Cedarock Park Draws 180,000 Annual Visitors to 500-Acre Outdoor Hub

Cedarock Park anchors southern Alamance County as a 500-acre outdoor hub that attracts more than 180,000 visitors annually. The park, established in 1975 on the historic Garrett farm, combines natural features and built amenities that serve a wide cross-section of the community, from families and anglers to equestrians and disc golf players.

Visitors find roughly 4 miles of hiking trails and about 6 miles of equestrian trails, with the Cedarock Equestrian Center serving as the designated access point. The equestrian center provides trailer parking, campsites, running water and a riding ring. Outdoor recreation offerings also include two disc golf courses totaling 36 holes, a footgolf course, a fishing pond and a waterfall flowing over an old mill dam. The park maintains picnic shelters, playgrounds, canoe and kayak rentals, camping and open field space. A visitors center operates on site and the park runs programs and facility rentals for events and group use.

The park’s scale and range of activities make it a significant public health resource. Regular access to trails, paddle sports and open fields supports physical activity and mental well-being, particularly for families who use the playgrounds, picnic shelters and restored historic farm as low-cost options for outings. The equestrian facilities preserve an important rural tradition and provide needed infrastructure for trailer parking and short-term camping that benefit riders from across the county.

Economic and community impacts extend beyond recreation. High visitation generates foot traffic that can support nearby local businesses and event rentals provide revenue streams for park maintenance. At the same time, seasonally varying hours and fees for rentals can create access barriers for some residents. Transportation access, especially for households without reliable vehicles, remains an equity concern for a park located in southern Alamance County where public transit options are limited.

Local policymakers and park managers face choices about how to sustain Cedarock’s role as a public good. Investments in accessible scheduling, sliding-scale rental fees or shuttle connections from population centers could broaden benefit to underserved neighborhoods and reduce health disparities related to access to green space. Continued maintenance of historic and natural features will also be important to retain the park’s character and its draw for visitors.

For practical planning, residents should check current hours, trail maps, rentals, event schedules and reservations online at parks.alamancecountync.gov/outdoors-2/about-cedarock-park/?utm_source=openai. As the county balances recreational demand with conservation and equity, Cedarock Park remains a vital community asset and a focal point for outdoor life in Alamance County.