| NC Triad Outdoors

Great Trails to Celebrate Great Trails State Day in the Piedmont

Sam Stalder — Fri, 11 Oct 2024 15:59:47 +0000

North Carolina is renowned for its diverse landscapes and outdoor adventures, and the Piedmont region is no exception. Whether you’re looking for fun around the Triad or beyond, the area is home to a wealth of hiking, biking, and paddling trails that deserve to be celebrated. In honor of Great Trails State Day coming up on October 19th, here’s some of our favorite places in the Piedmont region that showcase the beauty and diversity of North Carolina’s great outdoors and embody the spirit of the day.

Hike

Hiking, the original trail sport, is one of the purest ways you can experience the outdoors. While we do recommend some sturdy shoes, comfy clothes, a water bottle, and maybe some trail snacks, all you really need to enjoy a hike is your feet and a trail underneath them.

Uwharrie National Forest – Being the only National Forest in the Piedmont, it’s no surprise Uwharrie is home to some great trails and some of the largest untouched natural areas in the region.

Hanging Rock

Cane Creek Mountains Natural Area – One of the newest trail systems in the area located in southern Alamance County, the Cane Creek Mountains Natural Area offers about 10 miles of trail stemming from two trail heads. The Piedmont Land Conservancy is hosting a guided hike here October 20, 2024 as part of the Great Trails State Day celebrations! The hike is limited to 30 participants, so claim your free tickets here before they’re sold out!
Hanging Rock/Pilot Mountain – While these state parks in the Sauratown Mountains spanning Stokes and Surry County are often recommended, its for good reason! Located just to the north of the Triad area, both parks are easily accessible from most of the surrounding region and offer some of the best hikes and views around.

Bike

If speed and adrenaline is what you crave while you enjoy the outdoors, the region offers plenty of opportunities for mountain biking at all skill levels, and there are even affordable options for renting bikes available to those who would rather not deal with bike racks or storage.

Salem Lake Trail

Rich Fork Preserve – Located right in the middle of the City of High Point, Rich Fork Preserve allows an escape to nature without ever leaving the city limits. The park is home to about 2.5 miles of multi use trails well maintained by the Piedmont Fat Tire Society perfect for a quick ride if you’re short on time for Great Trails State Day.
Salem Lake Trail – If you’re looking for a more leisurely Great Trails State Day ride, the Salem Lake Trail in Forsyth County is a 7.1 mile smooth trail without any steep inclines or rough terrain offering an easy ride for all abilities! The trail circumnavigates Salem Lake, offering beautiful lake views for almost the entire length of the trail.
Farris Memorial Park – Want to try out mountain biking but don’t have a bike? Farris Memorial Park in Rockingham County is the place to go! The park offers a beginner friendly 3 mile bike trail and Mayodan Parks and Recreation offers bike rentals for a nominal fee. They have kid’s sized bikes available for rent as well, so bring the whole family and try something new!

Paddle

Great Trails State Day isn’t just for celebrating land-based trails, the region is also home to some great paddle trails as well! There are rivers and lakes throughout the area to explore and enjoy nature beyond the bounds of dry land.

Yadkin River State Trail – Running from Kerr Scott Dam to Yadkin River Park with 17 public launch points, the Yadkin River State Trail is 163 miles of meandering scenic river to enjoy. The river is mostly flat water with a few class 1 and 2 ripples making it a great option for beginner to intermediate paddlers. You should expect to move about 3 miles per hour while paddling the Yadkin, so while you won’t be able to experience the entire trail in one day, it’s still a great place to plan a trip for GTSD!

Dan River

Dan River – 90 miles of the Dan River was established as a state paddle trail in 2021, spanning Surry, Stokes, and Rockingham Counties. There are public access points all along this span of the river making it easy to plan your paddle! The Dan is home to several outfitters if you would prefer a guided trip or just need to rent boats.
Haw River – If you’re looking for a mix of land and water for your Great Trails State Day adventure, the Haw River Trail might just be the perfect destination! The paddle trail runs north to south through Alamance County ending in Jordan Lake in neighboring Chatham County with 14 public river access points along the way. The land trail offers about 20 miles of scenic hiking along the river starting at Haw River State Park and overlapping with a section of the Mountains to Sea Trail.

