Piedmont Nature Trails
Adjacent to the parking area for the Display Gardens and Totten Center is an 88-acre area known as the Piedmont Nature Trails. Opened to the public in 1966, the trails provide over two miles of hiking through a typical central North Carolina forest. Please see the Trail Map [PDF].
Open from dawn to dusk every day of the year, the trails consist of two major loops, the Streamside Trail and the Oak-Hickory Trail. The easier Streamside Trail crosses Meeting-of-the-Waters Creek twice as it meanders through the lower sections of this site. The more difficult Oak-Hickory Trail traverses hillier portions. A diversity of hardwood and evergreen trees, shrubs, and woodland wildflowers thrive in these woods. Interpretive brochures and a trail map are available at the entrance to the trail. The trail walk can take from 15 to 45 minutes or more, depending upon the path taken and your pace.
Any season is a good time to visit the Piedmont Nature Trails. Trout lilies (Erythronium americanum), trilliums (Trillium spp.), dogwoods (Cornus florida), and redbuds (Cercis canadensis) are a few of the many species of trees and herbs that make this a special place in spring. In summer, the lacy green tree canopy provides cool shade for a thoroughly pleasant woods walk. The brilliant fall color of resident hardwoods creates a radiant setting for walks, runs, or picnics. And the quiet sculptural beauty of the winter woods provides the perfect setting for contemplation and exercise.
Across Laurel Hill Road from the Piedmont Nature Trails, against the fence that encloses the display collections and Totten Center, a Wildflower Border is planted exclusively with southeastern native perennials that bloom from April to October. Even in winter, the border is abuzz with activity as birds and other small animals find food and cover among the dried stems and foliage. This area also showcases a wide variety of native shrubs as well as ferns and shade tolerant native perennials.
Last updated by Laura Cotterman on June 18, 2008 at 04:23:45 pm.
