Bordered by both the Cape Fear River and Cross Creek, Cape Fear Botanical Garden is deeply connected to the waterways that shape our region. These natural corridors sustain wildlife, nourish plant life, and provide a peaceful escape into the rhythms of nature. The Garden’s trails, overlooks, and floodplain forests offer a rare opportunity to explore this dynamic ecosystem firsthand.
As a floodplain environment, this area plays a vital role in our local watershed, filtering stormwater, providing wildlife habitat, and supporting native plant communities. However, it has also endured the power of nature, with Hurricanes Matthew (2016) and Florence (2018) leaving their mark. These events reshaped the land, reinforcing the importance of conservation, resilience, and ecological restoration.
A one-mile dirt path winding through the floodplain, with an arched bridge offering stunning views of the Cape Fear River. Native plants, ferns, and towering hardwood trees provide shade and shelter for birds, small mammals, and reptiles.
A quiet space to take in the river’s beauty, offering a panoramic view of the flowing water and
surrounding forest.
A seasonal favorite, where wild ginger, trout lilies, and other native ground covers bloom beneath a canopy of loblolly pines.
A shaded retreat featuring native mountain laurel, offering a peaceful walk through one of the Garden’s most tranquil spaces.
A raised vantage point overlooking an oxbow of Cross Creek before it merges with the Cape Fear River. On a normal day, it’s hard to imagine this area submerged during flood stage, but the land holds the memory of the water’s power.
The Cape Fear River and Cross Creek have long been lifelines for Fayetteville and the surrounding region, shaping its history, industry, and natural beauty. This ecosystem within the Garden invites visitors to experience this connection firsthand, fostering an appreciation for the delicate balance between land and water.
This riparian ecosystem is home to a mix of floodplain species, resilient native plants, and seasonal wildflowers. Bloom times and appearances will vary with
weather conditions.
Whether you’re taking a quiet walk along the River Trail, pausing at an overlook, or simply admiring the resilience of nature, this untamed area of Cape Fear Botanical Garden is a place to connect with the forces that shape our world.
Browse the images to explore the unique features of this space.
Navigate the Garden like a pro with click-and-learn descriptions of trails, sculptures, and signature spaces.
From hands-on workshops to seasonal festivals and family fun, our calendar is full of ways to explore, learn, and connect.
Whether you’re planning an intimate affair or a grand event, our versatile spaces offer a unique and unforgettable experience.
Explore hands-on, standards-aligned experiences for PreK–12 students—on-site or at your school. Also great for scout groups & other organizations.
Make the most of every visit with an annual membership—enjoy unlimited admission, exclusive perks, and reciprocal access to 300+ gardens.
For more than 35 years, Cape Fear Botanical Garden has connected people with plants, place, and purpose. Discover our roots and growth on the History page.