The Piedmont region of North Carolina is a hiker’s, biker’s, and paddler’s paradise, with its diverse landscapes, well-maintained trails, and beautiful rivers. Great Trails State Day is the perfect opportunity to lace up your boots, grab your bike, or hit the water and discover the natural wonders that the Piedmont has to offer.

Keep an eye out on our Instagram page for more trail highlights and group hike opportunities leading up to Great Trails State Day on October 19th!

Fun Activities for the Whole Family: The best ways to get outside in the fall!

Sam Stalder — Mon, 23 Sep 2024 20:52:45 +0000

Fall in the Piedmont is a great time to get outside, with vibrant displays of fall colors, crisp weather, and a variety of activities for the whole family! Whether you’re eager to explore nature, navigate through corn mazes, or enjoy one of the many fall festivals in the area, there’s plenty to do throughout the season. Here’s a guide to some of our favorite outdoor fall activities to enjoy with kids in the beautiful Piedmont-Triad area.

Fall Foliage Hikes

North Carolina offers some of the best fall colors to be found anywhere, and the Piedmont area is no exception. Here are some great spots for family-friendly hikes that showcase the season’s beauty:

Hanging Rock State Park: Located in Stokes County, this park offers several trails suitable for all ages. The Hanging Rock Trail is a moderate hike that rewards you with spectacular views of the surrounding landscape, adorned in fall colors. The park is also home to a 0.1-mile ADA accessible trail, allowing for people of all abilities to get out and enjoy a crisp fall hike.

Pilot Mountain in the Fall

Knight-Brown Nature Preserve: This hidden gem in Rockingham County offers peaceful trails through hardwood forests, perfect for a quiet family outing. The preserve is particularly beautiful in the fall, with vibrant leaves creating a picturesque backdrop.

Pilot Mountain State Park: Just west of hanging rock in Surry County, this park features several trails that provide panoramic views of the Piedmont region. The Jomeokee Trail is a favorite for families, offering a relatively easy hike around the base of Pilot Mountain with the unique rock formations of the Pilot Knob on one side and breathtaking views of fall foliage on the other.

Hagan-Stone Park: Located in Guilford County, this park offers a variety of trails that wind through scenic woodlands and around serene lakes. It’s an excellent spot for a leisurely hike and a picnic amidst the fall foliage.

Corn Mazes

Corn mazes are a staple of fall fun in North Carolina and are also usually accompanied by other great autumn attractions like hayrides, pumpkin patches, and more!

Kersey Valley Maize Adventure: Located in Guilford County, this maze covers several acres and offers a variety of paths to explore. Each year, the maze features a new design, ensuring a unique experience every time. The maze is a part of the larger Kersey Valley adventure complex which is home to many other attractions including their Spooky Woods haunted tour, ziplining, escape room, and lots more, making it a major destination for fall fun in the Triad!

Alpha & Omega Corn Maze – Hamptonville, NC

Alpha & Omega Corn Maze: For our western Piedmont friends, the Alpha & Omega Corn Maze is located in southwestern Yadkin County in the town of Hamptonville. The 5-acre maze is surrounded by dozens of other great farm activities like axe throwing, play areas, fire pits, and even a pumpkin cannon! The farm also features a restaurant and entertainment stage with live music events happening throughout the season.

Fall Festivals

Fall festivals are a fantastic way to celebrate the season, offering a mix of entertainment, food, and activities. Here are some notable festivals in the Piedmont area:

Autumn Leaves Festival: This October 11th-13th in historic downtown Mount Airy, the Autumn Leaves Festival is one of North Carolina’s longest running events with history dating back to 1966. They offer arts and crafts from 200+ vendors, live music celebrating the heritage of the area, and food of all flavors. While you’re there, be sure to grab one of Surry County’s famous ground steak sandwiches! Best of all, admission to this festival is free!

A classic Lexington BBQ Sandwich

Carolina Classic Fair: Held in Winston-Salem October 4th-13th, this fair is one of the largest in North Carolina. It features rides, games, live entertainment, and a variety of food vendors. The fair also includes agricultural exhibits and competitions, making it a fun and educational experience for kids.

