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Alamance Parks Volunteer Trail Crew Alamance Parks Volunteer Trail Crew

Trail Building Continues at Cane Creek Mountains Natural Area

Written by Joseph Magyar on . Posted in Haw River Trail, Miscellaneous, Outdoors, Parks & Trails.

A group of volunteers has been working with Alamance Parks to construct a new hiking trail in the Cane Creek Mountains Natural Area, near Bass Mountain Road. The group began construction in April 2021 and has been working Wednesdays (weather permitting) over the last eleven months, clearing trees and vegetation and benching (leveling) the trail along inclines.

The new trail will be about a 4.2 mile loop when it is completed, starting at a parking lot that Alamance Parks has contracted to have built near the intersection of Bass Mountain Road and Broadrock Road. The trail will eventually have a side trail leading up to an observation tower, planned to be built at the highest point in the Cane Creek Mountains Natural Area.

One of the features of the new trail is the former Pioneer Camp, which was operated by Mr. John William Lindsay and his wife, Cynthia Garrett Lindsay, from 1937 until 1956.  The trail passes by several of the remaining buildings, including the foundation and chimney of the dining hall (pictured above behind the volunteers).

The trail is scheduled to open sometime in 2023 after the new parking lot along Bass Mountain Road is completed. It will add another scenic hike that will eventually connect with both existing trails and other trails planned for the future.

New volunteers are welcome. No previous experience is necessary, and tools will be provided. For more information contact Andrew Sam at: asam30035@gmail.com

Written by Bob Ellis, February 2022

Alamance Co FMST Task Force Alamance Co FMST Task Force

New Alamance County Mountains-to-Sea Trail Task Force

Written by Joseph Magyar on . Posted in Haw River Trail, Miscellaneous, Outdoors, Parks & Trails.

Alamance now has its own volunteer trail team to build and help maintain the Mountains-to-Sea Trail in the county. The Upper Haw River Task Force of the Friends of the North Carolina Mountains-to-Sea Trail, which has historically worked in Eastern Guilford and Alamance Counties, split in August 2021 in order to better address the increased trail work needed in both counties, as the amount of the trail building and trail maintenance has expanded in recent years.  

The Alamance County MST Task Force works closely with the Alamance Parks, which is responsible for land acquisition for the Haw River Trail and Mountains-to-Sea Trail, which coincide where both trails follow the Haw River. The Haw River Land Trail is expected to run about 40 miles through Alamance County when it is eventually completed.

Andrew Sam is now the Alamance County Task Force Leader for the new team. Andrew is an experienced hiker, sawyer, and trail builder.  His leadership will be helpful in the years ahead as new sections of trail will be built. Andrew also leads a subset of Task Force volunteers, which is building a new trail at the Cane Creek Mountains Natural Area in the central part of Alamance County. This group typically works on Wednesday mornings.

In September the Alamance Task Force built a high-water route on the Glencoe to Carolina Mill section of trail, to be used when the existing trail along the river is flooded. In October the team cleared an access road and trimmed vegetation around the new Boyds Creek Bridge, in preparation for the dedication service held there on October 29th. In early December the team made additional improvements in the Glencoe to Carolina Mill trail, removing dead trees and improving drainage.

The Alamance County MST Task Force is an all-volunteer team, and anyone is welcome to join. No prior trail-building experience is needed and appropriate tools and training will be provided. The team typically works one Saturday a month, ten months of the year. For more information contact Andrew Sam via e-mail at: asam30035@gmail.com.

Written by Bob Ellis, December 2021

Boyd's Creek Bridge photo Boyd's Creek Bridge photo

Haw River Trail Boyd’s Creek Crossing – New Pedestrian Bridge Now Open

Written by Joseph Magyar on . Posted in Haw River Trail, Miscellaneous, Outdoors, Parks & Trails.

Alamance Parks announces the completion of a 60-foot steel bridge at the Boyd’s Creek Crossing of the Haw River Trail and North Carolina Mountains-to-Sea Trail (MST). The bridge was funded by a grant from Impact Alamance and the trail easement was donated by Herman Johnson. The project was a joint venture between Alamance Parks and the Town of Haw River.

