Ray Henson Park
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Ray Henson Park is a beautiful natural area located in Iredell County, North Carolina.
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Summary
The park is a popular destination for visitors looking to enjoy the great outdoors and experience the natural beauty of the area. There are many good reasons to visit Ray Henson Park, including the stunning scenery, diverse wildlife, and variety of recreational activities available.
One of the most popular attractions in Ray Henson Park is the large lake, which is ideal for fishing, boating, and swimming. Visitors can also hike through the park's many trails, which offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and forests. Other attractions within the park include picnic areas, playgrounds, and sports fields.
Interesting facts about Ray Henson Park include its role as a habitat for a wide variety of wildlife, including deer, coyotes, and various bird species. The park is also home to a number of historical landmarks, including the remains of a historic mill and the site of an old Native American village.
The best time of year to visit Ray Henson Park is during the spring and summer months, when the weather is mild and the park is in full bloom. Visitors can enjoy the park's many outdoor activities, including fishing, hiking, and camping, without having to worry about cold temperatures or inclement weather.
Overall, Ray Henson Park is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty and rich history of North Carolina. With its stunning scenery, diverse wildlife, and variety of recreational activities, it is sure to be a memorable and enjoyable experience for visitors of all ages.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
James F Crowe Park
Cowpens National Battlefield
Plaster Park