Haw River State Park is like no other NC state park. We had a great time!…read more All 5 trails are clearly marked and our kept clear (so you can see where the trail is). The Great Blue Heron trail is 3.2 miles and has mile markers along the way to tell you how far you've gone, and takes you deep into the wilderness. You have to take the .4 mile connector trail to get to it. They have a wetlands boardwalk that takes you to the Haw River viewpoint. The viewpoint is small and the river is nearly standstill, but still is beautiful. The lake look trail takes you around the lake (obviously) and you can catch some turtles swimming in the lake! We saw one on a log. The piedmont loop trail is the perfect length to walk with your dog or small children. Mosquitoes are bad, but aren't aggressive (they just like to stay in clusters along the trail). In May there were zero biting flies like horseflies or yellow flies. It may be a bit of a challenge to park something big in here like an RV, but it's doable. The visitor center is at the summit access point, and is connected to the conference center. Restrooms are clean, and staff are kind!!

I love hiking! This park wasn't too far from me and I was excited to check it out. Parking was free…read moreand there are plenty of lots. They have cabins and cottages all around this park. The trail is marked, clean and safe! I was the only person on the trail and I felt so safe. I saw plenty of birds, turtles and a few frogs! I really enjoyed my peaceful hike.

Didn't see a page for this place yet, so decided to make one so I can recommend it to everybody!…read moreIf you're looking to get outside, get some activity, fresh air, something good for the kids, or even just a place to catch some zen either alone or with a partner, this is the perfect place! It's about 2 miles total in hiking, so not very grueling, but the terrain does vary quite a bit throughout. The trails are chock full of inclines, declines, and roots to navigate. There is also an "easier" trail (which is considered moderate by trail standards around these parts) and a red marked trail. We stayed on the regular trail with the kids and had a fine time enjoying our stroll through nature. Some areas of the trail are rather narrow, and the entire place is well shaded during the summertime, making this a great place to come even on the hottest and most humid of days. No sunscreen needed! While I do have to admit that the "cascade" was a little underwhelming compared to what I had pictured in my mind's eye, the trickling sound of water always makes for the most tranquil of moments. This place is another deserving mention on the list of absolutely beautiful nature places to check out in the Triad!

Nice hike with well marked & maintained trails. Parking across road from trailhead. Quiet hike…read morethrough woods with a portion of hike along a stream bed. Parking area was patrolled by the police while we were there. There were some areas to take a break, catch your breath and I am sure at different times of the year enjoy a view. Enjoyed seeing an Ovenbird while hiking, saved my birding day - LOL

Yet another incredible trail near Greensboro. This trail actually runs concurrent with the MST…read more(Mountains to Sea Trail) for a good stretch. I have future ambitions to take on the MST, so going for a walk here gave me the opportunity to experience and complete a small section. The terrain varies from pavement to dirt to boardwalk and just about everything imaginable between that. There are offshoots and side trails along the way for added adventure. Lake views, fishing, bird watching, and an otherwise unexpectedly deep immersion into nature. Yet another incredible green space just minutes from town.

My son and I started this 5.7 mile round trip trail on a Sunday morning around noon. There is a…read moresmall lot right in front of the entrance and another lot across the street that is smaller. It took us a little over 90 mins to complete. It is mostly easy. The paths are clearly marked. You're near the lake, which offers nice views during the walk. There are a few points along the trail where you're able to get close the lake. I would be cautious as several parts of the trail have large roots. We both tripped up several times throughout. On the way back, we saw about 4 deer, which was pretty cool. The trail also goes behind several nice houses. I was surprised the homeowners don't have a gate up, but the houses were nice to admire. We enjoyed it! There are several other trails close by too.

Great hiking. Can walk around in here for a good 2 hours or so uneven path with roots and rocks be…read morecareful some place slightly incline, but not steep. Check it out if in the area

Walking next to a river is always a wonderful experience. With that being said, trails should be…read moreclearly marked and fallen trees should not block paths. This trail is poorly kept. It's really unfortunate because this site could bring in out of towners who will in turn spend money in the community. We love the outdoors and visit different hiking spots weekly. Shallow Ford barely ranked 3 stars. In addition, they only have 3 campsites that have a blocked view of the river. Do not recommend.

Saw this hiking trail on instagram and couldn't wait to explore it! Plenty of parking, and a nasty…read morebathroom without a sink. Use the bathroom before you come. The hike is hard! There are so many rocks and a steep incline. It took us about 1.5 hours to complete the hike and we had small children with us. Once you make it to the lookout it's stunning! You have to climb a ton of stairs but it's worth it.

