Photo by Cathy Leonard MOUNTAINS-TO-SEA TRAIL HIKING GUIDE

Segment 8 Rivers, Railroads, and Lakes to Greensboro’s Bryan Park

By Jim Grode and Friends of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail

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Table of Contents

Segment 8: Rivers, Railroads, and Lakes Hanging Rock State Park to Greensboro’s Bryan Park

Introduction Maps Primary Trailheads Trail Angels & Shuttles Signs & Blazing Water & Restrooms Camping & Lodging Food, Supplies & Post Office Hunting Dogs Special Considerations Eastbound Hiking Directions Westbound Hiking Directions Additional Resources

Note: This guide uses the terms EB and WB throughout to refer to Eastbound (Clingmans Dome to Jockey’s Ridge) or

Westbound (Jockey’s Ridge to Clingmans Dome) directions and mileages.

Copyright © 2020 by Friends of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail. All rights reserved.

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Distance: 64.3 miles (19.6 on trail, 2.2 on paved greenway, and 42.5 on roads)

Difficulty: Moderate on trail; easy to moderate on greenways and roads. The road and greenway stretches are ideal for traveling by bicycle; on the trails, the Owls Roost Trail is highly technical mountain biking, but cycling is prohibited on all other trails in this segment.

TRAIL UPDATES: When planning your trip, confirm you have the most recent version of this ! guide, and ALWAYS take time to check the posted updates about the trail route by visiting MountainstoSeaTrail.org/updates.

Introduction

This 64-mile MST segment allows hikers to explore the peaceful countryside and small towns of Piedmont just north of Winston-Salem and Greensboro. The western half of the segment roughly parallels the Dan River– from Hanging Rock State Park through the towns of Danbury and Walnut Cove to , built by Duke Energy on a tributary of the Dan. The eastern half falls within the watershed of the , and the route runs through the towns of Oak Ridge and Summerfield and then onto trails along the shores of Lake Brandt and Lake Townsend, built to provide water to the city of Greensboro.

The western end of the route is at the visitor center of Hanging Rock State Park. For westbound hikers, this park will be the first taste of the mountains, and the 1.7-mile trail leading to the visitor center rises 1,000 feet past waterfalls and mountain plants like rhododendron, mountain laurel, and galax.

Just to the east of the park, hikers will visit Danbury, the county seat of Stokes County. The tiny town of beautiful historic buildings sits on the Dan River. In the town’s Moratock Park, visitors can see the remains of a massive stone iron furnace built in the Civil War.

From the town of Walnut Cove east to Greensboro, much of this segment traces the historic route of the Atlantic & Yadkin Railroad, which ran from Mt. Airy to Sanford. You can still see traces of the old railroad bed in Walnut Cove, and

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you will cross a bridge over the old railroad bed on Oak Ridge Road in Summerfield. The route through Oak Ridge will take you past the Oak Ridge Military Academy, founded in 1850. The town of Summerfield is working to turn its portion of the old railroad bed into a rail-trail which will become the route of the MST when complete. As you pass through Summerfield, look for monuments to James Gillis, a 14-year-old bugle boy who was killed in a skirmish during the Revolutionary War, and to Charles Bruce, a local Patriot.

The eastern third of the segment starts on Greensboro’s Atlantic & Yadkin Greenway and uses it twice to cross over Lake Brandt. From there the MST follows trails in the Greensboro Watershed Lakes complex, passing through classic second- growth Piedmont oak-hickory-beech forest still showing signs of its previous agricultural use. Nearly all of this portion of the MST is on the shores of the watershed reservoirs, and there are many beautiful vistas over the lakes.

The road portions of this segment are great to explore by bicycle as well as on foot.

Highlights Include: The cool getaway from Piedmont heat found in Hanging Rock State Park Tiny and quaint downtown Danbury and the Moratock Furnace Priddy’s General Store, two miles east of Danbury, in operation since 1888 The railroad towns of Walnut Cove and Summerfield The campus of Oak Ridge Military Academy Revolutionary War monuments in Summerfield The Atlantic & Yadkin Greenway in Greensboro and its long bridge over Lake Brandt Miles of peaceful, natural-surface trail along Lake Brandt and Lake Townsend in Greensboro

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Maps

Map and elevation profile produced for Friends of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail by Curtis Belyea, 2020.

Additional Map Resources A detailed interactive map of the entire MST is available at MountainstoSeaTrail.org/map. It is an excellent resource for planning trips on the MST, but should not be relied upon for route finding on the trail. Hanging Rock State Park: www.ncparks.gov/hanging-rock-state-park Greensboro Watershed Trails Guide: www.greensboro-nc.gov/modules/showdocument.aspx?documentid=3194

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Primary Trailheads

The primary trailheads in this guide help break the segment into more manageable chunks and are noted in bold type in the directions. They do not necessarily include all points where the trail can be accessed or every place where parking is available. Our goal is for primary trailheads to be spaced so that a reasonably fit hiker can hike between them in a day, but this is not always possible. Roadside parking is often available on road sections, but the locations are somewhat arbitrary and therefore may not be identified as trailheads. Coordinates are for the trailhead’s parking location, which is generally near but may not be directly on the trail route. If the trail is not obvious from the parking location, instructions for reaching the trail are included in the hiking directions.

