J. Bayard Clark Park and Nature Center

Map of TRACK Trail at J. Bayard Clark Park and Nature Center

The J. Bayard Clark Park and Nature Center TRACK Trail is an easy 0.3 mile loop that follows a portion of the Cape Fear River Trail and a portion of the Wetlands Trail.

The trail features a playground, streams, and opportunities to spot wildlife. Clark Park is Fayetteville's second largest regional park and is considered a gem by those who frequent it. It was designed, and remains a natural woodland area dedicated to preserving the environment and educating the public on North Carolina plants and wildlife. Three trails wind through the park and along the Cape Fear River. The Nature Center showcases both static displays and live animals. Park rangers educate visitors at the center, along the park trails and through school visits. 

Track an adventure here
Collectible sticker for J. Bayard Clark Park and Nature Center

Location Details

Recreational Features: Paved Bike Path, Camping, Picnic Tables, Fishing, Interpretive Programs, Birding, Playground
Amenities: Restrooms, Nature Center, Visitor Center
ADA Compliant: Partial
Seasonality: Open all year
Kids in Parks trailhead sign with brochures
Wet sandy trail through forest
Wooden bridge over small stream
Group of kids hiking down a paved path
Covered wooden foot bridge
Water cascading down a rock face
Wooden structure in a forest clearing
Cast bronze statue of bigfoot

Adventures for J. Bayard Clark Park and Nature Center

Hiking

Nature's Hide & Seek

Difficulty:
Easy
Trail length:
0.30
The Nature's Hide & Seek brochure is designed so that kids of all ages can walk along the trail and discover common things that are often overlooked in nature. Some of them are hard to find, others are easy. Best of all, the adventure never ends because every time you walk the trail you will discover new things hiding in nature.
Hiking

Animal Athletes

Difficulty:
Easy
Trail length:
0.30
The Animal Athletes adventure challenges kids to exercise with the animals. This brochure gives kids eight different animal exercises they can do along the trail. From hummingbird hand-swings to frog hops, kids are sure to have fun getting in shape with the animals during their outdoor adventures.
Hiking

Bug Out

Difficulty:
Easy
Trail length:
0.30
The "Bug Out" brochure is an investigation into the creepy crawlies of the forest. This adventure will help you learn how to identify the difference between insects, spiders and other arthropods.
Hiking

Nature's Relationships

Difficulty:
Easy
Trail length:
0.30
In the Nature's Relationships brochure you will discover how everything in nature is connected... even us. As you walk along the trail, the brochure will tell you a story about a few of the relationships that can be found. Many more relationships exist, so keep your eyes and heart open and you will discover many of nature's relationships - even yours.
Hiking

Hikin' to Find Lichen

Difficulty:
Easy
Trail length:
0.30
This brochure-led adventure takes kids deep into the mysterious world of lichen. Kids will discover the three different forms lichen can take, and some of the features that make the lichen lifestyle unique. Kids will also read the Lichen story about Alice Algae and Freddy Fungi to help them remember how lichens work.
Hiking

Waterfall Wonders

Difficulty:
Easy
Trail length:
0.30
Falling water is one of the strongest forces on Earth. The sights and sounds of waterfalls are not only powerful, but beautiful. Use this brochure to uncover some of the wonders that make waterfalls so magical.
Hiking

Finding Ferns

Trail length:
0.30
The Finding Ferns brochure is a fun and challenging adventure. Follow the illustrations and clues to find as many of the ferns as possible. You're going to have to be a nature detective to find them all.
Hiking

Tracks and Traces

Difficulty:
Easy
Trail length:
0.30
Every animal leaves "Tracks and Traces" of its presence when they pass through an area. From footprints, to scat (poop), to other traces like food scraps, animals leave clues of their presence everywhere. The "Tracks and Traces" brochure was designed to help you identify the various tracks and traces animals leave behind.

Directions

631 Sherman Drive
Fayetteville, NC 28301
Latitude: 35.085694100000
Longitude: -78.873109500000

Partners

The TRACK Trail program is sponsored by the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation.

The J. Bayard Clark Park and Nature Center TRACK Trail was made possible through a partnership formed between the Kids in Parks program, The North Carolina Recreation and Parks Association, and the Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks and Recreation department.