A legend among the Waccamaw Siouan tribe tells of an enormous meteor that struck the Earth and carved a large crater, creating Lake Waccamaw. It’s a powerful thought, that the great body of water I’m hiking around this morning was formed by a cosmic event. Some historians even think that “Waccamaw” is the English translation of a phrase that means “ball knock,” referring to the ball of fire that may have knocked into the Earth.
Today, the only ball of fire I see at the lake is the sun rising over its shores, painting the sky with a fiery and ever-changing palette that’s mirrored by the surface of the water. The cool morning air carries the earthy scent of cypress trees, and the water lapping against the shore provides a soundtrack to the breathtaking display before me. A breeze rustles through the pine trees overhead, and out of the corner of my eye I see the flash of a white-tailed deer bounding silently through the underbrush and into the shadows. It’s the start of another serene day at the lake. However, the picture-perfect setting is just one way to get outdoors in this part of eastern North Carolina. Read on for more of our favorite ways to play in Columbus County.
Launch a kayak from the shores of Lake Waccamaw and paddle through the gentle dark waters. Photography courtesy of Columbus County Chamber of Commerce & Tourism
With its depth of 20 feet and expanse covering 9,000 acres, this elliptical lake — the largest of the “Carolina Bays,” or depressions oriented from northwest to southeast — is a perfect place to paddle (a plus for anyone who isn’t quite ready to wake up with the sun). Rent a kayak or inflatable paddleboard from Burning Lake Trading Company (or bring your own) and navigate the 14 miles of shoreline. Keep an eye out for the endemic species that thrive in the lake. Alligator-watching is an exciting part of the experience — and don’t worry, it’s safe to paddle.
Pause along the hiking trails around Lake Waccamaw and take in the scenic views. Photography courtesy of Columbus County Chamber of Commerce & Tourism
The varied ecosystems within Lake Waccamaw State Park are on full display for those hiking the trails: bay trees and longleaf pines; forested wetlands and knobby cypresses. Situated on the southeast shoreline, hikes range from a quick stroll to an eight-mile roundtrip.
On the five-mile out-and-back Lakeshore Trail, trek through pine and hickory forests and alongside cypress stands and sandy beaches. For a shorter route, try the .65-mile Loblolly Trail or the 1.8-mile Pine Woods Trail. On both, you can look for rare Venus flytraps. On the 0.75-mile Sand Ridge Nature Trail, see Spanish moss and reindeer lichen. For those short on time, swing by the pedestrian or the 375-foot pier to take in the views.
Don’t look down! Test your balance as you navigate the treetop course at Cape Fearless Extreme. Photography courtesy of Columbus County Chamber of Commerce & Tourism
For thrill-seekers, Cape Fearless Extreme offers an unforgettable adventure. The aerial obstacle course — located in 25 acres of forest — presents a physical and mental challenge. The courses begin at 15-feet high — the green level — and get higher as you progress to the black level. The highest level — 55-feet high and the ultimate challenge — tests both fitness and bravery. Along the course, you’ll fly down zip lines and Tarzan swings, navigate swinging logs and moving platforms, and climb along hanging nets. Your reward for completing the entire course is soaring across the final zip line, which spans a 650-foot stretch and promises birds-eye views of the surroundings. For the littlest adventurers, there’s a kids’ course designed for ages seven to 10.
A short drive from the campground, Tabor City’s walkable downtown welcomes visitors to places like The Grind coffee shop and 2 Broke Teachers, a modern-day decor and furniture shop. Photography courtesy of Columbus County Chamber of Commerce & Tourism
More than a campground, Yogi Bear’s Jelly Stone Park welcomes families to embrace a playscape of fun under starry skies and surrounded by fresh air. Choose from tent or RV sites, cabins, or yurts, depending on how rustic you want the experience to be. Amenities extend beyond the accommodations with enough on-site activities to fill the day. Cast a line in one of the catch-and-release fishing ponds or stir up friendly competition with mini golf, volleyball, basketball, and pickleball. Young travelers love the playground, aqua play pool, jump pad, and gem-mining station, plus a rotating selection of camp-wide programs held throughout the week, like zombie tag and wagon rides with water gun fights. The fun continues after the sun sets with outdoor movies, complete with popcorn, drinks, and snacks you can purchase from the Campfire Canteen.
If you can pull yourself away from the fun (and do try!), a short, five-minute drive takes you to downtown Tabor City, where you can spend a morning or afternoon moseying between coffee shops, boutiques, and more.
Slow your pace as you follow the elevated Riverwalk along the Lumber River. Photography courtesy of Columbus County Chamber of Commerce & Tourism
Though you’re steps away from Uptown Fair Bluff, following the Lumber River along the Riverwalk feels like being miles from civilization. Stroll along the one-mile elevated boardwalk under the shade of maples, pines, and bald cypress trees dripping with Spanish moss. In the summer, the sounds of cicadas will serenade you on your promenade.
After your walk, check out the shops in Uptown Fair Bluff. You can take a class on embroidery, needlepoint, or decoupage at Drowning Creek Mercantile. Peruse Uptown Revival for furniture, home decor, clothing, and gifts. Shop Secondhand Smiles & Delightful Do Dads for clothing, antiques, jewelry, and new and used goods. At A Sweet Discovery, pick up cakes, pies, or éclairs to take home or dine in on quiches and sandwiches paired with a specialty coffee. For a souvenir that you won’t eat, the bakery’s gift shop carries local art, natural soap, and teas.
Engage your sense of wonder through the collections and interactive exhibits at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences’ Whiteville location. Photography courtesy of Columbus County Chamber of Commerce & Tourism
Fuel curiosity at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences’ satellite location in Whiteville. See and learn about native tree species from across the state on the North Carolina Tree Trail, created by the North Carolina Museum of Forestry, and look for life-size paintings of native wildlife stationed along the route. If you want to get your hands dirty, dig for treasures like sharks’ teeth in the fossil pit or “bake” mud pies in the Nature Play Space’s kitchen.
Check out the model Postosuchus near the front of the Museum of Natural Sciences. Photography courtesy of Columbus County Chamber of Commerce & Tourism
After enjoying the fresh air, a whole new world of exploration awaits inside the museum. A model of a Postosuchus, a colossal reptilian predator that predates the dinosaurs, greets visitors, and the museum’s open design and immersive exhibits, like conducting science experiments in the Investigate Lab and observing the specimens in the Naturalist Center, encourage hands-on learning opportunities.
After the museum, head into downtown Whiteville and unwind with a meal in the fresh air. Grab a seat on the patio or rooftop of The Chef & the Frog, and order from a menu that blends the owners’ Cambodian, Parisian, and Southern roots. If you prefer Italian, pick up take-out from Anthony’s Italian Restaurant and arrange your spread of bruschetta, pasta, and cheesecake on the outdoor picnic tables. Ward’s Grill is a downtown mainstay and their cheeseburgers travel well. Take yours to the outdoor tables in “The Alley” on S. Madison Street. Bonus points if you go on a Thursday evening, when you can catch live musicians performing every other week.
Where will you begin? From sunrise over the quiet lakeshore to dinner under the stars, Columbus County welcomes visitors to experience it all. Click here to book your stay and start planning your adventures.
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