If you plan to park overnight or longer, please let the landowner or manager know. If you do not notify ! anyone, land managers may launch a search to determine that you are not in danger or tow your car.

Hanging Rock State Park Visitor Center EB Mile 0.0; WB Mile 64.3 | N36.39476, W80.26596

Moratock Park EB Mile 5.3; WB Mile 59.0 | N36.40832, W80.19909

Walnut Cove (parking on Main St.) EB Mile 21.5; WB Mile 42.8 | N36.29341, W80.14177

Piney Bluff Access Area EB Mile 27.8; WB Mile 36.4 | N36.24130, W80.06343

Cascades Preserve Trailhead EB Mile 32.7; WB Mile 31.5 | N36.19493, W80.03080

Oak Ridge Town Park EB Mile 36.4; WB Mile 27.9 | N36.17336, W79.99969

Anna Long Marshall Wayside Trailhead EB Mile 46.1; WB Mile 18.2 | N36.17763, W79.88226

Bur-Mil Park Picnic and Parking Area EB Mile 47.1; WB Mile 17.2 | N36.16966, W79.86739

Lake Brandt Park Trailhead (if gate is closed, or you will be returning late, park outside the gate) EB Mile 53.8; WB Mile 10.5 | N36.16743, W79.83783

Church St. Trailhead near Laurel Bluff and Crockett Trails EB Mile 57.1; WB Mile 7.1 | N36.17389, W79.79208

Osprey Trailhead on Church St. EB Mile 58.4; WB Mile 5.9 | N36.16206, W79.78802

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Osprey Trailhead on Yanceyville Rd. EB Mile 60.4; WB Mile 3.9 | N36.16566, W79.76843

Bryan Park Soccer Complex Trailhead EB Mile 64.3; WB Mile 0.0 | N36.17028, W79.74392

Trail Angels & Shuttles

The MST is fortunate to have many Trail Angels: friendly people who have volunteered to provide assistance to long-distance hikers ranging from local information to lodging and food. We greatly appreciate our Trail Angels’ willingness to give back to the hiking community and the MST. For information about Trail Angels in Segment 8 and the services they can provide, see MountainstoSeaTrail.org/the-trail/trail-angels.

Our website also lists all commercial shuttle services we are aware of that serve MST hikers. The list is available at MountainstoSeaTrail.org/the-trail/shuttle-services.

Signs & Blazing

The trail portions of the MST in Segment 8 are generally well marked with the MST blaze—a 3-inch white circle. There are no blazes or other markings on the road portions of this segment.

The section of trail within Hanging Rock State Park, also called Indian Creek Trail, is also marked with orange squares. Most blazes in the park have a small number embossed on them. The numbers do not indicate distance; however, the park refers to them as “mile markers”. If you have an emergency and call for help, report the shape, color and number of the nearest “mile marker” so help may locate you more quickly. The park has recorded the location of each one.

Water & Restrooms

Although surface water is plentiful throughout the trail portions of this segment, we strongly advise using water from drinking-water fountains and spigots or bottled water from convenience stores in this area. All surface water should be treated before drinking.

Water and restrooms can be found at several locations throughout the road portions of the trail.

EB Mile 0.0; WB Mile 64.3: Hanging Rock State Park Visitor Center has water and restrooms.

EB Mile 0.2; WB Mile 64.0: Picnic shelter

EB Mile 5.1; WB Mile 59.2: Convenience store

EB Mile 5.3; WB Mile 59.0: Moratock Park

EB Mile 7.3; WB Mile 57.0: Priddy’s General Store

EB Mile 21.5; WB Mile 42.8: Walnut Cove has a few restaurants and a general store.

EB Mile 25.7; WB Mile 38.6: Convenience store

EB Mile 37.2; WB Mile 27.1: Oak Ridge has multiple businesses, including a supermarket and drugstore.

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EB Mile 44.6; WB Mile 19.7: One block to the east of the intersection of Summerfield and Auburn Roads are multiple businesses, including a supermarket and drugstores.

EB Mile 53.8; WB Mile 10.5: Lake Brandt Marina office has water and restrooms.

EB Mile 64.3; WB Mile 0.0: The Jim Batten Parking Lot has water and restrooms.

Camping & Lodging

Note: All prices listed in this guide are for comparison only and are subject to change at any time.

For information about leaving cars at trailheads for overnight or longer trips, see “Primary Trailheads.”

Also check Friends’ “Trail Angels” page at MountainstoSeaTrail.org/the-trail/trail-angels for additional camping and lodging options.

