The run begins from the main parking area and follows the Moccasin Trail along Lake Phelps for 2.8 miles to Moccasin Canal. It’s an enchanting stretch, passing some of the oldest and largest trees of their species in the state. Among the record behemoths are bays, sweet gums, persimmons and pawpaws. You’ll also encounter bald cypress with trunks up to 10 feet in diameter and poplar trunks with trunks exceeding six feet.
At the canal, pick up the Morotoc Trail, also open to bikes. This 4.2-mile trail gives you additional exposure to the lake, especially cool in late fall and winter as Lake Phelps is a popular wintering ground for tundra swan, snow goose and a variety of ducks.
The trail ends at the Cypress Point Access. If you’re of a mind — and you might be considering the flat and scenic nature of this run — continue on Shore Drive to the Pocosin Overlook on the south side of the lake.
Getting there from downtown Greenville
photo courtesy N.C. Division of State Parks.
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Difficulty: easy
Distance: 1 hour 30 minutes from downtown
Length: 7 miles (one way)
Time to complete: 1 to 1.5 hours
Address: 2252 Lake Shore Road
City: Creswell
State: N.C.
Zip: 27928
Latitude: 35.79194
Longitude: 76.40939