Buckhorn is indeed one of the most well kept, serene, and challenging courses in central North Carolina.

The course is located on land donated by the Sharon Harris Nuclear Power Plant, so it's an interesting paradox considering it's so beautiful and serene, and yet it is overshadowed by the Nuclear Power Plant.

~ There are different types of challenges on every hole, including a few water hazards.

~ Clearly defined markers and signage, including concrete tees.

~ Well maintained grounds, including pathways, fairways, and baskets.

~ Professional baskets which are also well maintained, and clearly visible.

~ Perfect mixture of woodlands, hills, valleys, and lake views.

~ Course can be quite muddy after heavy rains.

~ Weekends can produce heavy traffic on the course, so arrive early or late after the "rush."

~ Pro/Con: Caution on hole #17, because that swampy pond is an infamous Disc-Eater!

~ Dogs are allowed at the park, so there are rare occasions where you might have your discs run off with.

Buckhorn is my course of choice here in Central North Carolina. It has quickly become my absolute favorite course for it's challenges (especially hole #17), as well as it's perfect mix of topography and scenic views.

This is what a disc golf course should be. It has nice tee pads, good tee signs, good holes and a good flow. It's also in a single use portion of the park. There is nothing here except a disc golf course. It's a hard tight course with the tees, pins and fairways far enough apart to not interfere with other holes. It is very hard from the long tees. Tee signs are good and the golf course has a natural flow with paths to each hole. You can start at hole 1 and easily find your way around the entire course. This course will test your accuracy. It does not cater to people who can throw super far unless you can do it with pinpoint accuracy. In my opinion this is the best course in the Raleigh area by far.

The only thing I don't like at Buckhorn is #16 from the long position. I think the right angle lay up shot that's there is too quirky and doesn't work with the rest of the course. The short tee is a beautiful hole though. Other than that the course is excellent.

Beginners should be careful with the holes around the water. Especially 15 and 17. If your disc ends up in that pond there's a very slim chance you will ever see it again.

A comment regarding my evaluation of courses. I am not trying to insult or hurt any ones feelings when I review a course. I'm just trying to evaluate the course on what I feel are important characteristics of a good course. Disc golf has become a large enough sport that I feel we should strive for better than we have now. Just putting 18 holes in a park isn't enough. 18 pole holes does not make a disc golf course. It requires tee's, signs, maps, solid course design and constant maintenance. Any less than that and we will never advance the sport to a reputable level.