EB Mile 0.0; WB Mile 64.3: Hanging Rock State Park Campground, 1790 Hanging Rock Park Rd., Danbury, 27016, 336-593-8480. This campground, which has water, restrooms, and showers, is approximately 0.7 mile west of the western end of Segment 8 (Hanging Rock State Park Visitor Center). Campsites cost $15 per night, and cabins are $97 per night. There is generally a two-night minimum stay for cabins, but the park will sometimes waive this requirement based on availability. For reservations call 1-877-7-CAMP-NC or go to northcarolinastateparks.reserveamerica.com. EB Mile 5.0; WB Mile 59.3: Whippoorwill Inn, 105 Old Church Rd., Danbury, 27016, 336-420-6003; www.whippoorwillinn.com. Rooms are $109/night.

1.5 miles from EB Mile 5.1; WB Mile 59.2: Sunset Park Campground, 1070 Sunset Park Rd., Walnut Cove, 27052, 336-593-2992 or 336-816-2940; www.sunsetparkcamp.com/index.php. From the intersection of NC 8 and 89 and Sheppard Mill Rd., head south on NC 8 & 89 1.3 miles, then left on Sunset Park Rd. 0.2 mile. Tent sites are $20/night, and the campground has showers, restrooms, and water EB Mile 5.1; WB Mile 59.2: Dan River Cottage, 105 Dan River Rd., Danbury, 27016, 336-593-8780; danburygeneralstore.net/thegeneraldantubingco/DanRiverCottage.aspx. This two-bedroom cottage rents for approximately $110 to $130 per night. EB Mile 10.1; WB Mile 54.2: To camp in a beautiful spot 0.4 mile from this location, please call at least a day or two in advance for information and directions. Campsite, shelter, water, and restroom available. No fires allowed. Call W.T. Heath at 336-871-9163 (home) or 336-455-2733 (cell) or S.J. Durham at 336-427-4497 (home) or 336-707- 5437 (cell). EB Mile 36.4; WB Mile 27.9: There is one campsite at Oak Ridge Town Park available to MST hikers. It is located across from the fire station on Linville Rd., 407 feet from the sidewalk and behind the gray barn at GPS coordinates N36.17386, W79.99927. Restroom facilities are adjacent to the site and potable water is also available. There is no charge to use the site, but you must register with the town at www.oakridgenc.com/index.asp?SEC=86B3D62E-5F3F-4DD6-85C3-0EAF1BBFE126&Type=QUICKFORM or go to www.oakridgenc.com and search for “campsite.” Also check Friends’ “Trail Angels” page at MountainstoSeaTrail.org/the-trail/trail-angels for additional camping and lodging options.

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Food, Supplies & Post Office

EB Mile 0.0; WB Mile 64.3: Hanging Rock State Park Visitor Center has water and drinks. EB Mile 1.7; WB Mile 62.6: Hanging Rock General Store about 0.4 mile away, has camping supplies and typical convenience store items. EB Mile 4.1; WB Mile 60.2: River Rock Café EB Mile 4.8; WB Mile 59.3: Danbury post office EB Mile 5.1; WB Mile 59.2: Convenience store EB Mile 7.3; WB Mile 57.0: Priddy’s General Store EB Mile 21.5; WB Mile 42.8: Walnut Cove has a few restaurants and a general store. EB Mile 25.7; WB Mile 38.6: Convenience store EB Mile 26.9; WB Mile 37.4: Dollar General store EB Mile 27.4; WB Mile 36.9: Belews Creek post office EB Mile 36.6; WB Mile 27.7: Oak Ridge post office EB Mile 37.2; WB Mile 27.1: Oak Ridge has multiple businesses, including a supermarket and drugstore. EB Mile 44.0; WB Mile 20.3: Summerfield post office EB Mile 44.6; WB Mile 19.7: One block to the east of the intersection of Summerfield and Auburn Roads are multiple businesses, including a supermarket and drugstores. EB Mile 53.8; WB Mile 10.5: Lake Brandt Marina office with water, drinks, and snacks

Hunting

In this segment, the trail is not on any land that is open for hunting.

Dogs

Dogs are allowed on this segment of the MST, but should be leashed at all times.

Special Considerations

On road sections, watch for traffic and narrow shoulders.

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Eastbound Hiking Directions

0.0 Hanging Rock State Park Visitor Center: Begin Segment 8 at the edge of the Hanging Rock State Park Visitor Center parking lot, at the wooden Hanging Rock overlook. Facing the overlook, head left through the parking lot towards the end. Note: The visitor center has water, restrooms, drinks, and a small museum of the cultural and natural history of the park area. In addition, the Hanging Rock State Park campground is approximately 0.7 mile west of here; for more information about camping, see “Camping & Lodging.”

0.1 At end of parking lot, continue straight onto Indian Creek Trail. Note: The trail here is marked with orange squares as well as the white circular MST markers.

