Top Nature Parks in the Raleigh-Durham Area

The nature parks in Raleigh are not only places to sit and be in harmony with Mother Earth, but also some are places of high creativity and inspiration. If you've never come to Raleigh before, just peek out your airplane window on your way to landing at the Raleigh-Durham International Airport and you will see nothing but green. This will clue you into the fact that Raleigh's greatest asset is its natural resources. Lakes, parks, and greenways abound in this state. Here are some top picks for nature parks that one should visit while in the Raleigh-Durham area.

Sarah P. Duke Gardens

This park is part of the Duke University's West Campus in Durham, Raleigh's sister city. It is not an easy find, even for locals. It is off the Durham Freeway (Hwy. 147) but from there directions should be obtained by going to their website at www.hr.duke.edu/dukegardens/. It is located on 55-acres of highly stylized garden themes from a rose garden near the entrance, to an Asian-inspired arboretum. There is a terraced garden that culminates in a water-lily pond garden.

The entrance has a very small gift shop next to the Doris Duke Center. In front is a serene waterfall fountain that spans the length of the front side of the center. Within the center are special events rooms, some larger than others, where anyone can schedule weddings or classroom instructions. Admittance to the gardens is free but parking next to the Doris Duke Center is paid, unless you scheduled an event at the center and are entitled to parking passes for your group. One can also pay to schedule trolley tours for a group, if one is not inclined to walk within the grounds.

The breadth of plantings is mind-boggling in this garden. One can see cactus along-side butterfly bushes. The roses come in a myriad of cultivars. The paths and naturalistic architecture is inspiring. If one is lucky enough to go when the wisteria is blooming, you can see the wisteria-covered pergola in its full glory at the top of the terraced gardens.

Jordan Lake State Park