Day 1:
Morning:
- Start your day early and head to Jones Lake State Park, which is about 20 minutes away from Elizabethtown.
- Once there, take a leisurely stroll on the 0.8-mile Jones Lake Trail that circles the lake. You'll get to enjoy beautiful views of the lake and the surrounding woods.
- After your walk, have a picnic breakfast at one of the park's picnic areas.
Afternoon:
- Head to Singletary Lake State Park, which is about a 15-minute drive from Jones Lake State Park.
- Here, take the 1.5-mile Singletary Lake Trail that loops around the lake. You'll get to see a variety of wildlife and bird species along the way.
- If you're up for it, you can also rent a canoe or kayak to explore the lake.
Evening:
- As the sun starts to set, head back to Elizabethtown and have dinner.
- After dinner, take a short walk on the Elizabethtown River Walk, a paved trail that follows the Cape Fear River. You'll get to enjoy the peaceful sound of the river and the twinkling lights of the town.
Day 2:
Morning:
- Start your day with a visit to White Lake, which is about a 20-minute drive from Elizabethtown.
- Rent a bicycle from one of the local rental shops and take a leisurely ride on the 7-mile loop around the lake. You'll get to enjoy the scenic views of the lake and the surrounding woodlands.
Afternoon:
- Head to Bladen Lakes State Forest, which is about a 15-minute drive from White Lake.
- Take the 2.5-mile Spanish Moss Trail, which winds through the forest and offers views of the unique ecosystem of the Carolina Bay.
- If you're feeling adventurous, you can also try your hand at fishing in one of the forest's many ponds.
Evening:
- Head back to Elizabethtown and have dinner.
- After dinner, take a short drive to the nearby Jones Lake State Park and enjoy a peaceful evening walk on the 0.5-mile Bay Trail that leads to the bay area. You'll get to enjoy the serene surroundings and the calming waters of the bay.