Trails are amazing. The original trails at the Pine Hill Trailhead were awesome enough, but the…read morenew trails just down the road at the Oak Hill Trailhead are just has great. The map doesn't how it, but the trails do connect to give the option of hiking from one tailhead to the other. There are 4 campsites at the Pine Hill Trailhead area. I car-camped for one night recently and really enjoyed it. Before you camp here, you should know ahead of time that there are no showers or plumbing restrooms or vending machines. The restroom is non-plumbing as has no running water. However, there is a very nice water-pump on the other side of the parking lot from where the restroom is. This is a very rough-in-it campground, at least for now. There are nice tent-pads, fire pits, and picnic tables at all spots except #4. At this spot there is only parking and the tent would go directly on the ground. Sites 1, 2, and 4 have room for smaller camping vehicles. Site 3 has a pretty small parking area with room for 1, or maybe 2 vehicles if they are both small. A camper-van would fit but nothing bigger. Each campsite has a little distance of woods between them so there is some privacy. A walk from the campsites to the restroom at the parking area is necessary, but you can drive to it during the night easy enough. I just had to take the front windshield privacy visor out. There are no lights anywhere except what you bring for yourself, so it is pitch-dark at night. If you are OK with this type of camping and are looking for great hiking and quiet and relaxation, you should love it. If you need plumbing and lights or other amenities, this site is not for you. So don't forget to bring water or a container for the pump, a cooler for drinks and snacks, and a flashlight!

My mom wanted to check out a park while we were in Greensboro visiting. My brother found this…read morereally quiet park in the area. It was absolutely gorgeous. We loved all the colorful flowers and little creeks the park had to offer. It worked out well too that they have a lot of seating benches to sit on and rest my knee too. The park was built in the early 1900s and they have maintained it pretty well. There are some beautiful homes nearby to it and churches. It was nice to see during Easter Sunday the amount of families that were walking to services or leaving and walking through here. It is definitely a hidden gem to check out!

When I decided to buy a house, it's location left me in the dark…read more Would it be College Hill where the students live or the wealthy in Irving Park? My college days have long been gone and wealthy I've never been And tho Dunleath Historical is where I bought, it's Fisher Park I dreamed of living in. For years and years at 7:00 a.m. I've donned my coat and hat and had my walk through Fisher Park, cuz baby that's where it's at!! The park is lush and evergreen with trails so easy to explore. And if you want to sit and rest, there are benches and rocks galore The park feels untouched and natural even though it's groomed by a neighborhood team. It's the place I go to not only walk but to meditate and dream. It's mini bridges made of stone are so beautiful to behold. I run my fingers through the stream. The water is clean and crisp but cold! There's a playground there with slide and swing for the kiddies to have a blast. There are majestic trees and historic homes to remind us of our past It's users are an interesting bunch. You never know what you will see. It might be a photographer shooting a wedding or a dog taking a pee! Just a few minutes walk from the downtown scene. This park is a gem to behold. I hope that God is good to me and I can come here even when I'm old. So next time when you need an escape and long for the sound of a lark, grab a cup of coffee, sit on a bridge and fall in love with Fisher Park!

Beautiful park! Loved reading about the farm house and accompanying buildings. We took the near 4…read moremile trail and it was gorgeous! Absolutely worth the drive from Cary. We saw that they also have a playground for the little ones or any adventurous big ones lol. Wide open fields to do what you want with I suppose. We saw a couple throwing a frisbee. They also had a frisbee golf course. And plenty of trails! Even some for the equestrian bunch. And a body of water for fishing. Parking is ample but on a beautiful Sunday like it was for us, the only reason parking was at all limited was because it seems when people park in a dirt or gravel lot they tend to need a space and a half to park, but whatever we found a spot relatively easy.

Went to go fishing with my son. There is a playground nearby, plenty of parking, and nice walking…read moretrails. Would come back to try to disk golf course.

For all the Triad parks we visited in 2020 (earning the Yelpie for Explorer of the Year,) this one…read moreis our favorite yet by far! It took a bit of travel for us, slightly over an hour each way, but it was worth it! The grounds here, the trail, the surrounding river, and the playground all make for the perfect day for kids and their parents, too! The nature trail is packed well and overall very stroller-friendly, with shortcuts in case you need to cut your walk short. There are also lots of great vantage points to sit for a moment and take in the scenery, if your kids will afford you that luxury. As for the playground, this is one to remember. It is so unique, constructed out of wood and fitting right in with the natural vibe of the surrounding woods. And the added bonus is listening to the flowing current nearby while your young ones enjoy going down the fish slide, swinging, and building a fort with bamboo. Also a lot of good spots for bird watching here! Be sure not to miss the part of the trail by the gravel parking lot. That takes you to the waterfall area, and there's a spot with 4 hammocks rigged up for kicking back and enjoying! Make a plan to come visit this place on a warm, sunny day. If you like nature, you and your family will love this! And if you are a history buff, interested in environmental conservatism, or a homeschool parent, this area is a good experience and opportunity to learn about the Saxapahaw/Sissipahaw natives' life on the Haw River and the development of the hydro mill as a source of energy. This area checks boxes for spiritual wellness, educational opportunity, and physical exercise as well. Aside of that, just fun and enjoyable!

Easy trail around the island with nice river views. Good for beginners but lots of rocks and tree…read moreroots on the path.