When it comes to creating a beautiful and peaceful home, rituals can help create a sense of stability in the midst of a mobile life. Instead of identifying “home” as a place, I’ve adapted it into more of a practice. These “rituals” or routines can look like a daily steaming coffee on the porch, a weekly quiet hour on a garden bench, or any practice that promotes a feeling of rootedness. Many military individuals and families adopt a similar approach.
The budding dogwoods, lush green grass, and toasty-sunny days mean spring in Fayetteville is in full swing. And this means it is the perfect weather for walking outside — my personal “homemaking” ritual.
Luckily, there are quite a few places in the area that are filled with trees, flowers, birds, and other natural beauties. Some also include lakes!
The Cape Fear River Trail is probably the most popular trail for a reason. It is a 7-mile paved trail that is easy to access and covered by a canopy of trees. And of course, the Cape Fear Botanical Garden is perfect for both springtime walking and garden relaxation.
But there are many other lesser-known places perfect for spring walking, too.
I want to highlight three walking trails that I think fit the criteria for a perfect walking place: a loop trail, water views, easy to access, easy to navigate, and filled with trees, creatures, and all things nature.
Whether you like a daily power walk or prefer an occasional family stroll, here are reviews of my favorite walking places to enjoy both water and spring views in the Fayetteville region.
Mazarick Park is nestled just north of the Haymount area. Though adjacent to an active neighborhood, I was pleasantly surprised by the quiet trail. There is plenty of parking available and the trails were very visibly marked.
The one-mile loop trail runs along the serene, pine-lined Glenville Lake for part of the distance. The golden green foliage and clear sky reflect onto the still water, serving as a great centerpiece for spring-inspired photos. Along this section, you will find a dock that can be used for fishing or observation, as well as other water access points. Benches are strategically placed around the path perfect for outdoor reading. The rest of the trail weaves in and out of the trees and along the winding frisbee golf course and well-kempt children’s playground.
There is more to explore at Mazarick Park, but I will certainly return to this trail for the stunning water views and sparsely populated, peaceful walking trail.
The Lake Rim Park in West Fayetteville offers not only walking trails but an aqua park, tennis courts, a volleyball court, a story walk, and sports fields, too. Upon arriving at the park, you pass the aqua park on your left and find the main park building. Next to this building, you can begin the 0.7-mile walk down the Border Trail. On this tree-lined walk, you slowly descend the hill, eventually ending up at a creekside boardwalk inlet. Here, you can stop to hear Carolina chickadees and cardinals chirping amongst the dense foliage. Though you can hear some of the traffic from distant roads, the cascading leaves and wetland scenes still create a peaceful environment in which to recharge.
Initially, you think this path is only a down-and-back trail, but while walking, you soon discover there are many alternate paths that can form a number of loops through the park for walking or running.
Down the road, you can find a paradise of geese, ducks, and more birds at the Lake Rim Boating & Fishing Access dock and the John E. Pechmann Fishing Education Center right across the fence. Though the walking paths do not coincide with these places, it is easy to walk or drive to these locations before or after you head home to get a water view.
Reservoir Park far exceeded my expectations. The 165-acre park is nestled in the woods almost an hour north of Fayetteville in Southern Pines, Moore County. Winding through the entry road, one can catch glimpses of the serene lake spread within the pines. Upon arriving at the parking area, you can see a wider view of the sprawling 95-acre lake. Though there are over 12 miles of biking and walking trails, the most easily visible trail runs along the perimeter of the lake to make a 2-mile loop.
The trail is partially paved, partially sandy ground, complete with water access points, docks, and waterside benches along the way. Depending on the time you go, it may be quite busy as people frequent the park for running, biking, disc golf, walking, kayaking, and more. This park has the benefits of a hike, with densely forested trails, but with the convenience of an urban greenway — easy parking, easy-to-follow trails, public safety, and a central location.
Friends and families can make an afternoon of the visit by packing a picnic lunch and enjoying the lovely pavilion areas available for reservation.
I’ll return to Reservoir Park for the longer loop and expansive water views.
Conclusion
Creating a home amid military life doesn’t have to be limited to the four walls of your house. Sometimes feeling grounded in military life starts with literally exploring the grounds on which we live.
You are invited to explore the many blooming landscapes of the Cape Fear region in your pursuit of creating a home here. Claim them as part of your own rituals, your own homemaking routines. From the simple beauty of a dogwood tree to the vivid colors of daffodils, this region offers many opportunities to find a sense of rootedness through nature. As you walk their grounds, these outdoor trails invite you to take a cozy, familiar front-row seat to the seasonal beauty of the region all throughout the year.