Lexington Barbecue Festival: This festival, set in historic Uptown Lexington, is an annual celebration of the world-famous Lexington style barbecue. Along with the amazing food you’ll find live music, arts and crafts, and a beer and wine garden for the grown-ups! The festival is one day only on October 26th. Admission is free but be sure to bring money for barbecue!

The Piedmont area offers an incredible array of fall activities that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Whether you’re hiking through colorful forests, getting lost in a corn maze, or enjoying the many local flavors at a fall festival, there’s no shortage of fun to be had. So, gather your family, embrace the crisp fall air, and make some unforgettable memories this season.

Leave No Trace

Nathan Rector — Wed, 06 Sep 2023 17:43:05 +0000

You have likely heard or read the phrase regardless of how frequently you hike, kayak, or camp in the NC Triad.

You might have even read the 7 Leave No Trace Principles (LNT) from the nonprofit organization of the same name that are promoted nationwide by the National Park Service. But to what extent does everyone enjoying the outdoors understand how we are impacting an area?

In my experience leading trips for various organizations domestic and international, I often find that awareness of LNT is not the issue – it’s more about effort and convenience. In short, people are going to do what they want and do not want to feel inconvenienced. This can reach a dangerous point, however, potentially stressing and destroying beloved areas and forcing them to close to recoup for years. We’ve seen this recently with the popular Max Patch in the Hot Springs, N.C., area that is now closed until 2026.

Don’t get me wrong, as an outdoor educator I love that more people are spending more time outside. The natural world is much better than a computer screen. It increases serotonin levels, the long-term happiness chemical for your brain, as opposed to dopamine, the short-term happiness. The outdoors also allows minds to critically think, and problem solve, a skill that is often cited as lacking in young adults and college-age students.

But, as more people venture outdoors, there is need for collective willpower and understanding that following LNT means recreational areas and amenities can remain open for businesses and continue to provide a healthy outdoor environment. We are not just preserving lands and waters – important endeavors on their own – but we are also preserving the environments we as people need to engage with and heal.

Dog-friendly Trails in the Triad Region

Carter Schenck — Tue, 18 Jul 2023 18:17:01 +0000

Most dog owners know the feeling of spelling out the forbidden word around their pet. We spell out w-a-l-k for if the forbidden word is spoke, chaos ensues and does not fade until that dog gets their well-deserved walk. However, sometimes going on a walk can be mundane, whether it be after a long day of work or on a day where it’s hard to have the motivation to go outside. Often, when I have days like this, I go out of my way to look for a fun trail to go on. One that is perfect for a w-a-l-k. Finding these trails can quickly turn a dog walk from a chore to the best part of your day – one that you get to spend with your best friend. Below is a list of trails that are pet friendly in the NC Triad’s 12 counties – all surefire ways to make every w-a-l-k count!

1. Guilford County – Bill Faver Lakeshore Trail (accessible at the Piedmont Environmental Center)

This trail is in the High Point area of Guilford County and is welcoming to dogs as long as they are leashed. Rates as an easier trail and is 1.8 miles of natural surface trail through the hardwood and pine forest. Enjoy the beautiful scenery of High Point Lake and make sure to bring binoculars as this is a popular place for bird watching.

2. Forsyth County – Tanglewoof Park at Tanglewood Park

The ever popular Tanglewood Park in Clemmons is always a great option when it comes to taking your dog on a w-a-l-k. With all of the activities for you and your pup to do in a 2.35-acre dog park it’s difficult to say no to taking a trip to Tanglewood. The park has water fountains for people and four-legged friends and is free to the public.

3. Stokes County – Lower Cascades Trail

This is a great trail to help you and your pup beat the heat. The Lower Cascades Trail in Hanging Rock State Park is a 0.4-mile trail with a waterfall that meets you at the end. Take in a view of Cascades Creek and/or take a dip in the cool water.

4. Alamance County – Beth Schmidt Park

If you find yourself near Elon, then it’s a must to visit Beth Schmidt Park with your pup. Not only is there more than a mile worth of trails but there is also a K-9 corner where dogs can run free and get rid of energy so they can sleep well at night.

