Howell Woods Environmental Learning Center

Howell Woods Environmental Learning Center Howell Woods, operated by JCC, is a large conservation area focusing on education and recreation. Open to hikers daily, sun-up to sun-down.

Make the 10 mile trip from exit 90 off of I-95 to find the beautiful oasis that is Howell Woods. We are 5 miles from Bentonville Battlegrounds; just a short 15 minutes from Johnston Community College, and 20 minutes from downtown Smithfield. Upon arrival, venture up to our learning center to observe the songbirds and frogs found just outside the porch. As you step inside the building, you'll find

our classroom, where we hold a variety of programs, and the reptile room, where we house native species of snakes (venomous and non-venomous), turtles, frogs and lizards. Exit through the back door to find our birds of prey exhibits featuring vultures, hawks and owls. Lastly, check out our wildflower garden before getting back in touch with nature on our Diversity Trail System. Take advantage of our diverse scene: jog down one of our nature trails, kayak the Neuse River, cast a line into one of our ponds or take part in our hunting activities. There's so much to do here, be sure to rent a cabin for the weekend so you can squeeze it all in! The learning center is open Monday - Thursday 8am-4pm. Friday and Saturday hours vary throughout the year, based on programming and staff. Please contact us with any questions on our hours, programs, reservations, or activities.

Update on our first safari!The registrations for our first safari will be done manually. The hope is to have the online ...
09/03/2026

Update on our first safari!
The registrations for our first safari will be done manually. The hope is to have the online system available for the remainder of the safaris, and we will post when it is ready. In the meantime, if you are interested in attending our first safari on 9/14, please email ([email protected]) or call (919-938-0115) to reserve your spot(s). Payments will be taken at the event (cash or card).

Our Owl Safari season is about to kick off! Our first safari date will be September 14th at 6pm. We are trying out a new...
08/28/2026

Our Owl Safari season is about to kick off! Our first safari date will be September 14th at 6pm. We are trying out a new registration system this year and it is not quite ready. So stay tuned for the official registration link, but go ahead and mark your calendars!

In the meatime, you can email us at [email protected] with any questions.

While we aren't having any events this year, Howell Woods is still a great place to come and view the Perseid Meteor sho...
08/12/2026

While we aren't having any events this year, Howell Woods is still a great place to come and view the Perseid Meteor shower. So bring your telescopes, binoculars, or just your excitement and view the height of the meteor shower tonight or tomorrow at Howell Woods! Guests are welcome to park in the main lot and walk to the fields or campsites as needed.

08/07/2026

We appreciate all of our partners, especially our friends Visit JoCo, NC up at the Visitors Bureau. They have always been a huge support to and promotor for us. It just goes to show you how impactful collaboration and local partnerships are. Shop local; visit local!

On August 15, 2026, Kids in Parks will celebrate the sixth annual National TRACK Trails Day! Numerous TRACK Trail locati...
08/05/2026

On August 15, 2026, Kids in Parks will celebrate the sixth annual National TRACK Trails Day! Numerous TRACK Trail locations across the nation will be hosting events to celebrate. Come and visit our trail out here at Howell Woods ELC, or another TRACK Trail, and complete one of KIP's self-guided brochures or an e-Adventure.

To learn more about National TRACK Trails Day, Kid in Parks TRACK Trails, or to find an event near you, visit kidsinparks.com.

07/31/2026
Come join us for the block party!
07/23/2026

Come join us for the block party!

πŸŽ‰ Five local attractions. One afternoon. Endless reasons to stop by!
We're bringing some of Johnston County's attractions together for one fun-filled afternoon at our first-ever JoCo Block Party. RSVP to our Facebook event, invite a friend, and come experience a little taste of what makes our county so unique.

Here's who you'll meet:
🦎 Howell Woods Environmental Learning Center with an animal meet & greet
⚾ Smithfield Tobs and Tater Hogs with photos and co****le
🚲 Triangle Adventures offering e-bike test rides
πŸ‰ JoCo Grows Agriculture serving fresh watermelon samples
🌿 To***co Farm Life Museum demonstrating traditional to***co curing

Plus enjoy food trucks, a live DJ, giveaways every 15 minutes, free swag bags (while supplies last), and more!

πŸ“… Friday, July 31
⏰ 3–5 pm
πŸ“ 234 Venture Drive, Smithfield, NC 27577
πŸ”— bit.ly/4p3QP1J

Who are you bringing with you? Tag them below! πŸ‘‡

Howell Woods Environmental Learning Center | Smithfield Tobs Baseball | Triangle Adventures | JoCo Grows Agriculture | To***co Farm Life Museum | Brock Entertainment | Kookie Krumbs | The Redneck BBQ Lab

Our summer library visits have begun and we have been digging up some interesting facts to share! Interested in learning...
06/30/2026

Our summer library visits have begun and we have been digging up some interesting facts to share! Interested in learning more or having us come to visit your site/program, let us know. Special thanks to the Selma and Northern Wayne Public Libraries for hosting us so far!

Just a reminder that all weekend reservations should be submitted by Thursdays at 4pm. With this being a busy holiday we...
06/29/2026

Just a reminder that all weekend reservations should be submitted by Thursdays at 4pm. With this being a busy holiday weekend, earlier reservations are recommended!

06/26/2026

Johnston County offers visitors a chance to experience authentic North Carolina through its local farms, small towns, unique attractions.

Address

6601 Devils Racetrack Road
Four Oaks, NC
27524

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