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.

• 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.  

• 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 – 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! 

 

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. 

 

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: 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! 

 

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. 

 

 

 

The Piedmont Triad region is host to a fast-growing array of biking trails and areas that cater to all skill levels and abilities. Whether you want to spend the weekend exploring the vast expanse of the Uwharrie National forests, or just sneak off during your lunch break for a quick ride on some slightly more urban trails, there are plenty of options to get out and ride your bike in the area!

Rich Fork Preserve (High Point) – A hidden gem, tucked right in the middle of the city, Rich Fork Preserve has 2.2 miles of well marked, well maintained multi use trails packed with berms, rollers, moderately steep climbs and descents, and creek crossings. The trails are easy to access with ample parking, and great for a quick getaway into the woods. Also, there is a new phase of development coming soon, so keep an eye out for new trails here!

Farris Memorial Park (Mayodan) – A great little trail system in Rockingham County, Farris Park offers a beginner friendly 1 mile inner loop as well as a more challenging 2 mile outer loop. The trails feature lots of switchbacks, stream crossings and rock gardens, all while meandering through old growth hardwood and mixed pine forests. Mayodan Parks and Recreation also offers bike rentals for a nominal fee with youth sized bikes available, making Farris Park a great place to try out mountain biking!

Kernersville Bike Park – A 27 acre park located just minutes from downtown, Kernersville Bike Park offers a 3.9 mile bidirectional loop full of unique features. The main trail is great for beginner to intermediate riders, with more advanced options for experienced riders. Some of the advanced features include drops, wooden roller coaster features, and a downhill berm section. The park features a large parking lot with primitive bathrooms and a changing station. 

Country Park (Greensboro) – Country Park offers several miles of cross country riding with the Copperhead and Lakeside trails, a freeride zone for more adventurous riders, and a 1.5 mile paved loop for those who like to keep their tires planted firmly on the ground. Copperhead is a more intermediate trail featuring lots of rocks, roots, climbs and descents with an optional jump line. If you want even more jumps, the freeride zone is packed full of advanced features to really test your skills with big jumps and tight berms. And if all of that is too wet but you still have the itch to get a ride in, the paved trail is a great option!

Moore’s Springs Trails (Hanging Rock) – Located within Hanging Rock State Park in the northern part of the Piedmont, Moore’s Springs offers 20 miles of top tier trails with something for every skill level from the Hognose trail for beginners, all the way up to the aptly named Rattler trail for the more seasoned riders. The park is split by Moore’s Spring road, with the southern portion featuring old school hand-built singletrack, with modern machine built trails all the way up to the banks of the Dan river making up the northern section. All trails loop back to a great parking and picnic area and there are plenty more amenities including camping nearby in the main area of the state park

Owl’s Roost (Greensboro) – One of the premier trails in Greensboro, Owl’s Roost offers 3.7 miles of technical riding along the scenic shores of Lake Brandt and Horsepen Creek with lots of dips, turns, and hills. It was voted best urban bike trail in the country by Bicycling Magazine all the way back in 2003 and is still in prime form 20 years later. The trail is part of Bur-Mill Park in northwest Greensboro which offers several more mellow trails and other amenities if that’s more your speed.

Uwharrie National Forest – Being the only national forest area in the Piedmont, it’s no surprise that Uwharrie offers miles of trails to enjoy. The Wood Run trails offer 22 miles of mountain bike specific trails with plenty of steeps, rocks and roots, creek crossings to keep you entertained, and plenty of space for long rides. If that’s not enough, there’s plenty more multi use trails throughout the national park area. Uwharrie also offers cabin rentals, campgrounds, as well as free dispersed campsites all over the park, so it’s a great destination to stay a while and enjoy all the park has to offer!

Salem Lake (Winston Salem) – If a more leisurely ride is what you’re after, the Salem Lake loop is an excellent option! The 7 mile loop offers lots of scenic views of the lake, with plenty of great spots to stop and rest along the way. The trail is wide enough for uninterrupted bidirectional traffic, and is lined with gravel to allow for riding in damp conditions. The wide well maintained trail could also be a great option for adaptive cycling equipment. Parking is available at each end of the lake, with a paved lot at the Salem Lake marina, and a small gravel lot accessible from Linville road.

Many of our mountain bike trails are meticulously maintained by volunteers for the love of the sport so it is imperative that we treat all our trails with respect. Check for trail closures before riding, never ride on wet or damaged trails, and as always, leave no trace! If you would like to volunteer to help maintain trails in the area, please contact the Piedmont Fat Tire Society.