Plan Your Visit

This 88-acre forest behind our display gardens is bustling with life. Come explore! Three miles of trails follow creeks and wind around hills. Look for critters in Morgan Creek, and check for wildflowers along the paths.

Hours

Map of the Piedmont Nature Trails
Click on the map to view a full-size version.

The Piedmont Nature Trails are open dawn to dusk, 365 days a year.

Directions & Parking

You can reach the Piedmont Nature Trails from both the front and back entrances of our display gardens.

Laurel Hill Road (Google Maps directions)
You can parallel park along the wide edges of this road that dead-ends at the back entrance of our display gardens. This option brings you closest to the trails and usually has the most spots available.

Old Mason Farm Road (Google Maps directions)
Parking is available in the gated lot of our display gardens during normal Garden hours (9-5 Tuesdays-Saturdays, 1-5 Sundays). However, we recommend parking in the overflow lot (outside the gates) to be sure you don’t get locked out while out on the trails. Dogs are also only allowed outside the gates.

Trails

Streamside Trail
The Streamside Trail (1/2 mile loop) crosses Meeting-of- the-Waters Creek twice as it meanders through the riparian section of the site.

Oak Hickory Trail
The Oak-Hickory Trail (3/4 mile loop) traverses hillier portions of the site where you will encounter a diversity of hardwood and evergreen trees, shrubs, and woodland wildflowers.

Elephant Rock Trail
The Elephant Rock Trail (1 mile) is a one-way extension of the Oak Hickory Trail. Hikers can return to the garden the way they came or follow the trail along Morgan Creek and exit at the trail’s intersection with Ashe Place.

Bike-Pedestrian Path
A Bike-Pedestrian Path extends from Old Mason Farm Road to Laurel Hill Road to provide easy access to the trail system.

Visit Safely

Use of trails is at your own risk. Common hazards include uneven footing, stinging insects, poison ivy, and the occasional snake.  In case of emergency, please call 911.

  • No bikes allowed except on bike-pedestrian path
  • Keep pets on leash
  • Please pick up after your pets
  • Stay on the trails
  • Removal of plants or other natural materials is prohibited

Support the Piedmont Nature Trails
Help us preserve and maintain the trail by making a donation to the Piedmont Nature Trail fund.
Support the Conservation Fund
Help us manage our Natural Areas by making a donation to the Conservation fund.
Observations from the Piedmont Nature Trails

iNaturalist