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Why are the mountain bike trails still closed?
We want the trails to open as much as you do.
Please understand the conditions that affect the opening of our trails:
- Our bike trails are very close to the water table. When the lake level is up (which it is now) it takes much longer for the trails to dry as the soil is already saturated. Additionally, sections of our trails may be under water.
- Low temperatures at night will freeze the water on the trails. It must thaw before it can dry and this freezing and thawing slows down or stops the drying process.
- Most trees are dormant in the winter so there is less water absorption and the soil stays wet longer. The rest of the year, trees help to remove water from the trails.
- When bikers ride on closed trails it takes even longer before we can open them as the damage they cause holds water longer than it should in addition to other damage incurred.
 Encourage fellow bikers to stay off the trails when they are closed.
For more information on how we manage or determine the status
of our trails, please visit our website.
To see the current status of our trails, go to
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Park closing time changes Monday, February 11
We will close at 6:30 pm at Harris Lake County Park
Mountain bikers, disc golfers and hikers must be off the trails/course
by 6:15 pm.
The New Hill parking area
on the American Tobacco Trail will close at 6:00 pm.
Both restroom buildings lock at 5:45 pm.
The water fountains at Harris Lake County Park and the Wimberly parking area on the ATT are both winterized and closed. Plan to bring water with you to the parks!
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The Disc Golf course will be closed this weekend for the
Sat-Sun, Feb. 9 -10
This weekend!
The entire disc golf course will be closed to the public during this two day event.
The course will reopen on Monday, February, 11.
Dunkin' Dip for Special Olympics North Carolina
Saturday, Feb. 16, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Take a chilly dip in Harris Lake to help out the Special Olympics.
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Register now for
Day Camps at
Harris Lake County Park!
focusing on wildlife habitat
April 16-18 830 am - 430 pm
Discovery Day Camps
June 17-21 and July 8-12
830 am - 430 pm
Mini Discovery Day Camps
June 24-28, July 15-19 and
August 5-9 9 am - 1 pm
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Join us for a
Playground Celebration
on Friday,
February 15 from 2:30-4:30 p.m.
Near the Loblolly Shelter.
Enjoy a cup of hot chocolate
(while it lasts)
and some fun activities.
Come play with us on the new playground.
At 4:30 walk over to the Longleaf Shelter for an introduction to bird watching and the Great Backyard Bird Count if space is available (register online for this).
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All programs are FREE but every
participant must be registered online
The Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC)
Friday, Feb. 15 - Monday, Feb. 18
Participate in the 22nd annual
Great Backyard Bird Count!
Bird watchers of all ages are encouraged to count birds to help Cornell Lab of Ornithology create a real-time snapshot
of where birds are across the globe.
The following programs are being offered at both of our parks as part of the GBBC.
GBBC Bird Walk along the
American Tobacco Trail
Friday, February 15, 8-10 am
For ages 6 and up
We We will observe and count the variety of birds that can be found along the Trail as we hike to the Beaver Creek Bridge.
Meet at the New Hill parking area
1309 New Hill-Olive Chapel Rd., Apex
Introduction to Bird Watching
For all ages (best for older than 4)
Discover tips and techniques to identify birds as we introduce you to the rewarding hobby of bird watching through fun activities. Learn how to participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count and hike along the shoreline to practice your new skills as we count the birds.
Meet at the Longleaf Shelter
Morning Bird Walks at Harris Lake
Saturday, Feb. 16 and Monday, Feb. 18
Help park staff add to our Great Backyard Bird Count data as we walk along the trails and shoreline to identify birds in different habitats of the park.
Meet at the Platform in the Educational Garden
Monday, Feb. 18;
10:30 am-noon; for all ages
 Woodpeckers are some of the most recognizable birds as they grip the side of a tree, pecking a hole or looking for food. Learn some cool woodpecker facts, hear common woodpecker calls, make a suet log for your family to take home and go on a short hike to look
and listen for them around the park.
Meet at the Cypress Shelter
Be sure to check the email address you used for online registration for any program status updates, check Facebook for winter weather park delays/closings or
call 919-387-4342 if you have questions!
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Most Programs are now FREE
Most of our public, group and outreach programs within Wake County Parks are now FREE.
Fees will still apply for Shelters, Camps, Historic Yates Mill tours and Overnight Lodge reservations.
We no longer accept cash on site at any Wake County Park location. Payments can be made on-site or in advance with a credit/debit card.
Checks must be mailed in advance to:
Wake County Parks, Recreation and Open Space
PO Box 550, suite 1000
Raleigh, NC 27602
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Contact us:
Harris Lake County Park: 919-387-4342
American Tobacco Trail: 919-387-2117
919-387-4349 (Fax)
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#harrislake
#americantobaccotrail
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