Harris Lake County Park

What it is:  We always love finding a new park!  So, when I heard about this one last week, I knew we had to go check it out.  I don't know how I hadn't heard of it yet.  Harris Lake County park has a lake, a big playground, countless picnic tables, several picnic shelters, several huge fields for running around, hiking trails, biking trails, and more.

This time, we headed straight for the playground.  We had to drive back a long way through the park before we got there.  It reminded me a little of Lake Crabtree Park.  When we arrived at the playground parking lot we saw the playground in one direction with nice bathrooms behind it, several picnic shelters on either side, a field with picnic tables behind us, and the lake off in the distance.  It was great.

First we played on the playground which had a large play structure, a small play structure, and a few other small play features.  Then, we turned around behind us and walked over the short walk to explore the lake.  We headed out on a dock.  There was a beautiful view, but we did have to be a little quiet because we were sharing the dock with a fisherman.  Next, we headed a little bit further down the trail to a great field where there was a little beach access where the kids searched for sea shells and got their shoes a little muddy.  The view was beautiful.  Finally, we headed back, washed our hands in the bathrooms, ate lunch in one of the a picnic shelters, and had a little more playtime before we headed home.

What we liked:  We loved how there was so much to do at the park.  We didn't even get to explore the biking or hiking trails, but we're looking forward to going back so we can.  It was also nice how everything was close together.  There was plenty to do in a small area so we didn't have to do much walking to explore the lake and the playground.

What we would change:  This park is a little far, but from S. Durham it only took me about half an hour-not too bad.  Plus, it's in the shadow of the Sherron Harris nuclear power plant which for some reason just makes me a bit nervous.

Website and other important information:

Website: http://www.wakegov.com/parks/harrislake/Pages/default.aspx

Address: It is located just off of New Hill Holleman Rd, near Apex and Holly Springs

Hours: Monday-Sunday: 8am-sunset

Photos:

(the playground)

(the field with picnic tables)

(the dock)

(the field with the beach)

(A view back from the beach...hmmmm)