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Clark Park Nature Center
4.7 ★★★★★ 980 Google reviews · Running trail in Fayetteville, North Carolina · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Clark Park Nature Center's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
This large park has a nature center with turtles, fish & snakes, plus trails along Cape Fear River.
What runners say about Clark Park Nature Center
“We stopped by on this place last Sunday from Church and this place is so beautiful.”
If we could give this place 10 stars we would. First time here today with my kiddos who are almost 8, and 9. We walked a few of the trials and wondered for a bit. We just moved from Colorado where we have been forever … the water along the trails and just the forest feeling was so amazing!
Nice walking trails, waterfall is kind of hard to see. Open views on trails and you can sit and watch the river. Be careful as some trails have fairy gardens pretty close to the edge of cliffs. My child would run right up to the edge to see but we stayed safe. We loved finding the dinosaurs!
Second time visiting this place. It was 10 in the morning and it was packed. I had to park on the grass, even though there's a sign not to do so. So weekends, it's going to be packed, but this way is more motivating. I love seeing people on bikes, running and just enjoying the sun ☀️ Today's run was 4 miles.
This place is awesome!!! I feel like things around Fayetteville are hit or miss and this place awesome. Super clean, trails are paved, so perfect for strollers and bikes. Playground was amazing for my almost 4yo and it’s all covered by trees so it’s shaded. 10 out of 10, will be our new usual.
Trail conditions & character
“I love the trail, I recommend to be prepared and wear adequate clothes if you doing the waterfall trail, I haven’t being able to make all the way yet.”
“Miles of paved trails, unpaved nature walks, and mountain bike courses are all in great shape The Nature Center has some fun little things to look at.”
“Restrooms are available in the Nature Center, and Porta-Johns are available by the parking area.”
“Restrooms are available in the Nature Center, and Porta-Johns are available by the parking area.”
“This park is very, very nice, most of the walking paths are paved, lots of military running, family's, dog walkers, and people on bikes!”
“Maybe more people would dump their waste in a can if more accessible.”
“Could use some water fountains with the dog drinking stations throughout the paths and maybe a few more garbage cans.”
Plan your run at Clark Park Nature Center
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- LightingRunners report lights on the path — useful for pre-dawn and after-work miles. Lighting and opening hours are separate things, so check both.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitefcpr.us
- Phone+1 910-433-1579
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 10 am–4 pm |
| Tuesday | 10 am–4 pm |
| Wednesday | 10 am–4 pm |
| Thursday | 10 am–4 pm |
| Friday | 10 am–4 pm |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
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