bridge at Crowder Park/Sam Ray 
Wildlife in Lake/Sam Ray 
Activity Field at Crowder Park/Dean Peters
Location:4709 Ten-Ten Road, Apex, NC 27539 Website: www.wakegov.com/parks/crowder
Considerations
Prepare for your visit to the park. Review the safety advice of the managing land agency before you start. Stick to the trails and do not disturb wildlife. Bring water, snacks, bug spray, and sunscreen, and keep all skin areas covered. Check for closures, conditions, hours of operation, and other information, before you start out.
References:
North Carolina State Parks: William B. Umstead State Park
Wake County: All Parks and Trails
Photo Credits:
Historic Yates Mill County Park
Sourabh Katariya (Pixalore Studios) (Cover Photo)