5. Surry County – Ararat River Greenway Trail

This greenway has it all, from restrooms (always important) to kayak launch spots. All this being on a paved greenway trail that is 2.2 miles long along a restored section of the Ararat River.

6. Rockingham County – Matrimony Creek Trail

Whether you live in Eden, N.C., or you’re just visiting, Matrimony Creek Trail is a must. Stretching 1 mile with low difficulty, this nature trail along Matrimony Creek is absolutely beautiful and is pet friendly.

7. Randolph County – Creekside Park

Perfect for the whole family, humans included. Creekside Park has a wide range of offerings including an 18-hole disc golf course, basketball courts, and a one-acre “Barkdale” dog park. Located in Archdale, N.C., this is a park that is worth the travel time.

8. Montgomery County – Denson’s Creek Trail

That’s right, a National Forest in the Triad. At Denson’s Creek Trail you’ll be able to hike in the Uwharrie National Forest with your pup on your choice of a 1-mile loop as well as a 2.2-mile loop. Find this trail behind the Uwharrie National Forest office on Biscoe Road, 2 miles east of Troy. Benches are spaced throughout for rest and observation as you make your way through a mature forest of mixed pine and hardwoods.

9. Davie County – Davie County Community Park

With a little pup-prep work, you and your pet can be in for a day full of outdoor activity. This community park has a dog park for small dogs (under 25 pounds) and those over 25 pounds, each accessible to those who have applied and paid entry fees. While you’re there, you can take advantage of a number of different recreation amenities: full turf field and walking track, a board walk through a wooded area, and a splashpad. Check out the map layout to see everything that is available.

10. Yadkin County – Yadkin Memorial Park

Yet again, another park in the NC Triad with everything a nature lover could ever need. At Yadkin Memorial Park there are multiple trails that are pet-friendly, along with a one-stop shop of sorts in the office at Lake Hampton. While you’re visiting with your four-legged friend, you can hit up the office that carries fishing supplies, disc golf discs, bait and snacks and drinks.

11. Caswell County – Sunline Trail

Not only is this trail pet-friendly, there is also access to the Caswell County Animal Protection Society. Perfect for dog owners or dog owners to be.

12. Davidson County – Boone’s Cave Park

Are you a history buff? If so, take your fluffy friend to Boone’s Cave Park where you can explore the area that Daniel Boone once lived in. Forty-six acres of the park are a Natural Heritage Site and the full 100 acres offers hiking trails through a mix of hardwoods.

Scenic Beauty in the Piedmont Triad

Carter Spradling — Mon, 17 Apr 2023 18:27:43 +0000

The Sauratown Mountains sit along the northwestern most part of the Piedmont Triad region in Surry and Stokes Counties, but are just a short trip away. Named after the Saura Indians that once inhabited the area, these mountains are some of the easternmost in North Carolina and represent the leading edge of the larger Appalachian Mountain Chain. With open, sweeping vistas and peaks that seemingly jut out from nowhere above the relatively flat Piedmont, their sheer beauty and natural splendor are unsurpassed in North Carolina. Consequently, two of the crown jewels of North Carolina’s state park system, Pilot Mountain State Park & Hanging Rock State Park are located on the mountain range.

Thanks to North Carolina’s scenic byway system, sites like these could not be more accessible. The Sauratown Mountains Scenic Byway begins in the quintessential mountain town of Mt. Airy, the inspiration for Andy Griffith’s Mayberry, where visitors can experience some hometown food, shopping, and cultural revival. The byway then winds its way around the ancient “Middle Mountains” region in North Carolina’s rolling northern Piedmont. At the beginning of the byway, look for excellent views of Hanging Rock in the distance. As travelers work their way down the route, they’ll pass one of the most well-preserved structures from the antebellum period in North Carolina, the Moratock Iron Furnace in the Town of Danbury, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Along the way, travelers will have the opportunity to explore Hanging Rock State Park and enjoy some of the many recreational opportunities that it provides, such as hiking, canoeing, and fishing. Later on, visitors will be exposed to long range views of Sauratown Mountain before making a 360° loop around the base of Pilot Mountain. The grand finale presents an extraordinary view of Pilot Mountain’s Big Pinnacle.

