“Breathe. Let go. And remind yourself that this very moment is the only one you know you have for sure.” - Oprah Winfrey
“Don't cry because it's over; smile because it happened.” - Dr. Seuss
“The pain I feel now is the happiness I had before.” - C.S. Lewis
Hike at a Glance -
Distance: 3 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Trail Type: Loop and paved path mix
Highlights: Community garden, pawpaw trees, scenic fishing lakes, and vibrant fall canopy
Seeds and Zinnias
The morning started at the park's vibrant Community Garden and Greenhouse. It is a neat space where community members can rent out their own plots to grow local goodies. Right now, the area is bursting with color from a sea of zinnias, though a closer look reveals rows of fall cabbage and hardy winter greens getting ready for the colder months ahead.
Sharing the Dirt
Leaving the garden patch behind, the route transitions onto the main natural trail. This particular path is designated as a beginner mountain bike trail, but it welcomes hikers and walkers with open arms. The key is simply to stay alert for oncoming wheels. On this early visit, the woods were entirely quiet, leaving me as the lone traveler under the trees.
The Raining Canopy
Towering pine trees, massive oaks, and bright maples form a spectacular high canopy overhead. Mixed in are sections of tall, skinny trees reaching straight for the sky, alongside patches of colorful common pawpaw trees. The path itself consists of well-maintained, hard-packed dirt with just a few scattered roots to watch out for. As a slight breeze swept through, the forest began raining leaves, filling the sky with a magical, swirling shower of autumn foliage along the switchbacks.
Lakeside Strolls
The trail winds gracefully next to adjacent private properties, revealing a series of gorgeous lakes outlined by large, fragrant cedar trees. I counted at least three distinct lakes along the loop, each featuring massive wooden fishing piers and a convenient kayak and canoe launch area. Near the park's second entrance, a large wooden arched bridge spans across the water, providing a perfect vantage point to appreciate the reflections of the season.
Park Life and Laughter
Returning toward the main park grounds, the natural dirt track seamlessly blends into a mix of smooth gravel and paved asphalt. The park is absolutely packed with amenities, including picnic shelters, a disc golf course, a sprayground splash park, and an all-inclusive playground known as Up In The Air. The surrounding space was alive with community spirit, from a couple tossing cornhole bags to dog walkers, power walkers, and moms pushing strollers against a brilliant backdrop of magical North Carolina fall colors.
Hike Summary
Explored the active community garden filled with blooming zinnias and fall greens.
Navigated the winding switchbacks of the beginner mountain bike trail.
Walked under a mature forest canopy during a beautiful autumn leaf shower.
Circled three scenic lakes featuring wooden piers and a large arched bridge.
Finished the loop through the bustling, amenity-packed community park.
Natural sound machine