Allow me to introduce you to one of my favorite retreats, a lovely place that never fails to fill me with joy. As a parent and a small business owner, finding moments to escape is a rarity, but this local gem is a haven just a five-minute drive from my shop.

Blue Jay Point County Park is nestled within a sprawling 236-acre site adjacent to Falls Lake, situated on land leased from the US Army Corps of Engineers through NC State Parks. Once primarily agricultural land, the park is steeped in a rich history of nurturing agrarian communities; that is until the Falls Lake project began in the early 1970s.

The park offers a diverse range of attractions and activities for visitors to enjoy. One highlight is a section of the North Carolina Mountains-to-Sea Trail, running through the park and providing picturesque hikes and nature walks (my personal favorite). Additionally, after Christmas, the park collects discarded Christmas trees to create mulch for the trails, filling the air with a delightful aroma reminiscent of a magical wonderland. Beyond hiking trails, visitors can explore gardens, enjoy the nature center, and unwind at the playground and open fields. Picnic areas invite relaxation, while shoreline fishing provides opportunities for angling enthusiasts. For those seeking a bit of a thrill, the Go Ape Treetop Adventure offers an exhilarating experience amidst the park’s natural beauty.

This preserved land has enriched my life over and over. My introduction to its history occurred during my time as a Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management major at NC State. As a student, I spent a great deal of time volunteering with the park system and learning about the endless benefits of recreational areas. As I transitioned into adulthood, I began to experientially understand those benefits. When my son was four (he’s now 18), I began raising him as a single parent, and Blue Jay Point was such a cherished gift for us both. He wasn’t particularly an outdoor kid, but I could always entice him to take a little walk down to the lake to throw pebbles into the water. It became a place where we gathered with friends, enjoying a leisurely lunch as the kids played on the playground. And now, a little later in life, spending time hiking there helps get me through the darkest days of winter and the hottest days of summer. It provides emotional shelter during times when life’s burdens get a little heavier than I like. Blue Jay Point has evolved into more than just a recreational space – it is therapy, a gathering space to meet with friends, a healing sanctuary. I return to it time and time again, seeking to recenter myself, find beauty, and clear my mind.

In 2019, I was honored with the task of painting the hiking mileage signpost for the Mountains-to-Sea Trail at Blue Jay Point (pictured). This project ignited a sense of excitement within me and helped to bolster my confidence. Witnessing the smiles it brought to people and seeing the joyous photos taken in front of it filled me with great joy, fostering a deep sense of connection to the community and inspiring me to become more involved with it. It was one of the nudges that encouraged me to start my own business, a space where local artists are supported, and the community is engaged and connected. So every time I see the signpost, I am grateful all over again.

This recreational land is a part of our wonderful state … it’s one for which I am incredibly proud to be a part. I love that we have this gem so close to home, and I hope it will bring you as much joy as it brings me.

The park grounds are open from 8:00 AM until sunset every day of the week, providing ample opportunity for outdoor activities and exploration. Additionally, the Education Center Exhibit welcomes guests daily from 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, ensuring visitors can learn and engage with exhibits throughout the week (closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day). Located at 3200 Pleasant Union Church Rd in Raleigh, the park can be reached at 919-870-4330 or via email at BlueJayPoint@wake.gov for inquiries and information. For additional information, visit wake.gov/departments-government/parks-recreation-open-space/all-parks-trails/blue-jay-point-county-park.

Those curious about the history of Falls Lake can delve deeper into the subject through Janet Steddum’s excellent book, The Battle for Falls Lake. Furthermore, individuals keen on learning more about the NC Mountains-to-Sea Trail can find comprehensive information on the trail’s official website at mountainstoseatrail.org.