Help finding locations to hike in NC

[all hood allen]

i've got a couple friends here in the New Bern, NC area that i have finally convinced to go out for a two day hike.the problem is that i don't really know any location in this local area, so anyone that knows of a good trail would be a lifesaver.

here is a few things i would prefer:
a hiking range of 6-12miles one way.
shooter friendly.
allows campfires.
semi-secluded if possible.


thanks in advance for any information.
allen.

 

[jw2n]

I have been in NC off and on since 1977 (military). There are hundreds of great places to walk/hike/camp. However, shooting is going to knock out a high percentage of them. Open fires will eliminate more. The unfortunate nature of the beast. In the 70s a group of us would canoe the Cape Fear, stop for the night camp, shoot, and do all of our cooking over open fires. Those days are pretty well gone. On a similar trip in '86 we were shut down by cops due to the fact a woman in a home more than one mile away called 911 and reported "machine gun fire directed towards her home". Even the cops were POd at her after I was caught shooting my Winchester 94 into a 20 ft high dirt embankment. Although a pretty good drive, I would recommend Raven Rock in Lillington. When the river is low the original stone foundation for the Civil War locks can be seen. I do not believe you can camp. Uwharrie NF offers a lot. The last time I knew, fires were permitted. I and my family are fortunate to have a friend in Goldston with enough land that we do as we please. You may have to find the same thing.

 

[EMT_Lee]

I'm not really familiar with New Bern, but if you want to come to the western side of the state... we've got lots and lots of places to hike, camp, shoot, etc.

 

[jw2n]

New Bern sits on the East Coast. You are right about the West offering far more. Western NC is like living in a completely different state - beautiful.

 

[all hood allen]

I have been in NC off and on since 1977 (military). There are hundreds of great places to walk/hike/camp. However, shooting is going to knock out a high percentage of them. Open fires will eliminate more. The unfortunate nature of the beast. In the 70s a group of us would canoe the Cape Fear, stop for the night camp, shoot, and do all of our cooking over open fires. Those days are pretty well gone. On a similar trip in '86 we were shut down by cops due to the fact a woman in a home more than one mile away called 911 and reported "machine gun fire directed towards her home". Even the cops were POd at her after I was caught shooting my Winchester 94 into a 20 ft high dirt embankment. Although a pretty good drive, I would recommend Raven Rock in Lillington. When the river is low the original stone foundation for the Civil War locks can be seen. I do not believe you can camp. Uwharrie NF offers a lot. The last time I knew, fires were permitted. I and my family are fortunate to have a friend in Goldston with enough land that we do as we please. You may have to find the same thing.

"machine gun fire directed towards her home"?winchester 94?..what we're you doing, rapid fire with a lever action?haha.
also, isn't raven rock a state park?

yeah it seems like you have to know people to have the 'perfect' experience.my folks own a bit of land just outside of new bern (8 acre private pond fully stocked, gun range, 40+ acres wooded) its a dream, but i've grown tired of the same routine..

I'm not really familiar with New Bern, but if you want to come to the western side of the state... we've got lots and lots of places to hike, camp, shoot, etc.

Western NC is like living in a completely different state - beautiful.

yeah, very true.i love the boone area, great for EVERYTHING.

it is an absolute amazing view.




thanks for the suggestions.