State parks and preserves promote conservation through education

Howell Woods

The Rudolph Howell and Son Environmental Learning Center or “Howell Woods” is a 2,856 acre preserve located in southeastern Johnston County. The property is operated by Johnston Community College and managed as an outdoor classroom for the benefit of wildlife and low impact outdoor recreation.

Howell Woods is located between the Neuse River and two brownwater creeks, Hannah and Mill. It is blessed with a variety of plants, animals and habitats.

Facilities at the preserve include a classroom building with separate kitchen facilities, an exhibit hall, amphitheater, and campfire ring. There are over 30 miles of unpaved roads and trails located on the property. Small group horseback riding, mountain biking, long distance hiking, no-trace camping and fishing are available for a fee.

Johnston Community College offers a number of educational and entertaining activities for all ages throughout the year. Programs include: canoeing, backyard wildlife, songbird identification, backpacking and wildlife ecology.

Howell Woods is located near Bentonville on Devil’s Racetrack Road, about 8 miles from Interstate 95.

For more information:
Howell Woods Environmental Learning Center
6601 Devil’s Racetrack Road
Four Oaks, NC 27524
Phone: 919-938-0115

Clemmons Educational State Forest

At Clemmons Educational State Forest in Clayton, visitors can listen to the wind in the trees or they can listen to the trees tell a story.

"Talking trees and rocks," recorded messages along numerous trails, tell forest history and explain the geology and soil of the forest. Included are examples of actual forestry practices, highlighted by longleaf pine restoration areas.

The Forestry Exhibit Center features many interactive exhibits with large murals and many historical and cultural items. Ranger-conducted classes are available for groups of ten or more.

Project Learning Tree, Project Wet, and Investigating Your Environment are workshops available for teachers, natural resource professionals or other group leaders.

Clemmons Educational State Forest has picnic facilities and campgrounds.

For more information:
Clemmons Educational State Forest
2411 Old US 70 West
Clayton, NC 27520
Phone: 919-553-5651

Nearby State Parks

There are 35 state parks, preserves and recreation areas in North Carolina. Here is a list of those within a short drive of the Smithfield-Selma area.

Cliffs of the Neuse State Park
345-A Park Entrance Road
Seven Springs, NC 28578
Phone: 919-778-6234

Eno River State Park
6101 Cole Mill Road
Durham, NC 27705
Phone: 919-383-1686

Falls Lake Recreation Area
13304 Creedmoor Road
Wake Forest, NC 27587
Phone: 919-676-1027

Jordan Lake Recreation Area
280 State Park Road
Apex, NC 27502
Phone: 919-362-0586

Raven Rock State Park
3009 Raven Rock Road
Lillington, NC 27546
Phone: 910-893-4888

Waynesborough
804 US Hwy. 117 South
Goldsboro, NC 27530
Phone: 919-731-5680

William B. Umstead State Park
8801 Glenwood Avenue
Raleigh, NC 27617
Phone: 919-571-4170