Which Smith Creek Park Entrance Should You Use This Fall?

Two driveways off Gordon Road now lead into Smith Creek Park. The one at 633 Shenandoah Street opens onto a 35-acre spring-fed lake, a playground and non-motorized boat access. The newer one at 251 Lake Emerald Drive East leads to 85 acres with a paved trail, and more than 90 percent of that land remains in its natural state.

New Hanover County opened that second entrance on August 4, 2026, along with the Phase 2 expansion. The two halves offer such different outings that the turn you make off Gordon Road decides your visit before you park.

The New Side Was Built to Stay Mostly Untouched

According to the county's opening announcement, Phase 2 was planned for passive recreation, and more than 90 percent of the 85 acres stays in its natural state. Jodi Rich, director of New Hanover County Parks & Gardens, explained the trade in the same release: "Less than 10 percent of this land was touched, and that small footprint opens the other 90 percent to everyone to enjoy."

The county's bid package for the work, released in November 2024, kept the construction scope short:

• A restroom and shelter
• A driveway and parking lot
• An asphalt trail

Here's what that became on the ground. A new entrance and parking area, a restroom, a picnic shelter, nature play and environmental education features, and a one-mile paved perimeter trail with an ADA-accessible link to the park's existing lake loop.

Board of Commissioners Chair LeAnn Pierce linked the design to public feedback. As WWAY reported, she said, "When our community told us through the master plan that green space mattered most, we listened. That promise is a park, and it belongs to everyone."

That sets the tone of the Lake Emerald Drive East side. It has paved walking, a picnic shelter, a restroom and land kept mostly natural. The county's announcement lists no water access on that side.

The Lake Side Still Handles the Water

The original park opened in 2011 and still has everything that made Smith Creek the lake park. That means the 35-acre spring-fed lake, the 1.3-mile loop trail, the playground and access for non-motorized boats. The county's facility listing mentions a pier and a floating dock for small non-motorized boats and kayaks.

Fishing on the lake is catch-and-release, and the county requires a valid North Carolina fishing license. The county's parks FAQ confirms that kayaks and other non-motorized craft can launch at Smith Creek. It doesn't mention a separate launch on the Phase 2 side.

So the new entrance doesn't replace the old one. It adds a second, quieter park to the original's lake and playground, and the two connect by trail.

The Two Entrances Side by Side

Matching the Entrance to the Visit

Since the halves are so different, start with what you want to do and choose the driveway from there.

• Paddling or fishing. Use Shenandoah Street. The dock and the lake access are on the original side.
• Stroller, wheelchair or a smooth surface. Use Lake Emerald Drive East. The perimeter trail is paved, and its ADA-accessible connection reaches the lake loop, so you can still get to the water without starting at the lake.
• A picnic with a restroom nearby. Lake Emerald Drive East has the new picnic shelter and restroom side by side.
• Kids who want a playground. The playground is on the original side. The nature play area on the new side is a different kind of stop.
• A longer walk. Park at either entrance and walk both loops. The paved mile plus the 1.3-mile lake loop adds up to 2.3 miles, not counting the connector between them.

That last option is the biggest change for regular walkers. The lake loop used to be the whole route. Now, with the connector, you can walk well past two miles without leaving the park.

How the Park Got Its Second Half

Phase 2 took a while. In November 2024, the StarNews previewed more parking, a shelter, a restroom and another mile of paved trail at Smith Creek. On February 3, 2025, county commissioners approved Timeless Construction's $2,022,632 bid for the second phase. The StarNews called the Murrayville project "the latest venue for the development debate." That dollar figure is the approved bid. It isn't a confirmed final cost for the project.

The opening came later than planned. In April 2026, the StarNews reported that a county spokesperson had confirmed the delay. Completion moved from spring to an estimated late June. The ribbon cutting finally happened on August 4, set for 11 a.m. at the new Phase 2 entrance instead of the original lot, according to WWAY.

Before You Head Out

Opening hours depend on which county page you read. The county facility listing says "8 am to Sunset." The August opening announcement and WWAY's coverage say dawn to dusk. Sunset keeps getting earlier through October, so call New Hanover County Parks & Gardens if you're planning a sunrise walk.

The county pages also don't list a leash rule specific to Smith Creek, a parking-space count for the new lot, or any scheduled fall programs at the park. Check Parks.NHCgov.com before you bring the dog or plan a group outing.

Being able to walk to a place like Smith Creek can matter as much as a home's square footage. If you're wondering which homes put a quiet paved loop or a kayak launch within an easy trip, Savannah Holman would be glad to help you map that out. Let's Connect.