Lake Waccamaw State Park

About Lake Waccamaw State Park

Lake Waccamaw is one of the most unique waters in the world, and the cool, tea-colored water may seem cooler than other lakes in the area. Here you will find species of animals that are not found anywhere else in the world, as well as endangered animals such as birds, reptiles, amphibians, mammals, birds of prey and much more.

Lake Waccamaw is the largest freshwater lake in North Carolina and the second largest in the United States. The limestone cliffs on the north shore neutralize the water in Lake W Accampaw and distinguish the lake from all other bays in Carolina.

The tree-lined Waccamaw Lake offers fascinating natural history and fun for all ages, from children to adults. Nearby you can take a look at the botanical wonder of the Green Marsh or picnic on the banks of the lake in the green meadows.

Waccamaw Lake State Park is one of the largest state parks in North Carolina, with more than 1,000 acres of open space and a variety of activities for all ages.

Lake Waccamaw was once described as one of the most pleasant places I have ever seen, and I was not the first to find this paradise.

In 1797, the state bequeathed 170,120 hectares of the Green Marsh for just 7,000 dollars, and in 1904 the land was bought for harvest and drained for agricultural use. Archaeologists discovered Lake Waccamaw in the late 19th century as part of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina.

The timber companies produced cypress shingles and took them to the nearby railway station, where they were transported by mules. A pipe was laid on the west side of the lake, and the remains of a level crossing can still be seen today. The wooden shingle was eventually transported by rail to a nearby train station and then to its final destination in North Carolina.

The state government's interest in the Bay Lakes began when legislation prohibited the sale of the seawater-covered land to the cities of Bladen, Columbus and Cumberland. Later, the General Assembly declared that they would all remain the property of this state, and the lake too.

In October 1964, the Department of Nature Conservation and Development attempted to acquire land along the lake shore to create a state park, but it was not until May 1976, when the National Commission's Parks and Recreation Department purchased a 273-hectare parcel of land, that the State Parks on the lake were established.

The purchase of the land formerly owned by the City of Bladen, Columbus and Cumberland, as well as the City of Columbus, helped bring the park to its current location at the northern end of Lake Waccamaw.

All supplies must be packed locally, including drinking water and all supplies, including drinking water.

Adventurers and campers will find plenty of opportunities for hiking, fishing, camping, kayaking, picnicking, canoeing, hiking and fishing. Nearby there is a variety of food and beverages as well as a number of picnic tables, picnic benches and a picnic table.

Organized groups can make reservations, otherwise campsites are available on the "first come, first served" principle. Register for a camping permit at the visitor center or contact the Lake Waccamaw State Park office for more information.

Boating is a popular pastime at Lake Waccamaw and there are boat connections through the park. There are two boats available, one operated by the NC Wildlife Resources Commission (WRC) and one by the North Carolina Department of Natural Resources (NCDNR).

Motorboats and sailboats can be launched from the boat ramp, but parking is limited and parking rules apply.

Lake Waccamaw is owned by the park, so parking may be limited to a maximum of two spaces per vehicle per day or up to four per car.

Lake Waccamaw is one of the largest and most scenic lakes in North Carolina. The picnic tables and barbecues are under a large oak tree draped with Spanish moss. The WRC is located on the lake and its rules are enforced by a team of volunteers from the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Nearby there are drinking water and toilets, and the park is accessible for disabled people, with access to toilets and showers at picnic tables and barbecues.

The longest trail in the park, the Lake Trail, starts at the visitor center and follows the lakeside to the Waccamaw River. The trail is about five kilometers long and crosses a variety of ecosystems and is one of the most popular hiking trails for hikers and runners.

The Lake Trail is characterized by white flames and runs through tall hickory trees, lake meadows that are home to a variety of fish species, and sandy beaches that are perfect for picnics and relaxation while gazing out over the lake. The Sand Ridge Nature Trail is a 0.75 mile loop that starts and ends at the picnic spot. A guide to the route is available from the picnic area, as well as a map of the trail and information about the park.

From the path, hikers can see the lake, the shore and a variety of wildlife, as well as the Sand Ridge Nature Trail. Trees are marked along the way to identify the route, along with a map of the park and information about Lake Waccamaw.

The 2.5 km long path, which winds through the picnic area and the visitor centre of the park, allows hikers to admire the lake, the shore and a variety of animal species as well as the trees along the way. With attentive eyes, hikers can even spot Venus flytraps, but as it is a rare species, they should not be disturbed. The most common plants along the way are the long - left pine, pine, oak, birch and pineapple.

The Loblolly Trail is marked by a red ribbon for a mile, with red ribbons for the other half of the way. The route is similar to the pine forest trail and ends at the visitor centre.

An additional walkway, which leads through the laurel forest, is equipped with two umbrellas and is located at the visitor center. This leads to a 700-metre waterfront promenade where hikers can admire Lake Waccamaw State Park, the lake's waterfalls and the Great Barrier Reef. The promenade ends at a picnic area with picnic tables, picnic benches and a fountain.

In Lake Waccamaw State Park, rangers regularly conduct educational and interpreting programs. Please contact the park office for further information or to arrange a group course at the Visitor Centre or at the Interpreting Centre in the Visitor Centre car park.

The Lake Waccamaw program introduces students to the unique ecosystem, especially Carolina Bay, by focusing on the history, ecology and ecology of the lake and its inhabitants, as well as the natural history of North Carolina.

The programme is accompanied by a teacher's booklet and a workshop, which is free of charge for teachers. In grades 6-8, students in the North Caroliners for Environmental Education (NCAE) program develop their skills in environmental education, conservation and environmental management. This correlates with the education of students building on skills in North Florida such as science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

Lake Waccamaw State Park is located about 12 miles south of Whiteville, North Carolina, about 1.5 miles east of the town of Greenville. Take US 74 to I-95 southeast to the intersection and drive approximately 12 miles to Whiteley, NC.

Turn right onto Bartram Lane and turn left onto the road, which turns sharply right towards the lake. Turn left into the parking lot of Lake Waccamaw State Park and turn left - and turn right onto Bartrams Lane.

Head west on 40 from Wilmington and then east on Bartrams Lane to Lake Waccamaw State Park and then west on the road to Bartram Lane.

Leave NC 214 at Church Street and turn left on Pecan Lane, right on Bartram Lane and then left on Bartrams Lane to Lake Waccamaw State Park.

Leave NC 214 at Church Street and turn left on Pecan Lane, right on Bartram Lane and then left on Bartrams Lane to Lake Waccamaw State Park. Leave the road, which turns sharply right towards the lake, and turn left into the parking lot of the park at the intersection of North Carolina 214 and North Main Street.