0.2 Pass picnic shelter on right.

0.5 Pass trail to Hidden Falls on right.

0.6 Pass Window Overlook on right, then pass through Window Falls Overlook.

0.8 Cross Indian Creek. Note: In the next mile, you will cross this creek 6 more times.

0.9 Cross Indian Creek on footbridge (the only bridged crossing).

1.0 Pass trail to group camping on left.

1.7 Turn right on Hanging Rock Park Rd. Note: The Hanging Rock General Store, about 0.4 mile away on Moores Spring Rd., has camping supplies as well as typical convenience store items. To reach it, turn left on Hanging Rock Park Rd., then right on Moores Spring Rd. after 0.1 mile.

3.2 Turn right on NC 8 and 89 at LifeBrite Community Hospital of Stokes. 3.7 Enter Danbury town limits.

4.1 Pass Stokes County Government Center on left and River Rock Café on right.

4.5 Pass Danbury Baptist Church on left.

4.6 Pass Danbury Community Church on left.

4.8 Enter downtown Danbury, with a historical museum and post office.

5.0 Where Old Church Rd. continues straight, bear right to stay on NC 8 and 89. Note: The Whippoorwill Inn (see “Camping & Lodging” for information) and the Danbury Volunteer Fire Department are on Old Church Rd.

5.1 Turn left on Sheppard Mill Rd. at intersection with convenience store. Note: The Dan River Cottage is at this intersection across the road from the convenience store. If you continue straight on NC 8 and 89 instead, the Sunset Park Campground is 1.5 miles away. See “Camping & Lodging” for more information.

5.2 Cross bridge over Dan River.

5.3 Moratock Park: Pass Danbury’s Moratock Park, on both sides of the road. The remains of a Civil War-era iron furnace are to the right. Note: Restrooms in the park are open during the day.

7.3 Turn right on Pitzer Rd. at Priddy’s General Store. This historic landmark, first opened in 1888, has been operated by the same family for three generations.

10.1 At T-intersection, turn right on Dodgetown Rd., then cross bridge over Dan River. Note: For information about camping near here, see “Camping & Lodging.”

10.5 Turn left on Stewart Rd., then pass Meadows Baptist Church on left.

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11.5 Continue around curve to right, past intersection with gravel Bumpy Hollow Rd. on left.

11.9 Turn left on the next gravel road, Power Dam Rd.

13.1 Continue on Power Dam Rd. as it becomes paved.

13.3 Continue past Power House Rd. and Hemlock Golf Club on left.

14.1 Turn left on Tilley Rd.

14.4 Turn right on Old Tilley Rd.

14.9 Continue straight onto Tuttle Rd.

18.0 At T-intersection, turn right on US 311.

18.3 Take first left onto Oldtown Rd.

18.8 Continue on Oldtown Rd. as it curves to the right and Farmer Rd. comes in from the left.

20.5 Pass Refuge Baptist Church and Walnut Cove city limit sign on right.

21.5 Walnut Cove: At T-intersection, turn left on S. Main St., then cross bridge over Town Fork Creek. Note: The town of Walnut Cove is to your right. The small business district has several restaurants and a general store.

21.8 Turn left, following signs to Stokesdale, then cross railroad tracks and immediately turn left on NC 65.

23.8 Pass Fagg Rd. on right.

24.9 Pass sign to enter Forsyth County.

25.4 Continue straight past Pine Hall Rd. on left.

25.7 Continue straight past Pine Hall Rd. and convenience store on right.

26.9 At T-intersection, turn left on Belews Creek Rd. Note: There is a Dollar General store at this corner.

27.0 Pass Pegram Rd. on left.

27.3 At curve in road where Craig Rd. continues straight, bear right to stay on Belews Creek Rd.

27.4 Pass Belews Creek post office on left.

27.7 Cross Belews Lake.

27.8 Piney Bluff Access Area: Pass entrance to Piney Bluff Access Area on right.

28.1 Turn right on Kernersville Rd. Note: This is a busy road with a narrow shoulder. Use caution.

29.8 Continue straight across US 158 at traffic light. Road name changes to Piney Grove Rd.

30.8 Just before Goodwill Baptist Church, turn left on Freeman Rd.

32.4 Pass sign to enter Guilford County. The road changes names to Goodwill Church Rd. here.

32.7 Cascades Preserve Trailhead: Across from the Cascades Preserve parking area, turn right on a trail, then go through a gate.

32.8 Pass a picnic table.

33.1 Cross a creek on a footbridge.

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33.2 Cross a creek on a small footbridge, and take the right fork at the Falling Waters Trail sign immediately after. Note: The trail to the left forms a loop rejoining the MST at Mile 33.8. This loop is a nice day hike from the Cascades Preserve parking area at Mile 32.7.

33.3 Pass bench.

33.5 At a Y-intersection, take the left fork to walk along Cascade Creek, passing benches and tables overlooking cascades. Note: The right fork crosses and then continues up the other side of the creek, rejoining the MST at Mile 33.7.

33.7 Pass a smaller cascade. At the next Y-intersection where the trail described at Mile 33.5 rejoins the MST, take the left fork again.

33.8 Shortly after a double MST blaze, turn right on trail heading downhill. Note: The trail straight ahead forms a loop, returning to the MST at Mile 33.2.

