JeffPo's Bladen Lakes Direction Page

Last update:  08/05/99

Bladen Lakes State Forest

Phone:  (910) 588-4964

E-Mail:  blsf@intrstar.net

Ranger Contact :  Bill Powell

BLSF is open year-around, but is absolutely necessary to have a permit to be in BLSF after dark. Otherwise, you are considered trespassing. Permits are free, available by calling the number above between 8am and 4:30pm, Mon - Fri. Weekend as well as monthly permits are available. The ranger that you talk to will leave the permit for you in the "Hunting Information" box. The box is located on the front porch of the ranger station. The ranger can also mail the permit to you. There is a primitive campsite available in BLSF near the observing site (portable toilets, but no water). Camping is free but you must have a permit for that as well. There is family camping available at Jones Lake State Park (910-588-4550) just south of BLSF headquarters on Rt. 242. However, JLSP is closed during the winter; is closer and due North of Elizabethtown; and like all NC ST Parks, has its gates locked at night. The staff at BLSF are very supportive of astronomy activities.

DIRECTIONS TO BLSF

Take I-95 South to Fayetteville.

At Exit 49, take 53/210 South. Stay on Rt 53 approximately 31 miles until you get to Rt. 242.

Take a left (North) onto Rt.242. Go roughly 3 miles to the BLSF Headquarters (on right) which is at the corner of Sweet Home Rd and Rt. 242.

Take a right onto Sweet Home Rd. Go exactly 1.7 miles to Fred Poole Tr. (unmarked dirt trail) on the left.

Take Fred Poole Tr. and then take your next immediate left just beyond the cemetery. This is Bethel Church Rd (another unmarked dirt trail).

Follow Bethel Church Trail .6 miles to the first trail to the right - Little Bethel Trail (also unmarked).

Go right on Little Bethel Tr. for .7 miles to a T-intersection with Pappy Tatum Trail (also unmarked).

Go left on Pappy Tatum Tr. a few hundred yards to a dilapidated shed on the right. There is a 12 acre clear cut area behind the shed and across the road.


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