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High Point, NC

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Piedmont Environmental Center

4.5 (15 reviews)
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Zac G.

(4.5 stars) I don't get out here as often as I should, but that is because seemingly every time the weather is semi-nice, the PEC's parking lot is full. Of course, it isn't hard to see why. The Piedmont Environmental Center offers a variety of trails that range in length and complexity to accommodate different walkers. There's a good amount of biodiversity, and you never know what interesting creatures you'll encounter on a walk. The lake views are serene, and while the PEC offers a chance to disconnect and enjoy nature for a while, it also offers convenient greenway access. The rather sparse welcome center is admittedly a bit underwhelming, but for the price (FREE!), there is little room for complaint.

View from the trail.
Craig S.

In town visiting family and found this place while looking for a good trail to run. Beautiful scenery, abundant wildlife (saw five deer!) and the trails were marked well. I got one heck of a workout as well. Will definitely visit again after I move to the Greensboro area later this year.

Walking trail

Love this place for daily walks! I just moved here from Arkansas, so I'm easily impressed, but I can't say enough good things about this center, it great!

Em H.

Really cool trails and doggie bags available for dog walkers. We took our pup on trail #2 recently & he had a blast. My husband loves trekking around too. I only wish the bathrooms inside could be open on weekends. It's very inconvenient to have to go in the woods. (Kidding! Well, mostly.) We will be back soon.

This where the Bicentennial Greenway and the High Point Greenway meet.
Susan M.

The trails are nice and shaded. They seem to be busy with lots of walkers, joggers and such. But in the 20 plus years I have been coming out here not much seems to have been with the welcome center. It meets the basic needs of shelter, seating, vending machines and rest rooms. I just wish it looked more engaging and vibrant. I think it would help in attracting even more interest. It also saddens me that the gift shop area was never revived and reopened.

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8 months ago

Pretty good place to go relax and take the kids out to enjoy nature. I normally go here to destress and go on walks.

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Ask the Community - Piedmont Environmental Center

Review Highlights - Piedmont Environmental Center

“This place is a great gem in the city of Greensboro.”

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People searched for Hiking 535 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

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Cascades Preserve - We fell in love with Salem Lake, going back next week to ride our bikes on the 7 mile trail

Cascades Preserve

4.7(3 reviews)
13.4 mi

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

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!

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Cascades Preserve - Krispy cream in Winston Salem, so many choices and was fun watching them make the donuts. Take the kids!!

Krispy cream in Winston Salem, so many choices and was fun watching them make the donuts. Take the kids!!

Cascades Preserve - Overlook built by Eagle Scout

Overlook built by Eagle Scout

Cascades Preserve - Potentially amazing with some water flowing

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Potentially amazing with some water flowing

Saxapahaw Island Park - Haw River

Saxapahaw Island Park

4.8(15 reviews)
35.6 mi

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.

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Saxapahaw Island Park - Haw River

Haw River

Saxapahaw Island Park - Haw River

Haw River

Saxapahaw Island Park - Vegetation

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Vegetation

Eno Quarry - Funny tree

Eno Quarry

4.5(11 reviews)
53.8 mi

Located on the outskirts of downtown Durham, the Eno Quarry is nestled unassumingly after a mile…read morehike through the woods. It is best visited during the summer, once you have had a chance to work up and sweat, and for the cool spring waters to feel inviting. The plants and small animals along the way is the start of the journey that transports you to a place that feels like one of it's own. It may begin with the brightly colored insects, and the thickening of the trees, which sprawl and almost take their own sort of personification. You'll cross over wooden steps that lead you down to large stones across a creek, which are reminiscent to childhood memories of playing in the woods. It is then as you venture deeper, the space suddenly opens up to reveal a one of a kind swimming hole, and one of nature's great treasures for the area. Swimming isn't recommended here, but it isn't prohibited either. Go here with others, and always bring a floatation device. If you like the feeling of being submerged in the water, like myself, than bringing a noodle will work just fine. But you definitely want something. If you are particularly concerned, I've seen some wearing life jackets too. The quarry is bowl shaped, and uniformly deep, about 60 feet. There is no where to touch the bottom, or any kind of graceful way to get in- Just hold your float and jump out. There have been several deaths here over the years, but most of those were attributed to inexperienced swimmers, and others, who neglected to exercise their common sense. Teenagers and college students alike often enjoy the trill of the 40 foot cliff dive, but I never would. Be mindful of the that which is unseen below, such as underwater trees, and old machinery. Exercise common sense and you'll be fine. There's a supernatural hold about this place, and a sensation of being open and vulnerable to nature, which is part of the appeal here. Respect the forest, and it will respect you. Like a snake shedding skin, I leave here with a sense of rejuvenation each and every time. If you want physical exercise along with a clearing of mind, this place is highly recommended. Come here for Zen, walk away from any pressures of the week floating on the bottom.

This is a relatively easy trail with some fairly consistent inclines. From the parking lot to the…read morequarry and back is about 1.9 miles, so a decent hike that shouldn't take too long. We went in the winter when there were no leaves on the trees and only one other car in the parking lot. We also went in the late afternoon and didn't realize that they closed a 5:30. We got to the car at 5:31 and there was a ranger waiting. We apologized profusely and promised to pay better attention next time. The hike is nice but the quarry is absolutely gorgeous and definitely worth the walk. I know that this is a popular spot in the summer but I truly cannot imagine swimming here as it doesn't exactly look safe. I need to go again soon because I bet it's lovely right now with all of the leaves changing colors. You will not regret making this hike!

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Eno Quarry - November 2024

November 2024

Eno Quarry
Eno Quarry - Eno quarry

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Eno quarry

Piedmont Environmental Center - hiking - Updated October 2026

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