Apex, NC Outdoor Activities

Jordan Lake Tours guide David draws from more than 15 years' experience to navigate groups across scenic Jordan Lake. After helping passengers settle into the vessel, he ferries them on aquatic journeys to spot local wildlife such as finches, bald eagles, and toupee-wearing herons. David shares his knowledge of the local animals and points out any camera-worthy sights. Throughout tours, the captain keeps his passengers safe and comfortable with provided life jackets (only required for passengers under 12 years of age) and snacks. Jordan Lake Tours' pontoon boat can accommodate groups of 12.

Triangle Rock Club's, awarded with the 2013 Pinnacle Business Award, state-of-the-art facility houses more than 9,000 square feet of expertly crafted terrain with upward of 100 routes. During small-size classes, drop-in sessions, and rock-climbing camps, novice and seasoned climbers scale freestanding boulders, dodging manmade obstacles while gripping the wall's slanted surface. Founded by two former Marines, Triangle Rock Club offers customers a large fitness center where guests can complement climbing's full-body workout with weights, kettlebells, squat racks, and spontaneous arm-wrestling matches. Other amenities include a climate-controlled interior and a lounge with WiFi and an HDTV.

After a day plowing the fields, the young Dan Andrews would jump from the tractor, feel his boots sink into the freshly turned earth, and then grab his rifle for an evening of hunting on his family's farm. Once he graduated college, Andrews found himself wanting to share his passion for the outdoors, forged by experiences such as hunting trophy buck and stalking duck along the farmland's creek beds. He returned to the land that had sustained his family for five generations and founded Drake Landing.

Today, Andrews and his team—which includes staff claiming accreditation by the National Sporting Clays Association—oversee a preserve that spans separate ranges for shooting sporting clays, pistols, and rifles. In addition to maintaining rigorous safety standards at the ranges, crews also supervise a 3-D archery course out in the forest. For outdoorsmen desiring live field experience, Drake Landing's team leads guided upland hunting for pheasant and quail as well as hunting trips for dove, deer, and Red October.

A fishing bobber quivers atop the water's surface and plunges swiftly downward to indicate a fish has taken the bait. At the other end of the line, a young girl takes hold of the rod as her family cheers her on. Greggofish Guide Service owner Greg Griffin forges memories like these, leading lighthearted family trips or aquatic excursions to catch specific species such as largemouth bass.

The captain welcomes groups aboard his Carolina Skiff—a 24-foot vessel with a T-top that offers shade and cover from fishes' spy satellites. Though an accomplished fisherman, Greg doesn't cast his own line during charters. Instead, he gives full attention to his passengers, helping them use provided supplies such as rods, reels, and bait. Greg also maintains an online tutorial page, where fledgling fishers can go for tips or to send fish e-vites to their next barbecue.

Before each lesson or scuba diving adventure, Carolina Dive Center owners Captain Jim Sedore and Paul Winders outfit each of their certified divers with the necessities to fit in with undersea fashion experts. After donning wetsuits and underwater breathing apparatuses, guests follow the experts in classes, tours, and spearfishing adventures. Students may also log hours during courses as they work toward their own diving certifications.

Nestled within Lil' Black Creek Farm's 150 sprawling acres, Country Fun Park's tree-enclosed fields play host to myriad outdoor activities. Guests can spend an afternoon sniping out foes in the 3-acre, custom-designed paintball arena or take advantage of pig picking or spending time with farmer Ben's animals to barrage them with tactical assaults of love and affection. Golfers hone swings under the open sky at the driving range.