Look back 10,000 years in history when you explore Lake Phelps and Pettigrew State Park in the coastal town of Creswell.
Archaeologists have uncovered thousands of relics that show Native Americans were present in the area as early as 8000 BC, and at least 30 dugout canoes were found sunken at the bottom of the lake. The oldest is thought to be about 4,400 years old. Another is 36 feet in length, the longest known Native American dugout canoe in the southeastern United States. A third canoe found is the second oldest in the nation, dating back to 2400 BC.
Visit the park's information center to see two canoes on display before hitting the trails for an easy hike or bike by the lake and through the forest.
Pettigrew State Park is home to towering old-growth cypress trees, some estimated to be over 1,000 years old. These ancient giants have stood through centuries of storms, making them some of the oldest living witnesses to North Carolina’s history.
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Paddle a Mystery
Despite its massive size, Lake Phelps has no major streams feeding into it. Scientists are still unsure exactly how this 16,000-acre body of water formed, adding an air of mystery to its calm, clear waters.
Lake Phelps
Clear water, clear mind
Lake Phelps is a hidden gem for anglers, known for its unusually clear waters and trophy-sized largemouth bass. With no major streams feeding into it, the lake stays remarkably pure, allowing anglers to see bass prowling the shallows and even watch them take a lure.
