Old Waynesborough Park
🌤 Weather at Old Waynesborough Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 43–82 °F | 69–91 °F | 43–83 °F | 35–58 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Goldsboro 4 SE, 3 mi away, elevation 109 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
🏘️ Wayne County Heritage Village — nonprofit park of more than 150 acres on the Neuse and Little Rivers in Goldsboro, with a historic village and over 4 miles of trails
Old Waynesborough Park is a park of more than 150 acres on the Neuse and Little Rivers in Goldsboro, run by Old Waynesborough Park, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. It is not a state park and not part of North Carolina’s state park system. The park stands near the site of Waynesborough, incorporated in 1787 as the first seat of Wayne County. Its village of nine historic buildings from the 1860s to the 1920s was moved here from across the county, and admission to the village and trails is free (Old Waynesborough Park, as of October 2026).
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 801 US Hwy 117 S, Goldsboro, NC 27530 |
| Size | More than 150 acres |
| Visitor Center and Village | Friday 1 to 5 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday 1 to 5 p.m. |
| Trails | Daily, sunrise to sunset |
| Admission | Free; donations welcome |
| Phone | (919) 731-1653 |
| Managed by | Old Waynesborough Park (nonprofit) |
| Former Name on This Site | Waynesborough State Park |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Old Waynesborough a state park?
No. The park is run by a nonprofit. A history published by the North Carolina parks directors notes that a Waynesborough Park opened as a state park in May 1986 and was later returned to the City of Goldsboro to manage.
Is anything left of the original town?
Only the Churchill-Cogdell Cemetery along the trails. The village buildings, among them a school, a law office and a Quaker meeting house, were moved here from elsewhere in Wayne County.
Can I fish or paddle at Old Waynesborough?
Yes. You can fish the Neuse River with a North Carolina fishing license and put in canoes and kayaks on the Neuse and Little Rivers.
Keep exploring: The closest neighbors are Charles B. Aycock Birthplace (a short drive away) and Cliffs of the Neuse State Park (a short drive away).
🏘️ Visit Old Waynesborough Park
Hours, trails, events and facility rentals from Old Waynesborough Park.
About Old Waynesborough Park
Wayne County was formed from Dobbs County in 1779, and Waynesborough was incorporated in 1787 as its first county seat. The town faded after the seat moved to Goldsboro around the middle of the 19th century; a state highway marker gives 1850. In the 1980s the Old Waynesborough Commission was formed to build a village near the original site (Old Waynesborough Park; NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources).
Things to Do
Tour the village, including the general store, the Wiggins House, the Kennedy doctor’s office, the Park Hill School, a print shop, the Faircloth law office and the 1878 Bethany Friends Meeting House. The visitor center shows the Hamilton Civil War Collection of rifles, pistols, swords, cannonballs and belt buckles. Four color-coded trails of 0.75 to 1.54 miles, part of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, run through open land, woods and cypress swamp to overlooks on the Neuse and Little Rivers. Mountain bikes are welcome, and about 15 picnic tables are on the grounds.
Insider Tips
Rules: No alcohol, ATVs or motorized equipment; dogs on a leash. Photography: Free, but call ahead to arrange a session. Rentals: The Bethany meeting house, the Hatch House and a pavilion can be rented for events.
Best Time to Visit
Weekends: The village and visitor center are open Friday to Sunday. Spring and fall: Birding and comfortable hiking along the rivers.
Wildlife & Nature
Nearly 150 bird species have been recorded, among them bald eagles, great blue herons, pileated woodpeckers, barred owls and red-shouldered hawks. Deer, beavers, bobcats, coyotes, foxes, turtles and snakes also live in the park (Old Waynesborough Park).
Nearby Attractions
Downtown Goldsboro — the Wayne County seat. Charles B. Aycock Birthplace and Cliffs of the Neuse State Park — a short drive away.
Park Map
Plan your gear for Old Waynesborough Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
