Exploring Johnston County with Derrick Applewhite, Jr.
Derrick Applewhite, Jr.
Friends of Johnston County Parks
The landscapes of Johnston County tell a story of both movement and tradition. As the “trails crossroads” of North Carolina, it’s where two of the most ambitious trail systems found in NC — the Mountains-to-Sea Trail and the East Coast Greenway — intersect, guiding hikers, cyclists, and paddlers through a patchwork of farmland, forests, and small-town main streets.
More than just connecting destinations, these routes help connect the people exploring Johnson County to the land itself, and to a long-standing culture of care for working farms, waterways, and the wild spaces in between. That’s a connection Derrick Applewhite, Jr., knows well.
A Johnston County native, he’s also the co-founder of Friends of Johnston County Parks and the senior government affairs associate for the NC League of Municipalities. An advocate for all the parks, trails, and farms that criss-cross this section of NC’s bucolic Piedmont region, Derrick is part of a growing community effort to protect Johnson County’s natural landscapes and celebrate its agricultural heritage.
Knowing that, we asked him to share his favorite ways to experience his home county’s outdoor spaces while practicing good stewardship of them, so that their beauty, history and vitality can thrive for generations to come.
exploring Johnston county "JOCO", north carolina
Can you tell us a little about yourself and what you do in Johnston County?
Born and raised in Johnston County, I grew up enjoying outdoor activities like riding bikes, playing ball, and fishing with family and friends. After earning an undergraduate degree from NC State and a graduate degree from Ohio State, I returned home, inspired to get folks outdoors and experience all that our communities have to offer.
In 2020, I co-founded the Friends of Johnston County Parks, a volunteer organization dedicated to promoting parks, open space, the arts and recreational opportunities. In my professional role, I serve as the senior government affairs associate with the NC League of Municipalities. Outside of work, I continue to enjoy many of the activities I loved as a kid, along with golf, pickleball, and spending time with my fiancée and our dog.
What inspires you to do what you do?
As Johnston County grows and develops, the next generation deserves to enjoy the outdoors as generations before them have. I’m not only inspired to encourage folks to enjoy nature, but also to ensure they have spaces to recreate at and visit.
What makes the outdoor experiences you love in Johnston county unique?
Johnston County is the trails crossroads of NC. The Mountains-To-Sea Trail, which runs west to east across NC, and the East Coast Greenway, which runs north to south from Maine to Florida, both pass through the county. These trails are incredibly popular for local bikers and hikers, but they also attract out-of-state guests excited to enjoy the mix of landscapes and communities across the county.
The mountains to sea trail is just one of many outdoor hiking trails outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy in Johnston County.
If you had a day to spend outdoors in Johnston County, what must-see landmarks or attractions would you visit? How would you spend an ideal day?
I’d head to historic Downtown Smithfield, the county seat, to enjoy the Buffalo Creek Greenway. This 3-mile trail is a segment of Mountains-To-Sea Trail that runs along the famed Neuse River. Bring your bike, pack a lunch, and catch a concert or movie at the newly renovated Neuse River Amphitheater, located near the end of the greenway in the historic Smithfield Town Commons.
Are there any lesser-known trails, parks or outdoor activities that you would recommend?
Nestled north of Clayton and northwest of Archer Lodge, the Bailey and Sarah Williamson Preserve is a go-to for any outdoorsperson. With nearly 17 miles of multi-use trails, you can get lost in the history and scenery. In addition to the vastness of the preserve, you can also find a working farm, carrying on the traditions known by JoCo communities across generations.
Another great destination is The Rudolph Howell & Son Environmental Learning Center, or Howell Woods. It’s 2,800 acres of hardwood wetlands operated by Johnston Community College, with an ADA-accessible educational center that’s focused on stewardship. It’s located on the second largest floodplain in NC and is a great place to see all kinds of wildlife, from songbirds to wild hogs. So bring binoculars!
Do you have any local food or dining recommendations that complement a day of outdoor adventure?
Take a trip over to Downtown Clayton and enjoy a hot dog at the famous Jones Cafe, then drive down Main Street to Deep River Brewing Company where you can enjoy a beverage from Johnston County’s first (legal) brewery.
The Neuse River Amphitheater is located at the end of the Buffalo Creek Greenway and the perfect spot to wind down after a fun day on the trail.