Many other scenic byways exist within the Piedmont Triad and all are great excuses to get out on the road and explore the region’s natural beauty!

Click here for the North Carolina Byways Guidebook

Other Scenic Byways in the Piedmont Triad region:

Yadkin Valley Scenic Byway (Surry and Yadkin Counties)

Sandhills Scenic Drive (Montgomery, Moore, Stanley Counties)

The Uwharrie Scenic Road (Randolph, Davidson, Cabarrus, Rowan, Stanly Counties)

The Birkhead Wilderness Route (Randolph County)

The Indian Heritage Trail (Montgomery and Richmond Counties)

Colonial Heritage Byway (Caswell, Durham, Guilford, Orange, and Rockingham Counties)

Pottery Road (Randolph and Moore Counties)

Football Road (Guilford, Alamance, and Orange Counties)

Take a Hike Through Greensboro’s Storied History

Carter Spradling — Tue, 04 Apr 2023 18:39:25 +0000

Battleground Avenue, Greene Street, Cornwallis Drive. These are not just random street names, but reminders of the immensely important events that occurred in the heart of the Piedmont Triad nearly 250 years ago. The Battle of Guilford Courthouse which was fought in what is now northwest Greensboro was one of the pivotal and defining moments that birthed our nation.

In March, 1781, General Nathaniel Greene, Greensboro’s namesake and George Washington’s most trusted general, lead Continental Soldiers and militias from North Carolina & Virginia against the infamous British general, Lord Charles Cornwallis, across the Piedmont region of the North Carolina Colony. The actions of General Greene and his men placed General Washington and the main Continental Army in a position to defeat Cornwallis at Yorktown seven months later and secure our fledgling country’s freedom.

Today, Guilford Courthouse National Military Park is located on Old Battleground Road in Greensboro, directly backing up to Greensboro’s Country Park and the Greensboro Science Center. The park, which was established in 1917 has over 3 miles of trails for hikers and bicyclists alike. Along the route are several sites which are part of a self-guided audio tour and commemorative monuments honoring events and war heroes such as Greene, the “Virginia Giant” Peter Francisco, and Reverend David Caldwell (whose name can also be found all across Greensboro). Visitors can walk along the gravel remnants of the historic New Garden Road, a name that readers will recognize, but might not know as one of the oldest roads in the Triad Region.

Plentiful wildlife can be seen along the park’s trail system as well. From white-tailed deer to grey foxes to dozens of colorful songbirds and even red-tailed hawks and other birds of prey occupying the site, visitors have a chance to observe local wildlife and commune with nature in a natural oasis amid the hustle and bustle of the surrounding area.

Greensboro’s rich history is important not only to the region and the State, but to the very fabric of our Nation. Hiking and biking through Guilford Courthouse National Military Park is a small, but very important and enjoyable way to experience some of that history first-hand. The park is open daily (except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day) from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm for vehicles and from dawn to dusk for pedestrians and cyclists. Parking is available at the visitor’s center near the historic Hoskins House at the corner of Battleground Avenue and New Garden Road, as well as along Old Battleground Road and throughout the park itself.

Discover more outdoor recreation opportunities and learn about the Piedmont Triad’s revolutionary past!

The Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail, which has its trailhead in Elkin, NC (Surry County), stretches roughly 330 miles from its southern terminus in South Carolina through North Carolina and into Tennessee and Virginia, and follows the paths that the patriot militia took as they mustered to fight the Battle of Kings Mountain in 1780. This battle proved to be pivotal in the Revolutionary War.

High Rock Ford in Rockingham County is where General Nathanael Greene and his army encamped before the Battle of Guilford Courthouse during the American Revolution. Today, the High Rock Ford Historic Site includes 1/4 mile walking trail, gravel parking lot, Haw River paddle access, and historic signage.

In 1771, an armed group of backcountry farmers calling themselves Regulators battled with Royal Governor William Tryon’s militia on land now preserved at Alamance Battleground State Historic Site in Burlington.