Pettigrew State Park

Review

Fast and scenic, that's the 411 on this 7-mile (one-way) run at Pettigrew State Park. The run begins from the main parking area and follows the Moccasin Trail along Lake Phelps for 2.8 miles to Moccasin Canal. It's an enchanting stretch, passing some of the oldest and largest trees of their species in the state. Among the record behemoths are bays, sweet gums, persimmons and pawpaws. You'll also encounter bald cypress with trunks up to 10 feet in diameter and poplar trunks with trunks exceeding six feet. At the canal, pick up the Morotoc Trail, also open to bikes. This 4.2-mile trail gives you additional exposure to the lake, especially cool in late fall and winter as Lake Phelps is a popular wintering ground for tundra swan, snow goose and a variety of ducks. The trail ends at the Cypress Point Access. If you're of a mind - and you might be considering the flat and scenic nature of this run - continue on Shore Drive to the Pocosin Overlook on the south side of the lake. More info here. Maps here. Getting there from downtown Greenville, here.  Photo courtesy N.C. Division of State Parks.