What tips do you have for guests to ensure they have a safe and enjoyable outdoor adventure here?
No matter where you are in Johnston County, be sure to pack an ecosystem-safe bug spray, especially in the spring and summer months. And, of course, bring a friend to enjoy the great outdoors with. While you’re out exploring, stick to marked trails and give any wildlife you encounter plenty of space. We can also make sure to properly trash any trash we generate, especially when walking near the Neuse River in spaces like Clayton River Walk. What we leave behind on land often ends up in the river! Small choices like these help protect our forests, rivers, and farmland so everyone can enjoy them now and in the future.
People who are passionate about the outdoors like yourself are typically equally passionate about stewardship. Can you share an interesting fact about stewardship in Johnston County that many might not know?
Each year, the Friends of Johnston County Parks hosts an Earth Day Countywide Cleanup. This is the county’s largest annual litter cleanup effort, with hundreds of volunteers taking to the streets, parks and trails to help keep our natural spaces litter-free. We coordinate with the towns, community groups, and churches to provide supplies and target locations across JoCo.
Can you give us some background on how you approach stewardship and responsible recreation?
“Leave it better than you found it” is how I approach the outdoors. Following the Outdoor NC Leave No Trace principles is critical to stewardship, and we work to educate all of our neighbors. One person can have a huge impact, so each of us has a responsibility to do right by our communities by being good stewards of our natural world.
Howell Woods is one of the most popular destinations for hiking and biking in Johnston County.
How do you see the Johnston County Visitors Bureau contributing to stewardship of the outdoors?
The Johnston County Visitors Bureau is a leading voice for the outdoors in Johnston County. Whether it’s through their trail maps or blogs and guides on local stewardship, JCVB helps residents and guests alike understand how to recreate responsibly.
As part of the Outdoor NC Trail Town Stewardship Program, JCVB is also working alongside our public land managers to better promote our ADA-compliant outdoor spaces, feeding into the stewardship principle of sharing the outdoors. We want our natural spaces to be as accessible and inclusive of everyone as possible.
Are there recent examples of local projects or initiatives aimed at preserving the natural beauty and resources of Johnston County?
Our friends at the Triangle Land Conservancy have recently announced a partnership to help preserve 64 acres of historic farmland in Johnston County at the Hedge Family Farm. This is one of many examples of how governments, citizens and nonprofits are coming together to preserve valuable land resources in our growing county. This ongoing partnership is going to help the next generation enjoy these lands as much as the previous generations have.
How can guests contribute to these stewardship efforts during their stay or after they have visited?
The best way to get involved at your favorite outdoor recreation spot is to ask. Whether that means connecting with the Triangle Land Conservancy, the Friends of the Mountains-To-Sea Trail, the East Coast Greenway Alliance or the Friends of Johnston County Parks, there’s no shortage of volunteer opportunities where you can give back to the outdoor spaces that have given us so much.
Derrik along with local volunteers pose with the results of their annual county wide clean up efforts.
How does the local culture and community influence the outdoor experiences in Johnston County?
For over 200 years, Johnston County has been a leader in agriculture. That legacy is what helps make responsible stewardship of the land so important here. When folks are enjoying local trails and open space, they are passing by generational family farms that are critical to our state and nation’s food production.
Can you share any local festivals or events that highlight the connection between the community, stewardship and the outdoors?
Check out Smithfield’s Ham & Yam Festival in the spring. It’s Smithfield’s oldest town festival and has become a way of celebrating the local agricultural products and farmland this area is known for.
What final advice or message would you like to share with guests coming to explore Johnston County?
From farmland that’s fed generations to all of our trails and greenways, being good stewards of our natural environment in Johnston County is a way to take care of our heritage. Whether you’re paddling the Neuse River Blueway or relaxing in one of our parks, every outdoor experience here is a chance to connect with the land and help take care of it in return. Check out the Johnston County Visitors Bureau website for more ideas to get outdoors mindfully.
How can people stay in the loop about seasonal outdoor experiences, upcoming events or stewardship initiatives in Johnston County?
Follow the Friends of Johnston County Parks as well as the Johnston County Visitors Bureau, and our partners, on social media.
*Published 7/1/2025
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