According to local legend, Lucifer himself concocted his evil plans from the very heart of North Carolina, and so one of North Carolina’s most beloved scenic byways was named: the Devil’s Stomping Ground. Explore two important pieces of the Devils Stomping Ground Scenic Byway this Saturday by visiting Jordan Lake State Recreation Area and the Chatham Mills Farmers’ Market.
9 a.m. Start at the Park office, 280 State Park Rd, Apex, NC, and pick up a map of the entire park. Jordan Lake offers picturesque spots for picnicking, fishing, swimming, as well as excellent bald eagle watching in the summer and hiking all year round. Farm from just a recreational area, Jordan Lake also provides city water for the entire Triangle Area.
9:15 a.m. Walk or drive down to the Ebenezer Church Recreation Area. Begin on the Ebenezer Church Trail, a one mile loop that passes historic Ebenezer Church. In addition, “Parts of the path follows an abandoned roadbed and traverse a large farm pond.” To find the trail, look for the trailhead at the southeast corner of the parking area.
10:00 a.m. Back at the parking area, take the Connecting Trail and look for the Old Oak Trail trailhead in the Ebenezer Picnic Area A. On this trail keep an eye out for “large hollow oaks, two ponds, fencerows and clues of the farms that used to fill the area.”
10:45 a.m. Back at the parking area, drive for 15 minutes to reach the Chatham Mills Farmers’ Market, 480 Hillsboro St, Pittsboro. Located on the historic Chatham Mills lawn, the farmers’ market is open November Saturdays from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., and features pastries, meats, veggies, soaps, herbal teas, wreaths, scarves, cheeses, and so much more. Check out the delicious cinnamon rolls from Fiddlehead Farm and Bakery, or the wonderful fresh mozzarella cheese from Lindley Farms Creamery. A complete list of vendors can be found here.
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