33.9 Cross two small streams.

34.1 Turn left on Haw River Rd.

34.7 Turn right on Linville Rd.

36.1 Pick up sidewalk on left side of Linville Rd.

36.4 Oak Ridge Town Park: Pass Oak Ridge Town Park on left. Note: For information about camping here, see “Camping & Lodging.”

36.6 Pass Oak Ridge post office. In front of Oak Ridge town hall, cross Linville Rd. at crosswalk and continue on sidewalk.

36.8 Turn left on Oak Ridge Rd.

37.2 Continue straight across NC 68 at traffic light. Oak Ridge Military Academy is just beyond this intersection. Note: There are several restaurants, a drugstore, and a grocery store at the intersection.

37.9 Pass Oak Ridge United Methodist Church on right.

38.0 Pass Oak Ridge First Baptist Church on left.

38.3 Turn right on Bunch Rd.

39.1 Turn left on Brookbank Rd.

40.4 Continue straight past Mounce Farm Rd. on right.

40.7 Cross bridge over I-73.

41.2 Continue straight past Banning Rd. on right.

41.9 Continue straight through 4-way intersection with Henson Farms Way on left and Henson Farms Rd. on right.

42.4 At T-intersection, turn right on Oak Ridge Rd.

43.4 Turn right on Summerfield Rd. at Summerfield town hall.

43.9 Pass Summerfield Elementary School on right.

44.0 Pass Summerfield post office on left.

44.1 Pass Summerfield fire department on left and Full Gospel Worship Center on right.

44.4 Pass Cathedral of Faith Christian Center on left.

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44.6 Pass Auburn Rd. on left. Note: Following Auburn Rd. for one block leads to US 220, with multiple businesses, including a supermarket and drugstores.

45.5 At the T-intersection with US 220, turn right onto the sidewalk leading to an under-highway tunnel.

45.6 Continue through the tunnel onto the asphalt Atlantic & Yadkin Greenway. You are entering the city of Greensboro watershed trail system.

45.8 Pass paved Summerfield Vine Trail on left.

46.1 Anna Long Marshall Wayside Trailhead: Pass Anna Long Marshall Wayside, a large trail parking lot, on right.

46.3 Cross wooden bridge, then cross Strawberry Rd. at small parking area.

46.5 Continue straight past Piedmont Trail on left.

46.8 Cross Lake Brandt on bridge, then pass Bur-Mil Park Big Loop Trail on right.

47.1 Bur-Mil Park Picnic and Parking Area: Pass fishing pier on left and Bur-Mil Park picnic and parking area on right. Turn left on Owls Roost Trail. Note: Fishing is by permit only; permits are available at Lake Higgins.

47.3 Cross two small footbridges.

47.5 Cross short boardwalk.

48.0 Cross two footbridges.

48.5 Continue straight past Shady Rest Trail on right.

49.0 Cross footbridge.

49.4 Continue straight past Shady Rest Trail on right.

49.5 Cross footbridge.

49.9 Cross footbridge then boardwalk.

50.1 Cross footbridge.

50.3 Bear right at Y-intersection where fainter trail goes left.

50.4 Continue straight past Shady Rest Trail on right, then bear right at Y-intersection.

50.6 Cross footbridge, then bear left at Y-intersection. Turn left on A&Y Greenway.

50.9 Continue straight past Palmetto Trail on right.

51.1 Cross bridge over Lake Brandt.

51.3 Turn left onto Nathanael Greene Hiking Trail (Nat Greene Trail).

51.8 Turn left at T-intersection where Wild Turkey Trail comes in from right, cross bridge and immediately turn left to stay on the MST, then cross another footbridge.

52.5 Cross footbridge.

53.1 Cross two boardwalks, staying to the left and following signs for Nat Greene Trail.

53.6 Cross footbridge, then continue straight past Jesse Wharton Nature Trail on the right.

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53.7 Just before reaching Lake Brandt Marina parking area, pass to right of fence, then continue on trail. Stay right at trail intersection.

53.8 Lake Brandt Park Trailhead: Cross footbridge, then turn left just inside of chain link fence (Wild Turkey Trail is to the right). Continue straight across Lake Brandt Marina Rd. Note: The Lake Brandt Marina Office has restrooms, water, drinks, and snacks. Operating hours vary seasonally.

54.0 Cross another bridge (with no railing), then go through an opening in the fence. Cross Lake Brandt Rd. at the crosswalk, then turn left. In about 200 feet, turn right on Laurel Bluff Trail, following an old roadbed.

54.1 Turn right, staying on old roadbed.

54.2 Turn left at trail sign.

54.3 Cross bridge, then cross natural gas pipeline right-of-way, continuing on a singletrack trail.

54.6 Cross two footbridges.

55.2 Cross two footbridges.

55.3 Cross footbridge.

55.8 Cross small unbridged stream.

57.0 Cross footbridge.

57.1 Church St. Trailhead near Laurel Bluff and Crockett Trails: Cross N. Church St. and continue onto Crockett (formerly Peninsula) Trail. Continue straight past trail blazed with white diamond. Note: Follow white-diamond-blazed trail 0.1 mile to parking area.

