The Best Hikes Near North Carolina’s Triad

One positive of the past few years has been having the time to explore many more places within our state, and a lot of new hiking spots. Here are some parks and nature preserves we have explored this year, along with some that are still on our to-do list! They are all located within 2 hours (most closer to 1 hour or less) from North Carolina’s Triad area of Greensboro, Winston-Salem, and High Point.

Mayo River State Park

A short 10 minute hike to the beautiful Fall Creek Falls in the video above. Small parking lot, so get there early if you visit on the weekend.

Triad Park

Several short loop trails, volleyball courts, soccer and baseball fields, horseshoe pits, a nice disc-golf course and a bouldering park for children.

Gibson Park

Multiple well-marked trails and also paved miles of Greenway for running and biking.

Rich Fork Preserve

Lots of historical buildings, some creek crossings, and nice bridges along the trails. Popular for mountain biking.

Cascades Preserve

This one has a more remote feel to it and has fun spots to play in the river and a rope bridge. Small parking lot.

Salem Lake Trail

Beautiful 7 mile loop trail around the lake. Very popular with both hikers and bikers.

Quarry Park

You can walk out on the overlook to see the beautiful views of the quarry and there are paved paths here that take you down to the bottom of the quarry.

Bur-Mil Park

Several miles of nice trails here right by the water and a great place to spot turtles.

Jaycee Park

A nice paved area to walk around the lake – the loop is around 2-3 miles and this park connects to Country Park.

Greensboro Botanical Gardens

A lovely place for a date – we had engagement photos taken here.

Guilford Courthouse National Military Park

A good place to brush up on your local history with the monuments and statues, a lot of nice trails here, both paved and in the woods, and a great location to spot deer.

Gateway Nature Preserve

This has both paved paths and trails in the woods, a dog park, and an outdoor fitness park.

Richardson Taylor Preserve

One mile loop and a 3+ mile trail that is fairly strenuous due to all the hills and switchbacks.

Guilford County Farm

Interesting spot where you can hike the prison trail, spot a lot of birds, and maybe even a snapping turtle like we did. Much of the trail is out in the open but it goes into the woods at the end.

Horizons Park

A large park with 2 hiking loops that are at least one mile each, a large disc golf course, dog park, and volleyball court.

Knight Brown Nature Preserve

This is in an unexpected spot at the end of neighborhood -the Creekside Loop is pretty but can be muddy.

Bethabara Park

Gravel trails in the woods with outdoor fitness stations along the way.

Haw River State Park

A prime spot for birdwatching and a nice lake area as well with hiking paths all around it.

Bethania Trailhead

Some historic areas here and paths in the grass fields and through the woods, but beware of mosquitoes!

Company Mill Preserve

The best part is the waterfall at the start of the trail and the nice boardwalks, along with the fact that this park connects to Hagan-Stone Park.

Bold Moon Preserve

You’ll probably have this place all to yourself – the half mile path to the creek is incredibly serene but bring a stick for spiderwebs.

Chinqua-Penn Walking Trail

So many different types of scenery on this trail – ponds, historic mill stones, bridges, a bamboo forest, cows, old stone structures and more. Site of the annual Running of the Cows 5k.

Boone’s Cave Park

Several challenging trails here along with some shorter ones by the water – Daniel Boone hid out in these caves, according to local legend.

Hanging Rock State Park

Great place to hike and camp – read our full experience here.

Purgatory Mountain Trail Head

This trail is located in the parking lot of the NC Zoo – the first section is flat, but pretty much straight up after that – the top is under construction to have a viewing tower in the future.

Stone Mountain State Park

1.4 miles to the summit is grueling with a lot of switchbacks (trekking poles and water recommended), but the view is spectacular!

Pisgah Covered Bridge

Just a small hiking loop here, but the bridge is the main attraction – worth a stop.

Related: Enjoy a Weekend at Virginia’s Natural Tunnel State Park

NC Parks & Trails Still On Our List

• Hagan-Stone Park
• Great Bend Park
• Guilford Mackintosh Park
• Falls Lake State Recreation Area
• Pilot Mountain State Park
• Tot Hill Farm Trailhead
• New River State Park
• Three Top Mountain Game Lands
• Birkhead Mountains Wilderness
• Cedarock Park
• Faith Rock
• Jumping Off Rock Trailhead
• Saxapaw Island Park
• Yadkin Memorial Park
• Carolina Thread Trail
• Carter Falls Trail Head
• Power House Trail Head
• Buffalo Creek Preserve
• Cumberland Knob, Gully Creek Trailhead
• South Mountains State Park

Related: Hiking to Lake Agnes Tea House in Banff National Park

Do you have any favorite trails or suggestions for any parks and preserves I should add to my list? Before you go, check out Triad Trails for photos and more details on these parks and more.

Thanks for reading!

Emily