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Sanford, North Carolina

Sanford, North Carolina is known for its top outdoor adventures and attractions. From scenic trails to must-visit spots, this area provides a range of activities for all to enjoy. Whether it's hiking, biking, running, kayaking, fishing, camping, or simply relaxing at a park or golf course, Sanford, North Carolina has something for everyone. Experience the wonders of nature as you explore the Deep River Trail, Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge, and Haw River State Park. Make memories that last a lifetime when you visit this incredible area!

Top Spots in and near Sanford

  • Apex, North Carolina

    Camp at Jordan Lake State Park

    4.0
    We passed by Jordan Lake on the way home from a soccer match, and the kids asked if we could camp there before summer's end. We lucked out and found a spot available online to reserve Labor Day weekend, so we packed up and headed out for a couple of relaxing days by the lake.The camping offerings...
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  • Cary, North Carolina

    Bond Park Lake Trail

    5.0
    2.02 mi / 108 ft gain
    Bond Park Lake Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Cary, North Carolina.
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  • Morrisville, North Carolina

    Hatcher Creek Greenway

    5.0
    5.25 mi / 112 ft gain
    Hatcher Creek Greenway is an excellent paved walking, running, and biking path in Morrisville, NC. This greenway connects to Crabtree Lake Greenway. You can also use this greenway to travel to the Morrisville community library, Morrisville Community Park, and access shopping and restaurants in th...
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  • Chapel Hill, North Carolina

    North Carolina Botanical Garden

    1.46 mi / 157 ft gain
    North Carolina Botanical Garden is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
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  • Cary, North Carolina

    Black Creek Greenway to Lake Crabtree

    5.0
    2.04 mi / 213 ft gain
    Black Creek Greenway to Lake Crabtree is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Morrisville, North Carolina.
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  • Morrisville, North Carolina

    Day Trip to Lake Crabtree

    5.0
    Lake Crabtree is a 215 acre park that sits right next to a 520 acre flood control lake, known as Lake Crabtree. The park is open year round and offers a plethora of different activities. Hiking trails are accessible to hikers and runners while bikes are also permitted on multi-use trails. The par...
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  • Graham, North Carolina

    Saxapahaw Island Park

    1.3 mi / 30 ft gain
    Saxapahaw Island Park is an urban park along the Haw River. The Saxapahaw Island Loop Trail is a well-maintained 1.3-mile loop.  The trail parallels a section of the Haw River Trail/Mountains-to-Sea Trail. Many park visitors run laps around the loop while others fish along the river's edge, chil...
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  • Cary, North Carolina

    Hike the Reedy Creek Lake Trail

    5.0
    1.4 mi / 129 ft gain
    Start the hike from the Reedy Creek parking lot. Hike down a section of the Loblolly Trail and then join the Reedy Creek Lake Trail. The trail is loose gravel and is fairly wide. The walk is not too difficult at all. In spring, you'll see many beautiful wildflowers along the way and at any point ...
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  • Cary, North Carolina

    Company Mill Trail

    5.0
    5.13 mi / 620 ft gain
    Start your hike from the Reedy Creek Parking Area. Hike through the woods down to the Reedy Creek. At this point, cross the bridge and hike along the river to the ruins of an old mill and some nice rock formations. Continue up the hill to the River Creek Multi-use trail and then back down the hil...
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  • Cary, North Carolina

    Reedy Creek and Loblolly Trail

    4.02 mi / 456 ft gain
    Reedy Creek and Loblolly Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Raleigh, North Carolina.
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  • Cary, North Carolina

    Loblolly and Reedy Creek Trail Loop

    5.0
    4.03 mi / 456 ft gain
    The Loblolly and Reedy Creek Trail Loop is a great loop trail for hiking, running and biking in Umstead State Park near Raleigh, North Carolina.  TRAILI started my run on the Loblolly Trail from the parking area and then continued on the Reedy Creek Trail. Combining these two trails forms a loop...
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  • Durham, North Carolina

    Rhododendron Bluff Circuit

    2.93 mi / 331 ft gain
    Rhododendron Bluff Circuit is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
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  • Snow Camp, North Carolina

    Cane Creek Mountains Northern Approach Loop

    2.32 mi / 351 ft gain
    The Cane Creek Mountains Natural Area is a nature park in the Piedmont Region of North Carolina. Pine Hill Trailhead is the first phase of the park and includes 3.5 miles of trails. All the trails are color-coded and marked with matching blazes every tenth of a mile. The 2.5-mile Northern Approac...
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  • Chapel Hill, North Carolina

    Old Field Bluff Trail

    3.08 mi / 223 ft gain
    Old Field Bluff Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
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  • Raleigh, North Carolina

    Sal's Branch Trail

    5.0
    2.55 mi / 331 ft gain
    Sal's Branch Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Morrisville, North Carolina.
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  • Burlington, North Carolina

    Rock Creek Trail

    1.75 mi / 167 ft gain
    Cedarock Park is a 500-acre park named for the abundance of cedar trees and rock outcroppings. The park features a network of hiking and equestrian trails, disc golf and footgolf courses, primitive camping, a fishing pond, canoe and kayak rentals, basketball and volleyball courts, picnic shelters...
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Camping and Lodging in Sanford

Getaway Asheboro
Asheboro, North Carolina

Getaway Asheboro

From $149 / night

Canebrake Horse Camp
Troy, North Carolina

Canebrake Horse Camp

Badin Lake Campground
Eldorado, North Carolina

Badin Lake Campground

Guides, Insights and Stories from Sanford

Roadtrip guide to the mountains of North Carolina

Roadtrip guide to the mountains of North Carolina

Erin McGrady

The Best Waterfalls in Western North Carolina

The Best Waterfalls in Western North Carolina

Jared Beeler

Top 5 Best Places to Stargaze and Shoot the Milky Way in the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains

Top 5 Best Places to Stargaze and Shoot the Milky Way in the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains

Jared Beeler

10 Amazing waterfall hikes in North Carolina

10 Amazing waterfall hikes in North Carolina

The Outbound Collective

12 Must-Do Backpacking Adventures in North Carolina

12 Must-Do Backpacking Adventures in North Carolina

The Outbound Collective