57.3 Cross footbridge.

57.9 Cross boardwalk across swampy area.

58.2 Turn left on N. Church St. and cross Lake Townsend on causeway.

58.4 Osprey Trailhead on Church St.: Turn left onto Osprey Trail at small gravel parking lot.

58.6 Pass chimney from old house on right.

59.1 Cross boardwalk.

59.2 Cross boardwalk.

59.7 Cross large power-line cut with four sets of towers.

59.8 Cross footbridge.

60.0 Cross footbridge.

60.4 Osprey Trailhead on Yanceyville Rd.: Just before a white diamond on beech tree, turn left, downhill, to stay on MST, then cross bridge. Note: Follow white-diamond-blazed trail 0.2 mile to parking area.

60.6 Cross Yanceyville Rd. and continue on Townsend Trail.

61.3 Cross footbridge.

61.5 Descend a set of wooden steps and cross stream on rocks.

61.6 Cross footbridge.

61.7 Cross footbridge.

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62.3 Turn right to cross power-line cut.

62.7 Cross footbridge.

63.5 Cross footbridge, then enter power-line cut.

63.9 Leave woods at Bryan Park Soccer Complex parking area. Follow sidewalk and then follow paved driveway out of parking area.

64.1 After a sharp right turn in the driveway, follow second trail into woods on the left, then pass a picnic area on the right.

64.3 Bryan Park Soccer Complex Trailhead: Turn left onto a maintenance path, then reach a parking area for the Bryan Park Soccer Complex and the end of Segment 8. Note: The Jim Batten Annex lot, across Southshore Rd., has water and restrooms.

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Westbound Hiking Directions

0.0 Bryan Park Soccer Complex Trailhead: From Bryan Park Soccer Complex parking lot across Southshore Rd. from Jim Batten Annex lot, head south onto a maintenance path to begin Segment 8, then turn right onto a smaller trail. Note: The Jim Batten lot has water and restrooms.

0.1 Pass a picnic area on the left, then turn right on paved driveway.

0.4 At back side of parking area, follow trail into woods.

0.7 Cross power-line cut.

0.8 Cross footbridge.

1.6 Cross footbridge.

2.0 At far end of power-line cut, turn left to remain on trail.

2.6 Cross footbridge.

2.7 Cross footbridge.

2.8 Cross stream on rocks and ascend a set of wooden steps.

2.9 Cross footbridge.

3.7 Cross Yanceyville Rd. and continue on Osprey Trail.

3.9 Osprey Trailhead on Yanceyville Rd.: Just after crossing bridge, climb a short hill and turn right at a white circular marker where the trail on the left has a white diamond. Note: Follow white-

diamond-blazed trail 0.2 mile to parking area.

4.2 Cross footbridge.

4.5 Cross footbridge, then cross large power-line cut with four sets of towers.

5.1 Cross boardwalk.

5.2 Cross boardwalk.

5.7 Pass chimney from old house on left.

5.9 Osprey Trailhead on Church St.: Turn right on N. Church St. at small gravel parking lot, then cross Lake Townsend on causeway.

6.1 Turn right onto Crockett (formerly Peninsula) Trail.

6.4 Cross boardwalk across swampy area.

7.0 Cross footbridge.

7.1 Church St. Trailhead near Laurel Bluff and Crockett Trails: Continue straight past trail on left blazed with white diamond, then cross N. Church St. and continue onto Laurel Bluff Trail. Note: Follow white- diamond-blazed trail 0.1 mile to parking area.

7.3 Cross footbridge.

8.5 Cross small unbridged stream.

9.0 Cross footbridge.

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9.1 Cross two footbridges.

9.6 Cross two footbridges.

10.0 Cross natural gas pipeline right-of-way, continuing onto an old roadbed, then cross a bridge.

10.1 Turn right at T-intersection into tunnel through bamboo grove.

10.2 At T-intersection in front of fence, turn left.

10.3 Emerge from Laurel Bluff Trail to Lake Brandt Rd. Turn left and cross road at crosswalk, then turn left. Just beyond the speed limit sign, go through an opening in the fence to a trail, then cross a footbridge with no railing.

10.5 Lake Brandt Park Trailhead: Continue straight across Lake Brandt Marina Rd., then turn right at end of fence (straight ahead is Wild Turkey Trail). Cross footbridge then stay left at trail intersection. Pass fence on right to merge onto Nat Greene Trail. Note: The Lake Brandt Marina Office has restrooms, water, drinks, and snacks. Operating hours vary seasonally.

10.6 Continue straight past Jesse Wharton Nature Trail on the left, then cross footbridge.

11.1 Cross two boardwalks, staying to the right and following signs for Nat Greene Trail.

11.8 Cross footbridge.

12.5 Cross footbridge. At T-intersection, turn right, cross another footbridge and turn right at Y- intersection, marked for the Nat Greene Trail.

13.0 Turn right onto Atlantic & Yadkin Greenway.

13.2 Cross bridge over Lake Brandt. 13.4 Continue straight past Palmetto Trail on left.

13.6 Turn right on Owls Roost Trail.

13.7 Bear right where trail comes in from left, then cross footbridge.

13.9 Continue straight through 4-way trail junction, then pass Shady Rest Trail on left.

14.0 Bear left where fainter trail comes in from right.

14.2 Cross footbridge.

14.4 Cross boardwalk then footbridge.

14.8 Cross footbridge.

14.9 Continue straight past Shady Rest Trail on right.

15.3 Cross footbridge.

15.8 Continue straight past Shady Rest Trail on left.

16.3 Cross two footbridges.

16.7 Cross short boardwalk.

17.0 Cross two footbridges.

17.2 Bur-Mil Park Picnic and Parking Area: Turn right onto A&Y Greenway. Pass fishing pier on right and Bur-Mil Park picnic and parking area on left. Note: Fishing is by permit only; permits are available at Lake Higgins Park.

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17.5 Pass Bur-Mil Park Big Loop Trail on left, then cross Lake Brandt on bridge.

17.8 Continue straight past Piedmont Trail on right.

18.0 Cross Strawberry Rd. at small parking area, then cross wooden bridge.

18.2 Anna Long Marshall Wayside Trailhead: Pass Anna Long Marshall Wayside, a large trail parking lot, on left.

18.5 Pass paved Summerfield Vine Trail on right.

18.7 Continue through the tunnel under US 220 and turn right onto the sidewalk.

18.8 Turn left onto Summerfield Rd.

19.7 Pass Auburn Rd. on right. Note: Following Auburn Rd. for one block leads to US 220, with multiple businesses, including a supermarket and drugstores.

19.9 Pass Cathedral of Faith Christian Center on right.

20.2 Pass Summerfield fire department on right and Full Gospel Worship Center on left.

20.3 Pass Summerfield post office on right.

20.4 Pass Summerfield Elementary School on left.

20.9 At traffic light, turn left on Oak Ridge Rd. at Summerfield town hall.

21.8 Turn left on Brookbank Rd.

22.3 Continue straight through 4-way intersection with Henson Farms Way on right and Henson Farms Rd. on left. 23.1 Continue straight past Banning Rd. on left.

23.6 Cross bridge over I-73.

23.9 Continue straight past Mounce Farm Rd. on left.

25.2 At T-intersection, turn right on Bunch Rd.

26.0 At T-intersection, turn left on Oak Ridge Rd.

26.3 Pass Oak Ridge First Baptist Church on right.

26.4 Pass Oak Ridge United Methodist Church on left.

27.1 Continue straight across NC 68 at traffic light. Oak Ridge Military Academy is just before this intersection. Note: There are several restaurants, a drugstore, and a grocery store at the intersection.

27.5 Turn right on Linville Rd. just before State Employees Credit Union, following sidewalk.

27.7 In front of Oak Ridge town hall, cross Linville Rd. at crosswalk. Continue on sidewalk, then pass Oak Ridge post office.

27.9 Oak Ridge Town Park: Pass Oak Ridge Town Park on right. Note: For information about camping here, see “Camping & Lodging.”

28.2 Sidewalk ends; return to shoulder of road.

29.6 At T-intersection, turn left on Haw River Rd.

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30.2 Just before River Gate Ct., turn right onto trail passing through gap in fence near a blaze on a power pole and MST sign.

30.4 Cross two small streams.

30.5 At T-intersection, turn left. Note: The trail to the right forms a loop rejoining the MST at Mile 31.1.

30.6 Turn right at the T-intersection, then pass a cascade. Note: The trail to the left crosses and then heads down the creek, rejoining the MST at Mile 30.8.

30.8 Pass benches and tables overlooking larger cascades. At a T-intersection where the trail described at Mile 30.6 rejoins the MST, turn right.

31.0 Pass bench.

31.1 Take the left fork at the Falling Waters Trail sign, then cross a creek on a small footbridge. The loop trail described at Mile 30.5 rejoins the MST here. Cross a creek on a footbridge.

31.5 Cascades Preserve Trailhead: Pass a picnic table, then pass through a gate. Turn left on Goodwill Church Rd. across from the Cascades Preserve parking area.

31.9 Pass sign to enter Forsyth County. The road changes names to Freeman Rd. here.

33.4 At T-intersection, turn right on Piney Grove Rd.

34.4 Continue straight across US 158 at traffic light. Road name changes to Kernersville Rd.

36.2 Turn left on NC 65, Belews Creek Rd.

36.4 Piney Bluff Access Area: Pass entrance to Piney Bluff Access Area on left.

36.6 Cross Belews Lake.

36.9 Pass Belews Creek post office on right.

37.3 Pass Pegram Rd. on right.

37.4 Turn right on NC 65. Note: There is a Dollar General store at this corner.

38.6 Continue straight past Pine Hall Rd. and convenience store on left.

38.9 Continue straight past Pine Hall Rd. on right.

39.4 Pass sign to enter Stokes County.

40.5 Pass Fagg Rd. on left.

42.5 At T-intersection, turn right. Cross railroad tracks and immediately turn right on US 311.

42.8 Walnut Cove: Cross bridge over Town Fork Creek. Turn right on First St. and pass large electrical grid station. Note: If you continue straight, you will enter the town of Walnut Cove. The small business district has several restaurants and a general store.

43.8 Pass Refuge Baptist Church on left.

45.4 Continue on Oldtown Rd. as it curves to the left and Farmer Rd. comes in from the right.

46.0 At T-intersection, turn right on US 311.

46.2 Take first left onto Tuttle Rd.

49.4 At left-hand curve on Tuttle Rd., continue straight onto Old Tilley Rd.

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49.9 Turn left on Tilley Rd.

50.2 At T-intersection, turn right on Power Dam Rd.

51.0 Continue past Power House Rd. and Hemlock Golf Club on right.

51.2 Continue on Power Dam Rd. as it turns into a gravel road.

52.4 At T-intersection, turn right on Stewart Rd.

52.8 Continue around curve to left, past intersection with Bumpy Hollow Rd. on right.

53.7 Pass Meadows Baptist Church on right, then turn right on Dodgetown Rd. at T-intersection.

54.2 Cross bridge over Dan River and immediately turn left on Pitzer Rd. Note: For information about camping near here, see “Camping & Lodging.”

57.0 Turn left on Sheppard Mill Rd. at Priddy’s General Store. This historic landmark, first opened in 1888, has been operated by the same family for three generations.

59.0 Moratock Park: Pass Danbury’s Moratock Park, on both sides of the road. The remains of a Civil War-era iron furnace are to the left. Note: Restrooms in the park are open during the day.

59.1 Cross bridge over Dan River.

59.2 At T-intersection with convenience store, turn right onto NC 8 and 89 (also called Main St.). Note: The Dan River Cottage is at this intersection across the road from the convenience store. If you turn left on NC 8 and 89 instead, the Sunset Park Campground is 1.5 miles away. See “Camping & Lodging” for more information.

59.3 Bear left to stay on NC 8 and 89 where Old Church Rd. comes in on right. Note: You are entering downtown Danbury, with a historical museum and post office. The Whippoorwill Inn (see “Camping & Lodging” for information) and the Danbury Volunteer Fire Department are on Old Church Rd.

59.6 Pass Danbury Community Church on right.

59.8 Pass Danbury Baptist Church on right.

60.2 Pass Stokes County Government Center on right and River Rock Café on left.

60.6 Leave Danbury town limits.

61.1 Turn left on Hanging Rock Park Rd. at LifeBrite Community Hospital of Stokes.

62.6 Turn left onto Indian Creek Trail at MST sign approximately 50 yards before intersection with Moore’s Creek Rd., then cross Indian Creek. Note: You are entering Hanging Rock State Park. The trail here is marked with orange squares as well as the white circular MST markers. In the next mile, you will cross this creek 6 more times. The Hanging Rock General Store, about 0.4 mile away on Moores Spring Rd., has camping supplies as well as typical convenience store items. To reach it, continue on Hanging Rock Park Rd. 0.1 mile, then turn right on Moores Spring Rd.

63.3 Pass trail to group camping on right.

63.4 Cross Indian Creek on footbridge (the only bridged crossing).

63.7 Pass through Window Falls Overlook, then pass Window Overlook on left.

63.8 Pass trail to Hidden Falls on left.

64.0 Pass picnic shelter on left.

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64.2 Reach Hanging Rock State Park Visitor Center parking lot and continue straight on left side of lot.

64.3 Hanging Rock State Park Visitor Center: Reach wooden Hanging Rock overlook and the western end of Segment 8. Note: The visitor center has water, restrooms, drinks, and a small museum of the cultural and natural history of the park area. In addition, the Hanging Rock State Park campground is approximately 0.7 mile west of here; for more information about camping, see “Camping & Lodging.”

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Additional Resources

Friends office: 919-825-0297 or [email protected]

Park Sites Hanging Rock State Park website: www.ncparks.gov/hanging-rock-state-park Greensboro Watershed Lakes: www.greensboro-nc.gov/index.aspx?page=1372

Other Points and Organizations of Interest Danbury/Stokes County: www.townofdanbury.org Stokes County Historical Museum: www.sc-hs.org/museum-of-history.php Town of Walnut Cove: www.townofwalnutcove.org Town of Oak Ridge: www.oakridgenc.com Town of Summerfield: www.summerfieldgov.com Greensboro Convention and Visitors Bureau: www.visitgreensboronc.com

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Friends of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail is the lead nonprofit organization supporting and advocating for the MST, North Carolina’s flagship state hiking trail. Friends supports the trail in three main ways:

building and maintaining trail with volunteer crews, enhancing the trail route, and inspiring people to use and support the trail.

If this guide helped you, consider becoming a Friend.

DONATE VOLUNTEER

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