The bridge is located on the Sellers Falls Section of the Haw River Trail approximately one mile north of Granite Mill and downtown Haw River. This section of trail is accessed by the trailheads at Stoney Creek Marina in Burlington and Red Slide Park in Haw River.

The opening of the new bridge is a wonderful addition to the Sellers Falls section of the Haw River Trail/Mountains-to-Sea Trail. The crossing was previously impassible during high water levels, necessitating a long walk around the crossing or forcing trail users to turn around.

A celebration of the bridge is planned by the Alamance County Task force of the Mountains to Sea Trail (MST) on Friday, October 29, at 10am at the site of the bridge.  
 

Impact Alamance

Impact Alamance is part of the Cone Health network and is a private foundation with a mission to strategically invest in our community for hope, health, and prosperity. More information is available at www.impactalamance.com.
 

Haw River Trail & NC Mountains-to-Sea Trail The MST runs the length of North Carolina, beginning at Clingman’s Dome (in Great Smoky Mountains National Park) on the State’s western border and terminating at Jockey’s Ridge State Park on the Outer Banks. Fifty-nine miles of the MST/Haw River Trail are in Alamance County, from the Guilford-Alamance County line to Saxapahaw. Find more information at www.mountainstoseatrail.org and www.thehaw.org.

Cane Creek Mountains Natural Area – Longleaf Loop Trail Opens July 3, 2021

Written by Joseph Magyar on . Posted in Miscellaneous, Outdoors, Parks & Trails.

A new trail opens at the Cane Creek Mountains Natural Area on July 3, 2021. The Longleaf Loop Trail will offer an additional 1 mile of surfaced trail offering clear views of the mountain range above. The packed gravel trail is perfect for runners or hikers with strollers or animals. The Longleaf Loop Trail meanders through a section of the park that has been recently planted with Longleaf Pine, a species native to Eastern North Carolina, but rarely found in the Piedmont.

The Cane Creek Mountains Natural Area is the largest county park in the area with over 1,000 total acres. The development of the park will continue over the next several years and will include an observation tower, camping facilities, a wildlife observation platform, and more. Phase 2 of the park is expected to open in 2022.

The Longleaf Loop Trail is accessible via the Pine Hill Trailhead located at 5075 Bass Mountain Rd, Snow Camp, NC 27349. Visitors to the park will enjoy rolling piedmont hills, abundant creeks and streams, and some of the best views in Alamance County.

For more information about Cane Creek Mountains Natural Area visit www.alamanceparks.com. Follow Alamance Parks on Facebook (AlamanceParks), Instagram (alamanceparks).

Cane Creek Mountains Natural Area - hiker overlooking view Cane Creek Mountains Natural Area - hiker overlooking view

Cane Creek Mountain Natural Area Acquires Sizemore Tract

Written by on . Posted in Miscellaneous, Outdoors, Parks & Trails.

In February 2021, Alamance Parks, The Conservation Fund, and Piedmont Land Conservancy announced the addition of 432 acres to the Cane Creek Mountain Natural Area located in Snow Camp. The property, known as the Sizemore addition nearly doubled the size of the Natural Area, bringing it to roughly 1,000 acres of County-owned, protected, publicly accessible land.

Cane Creek Mountains Natural Area opened to the public in May of 2020, providing access to Alamance County’s largest state-significant natural heritage area. The new addition will expand hiking trails and opportunities for nature exploration.

“This acquisition protects one of the most unique and beautiful places in the Piedmont,” said Brian Baker, director of Alamance Parks. “Cane Creek Mountains Natural Area will be a tremendous boost to the health and happiness of Alamance County citizens as well as our local economy. We cannot wait to share this unspoiled land with the people of North Carolina.”

Partners, including Alamance Parks, The Conservation Fund, and Piedmont Land Conservancy, helped establish the Natural Area. About halfway between the growing Piedmont Triad and Research Triangle regions, conserved open space like the Cane Creek Mountains is critical for wildlife habitat, ecological value, and water quality for local communities.

The development of the park will continue over the next several years. Upon completion, the park will include an observation tower, camping facilities, a wildlife observation area, and more!

To read the full press release, visit The Conservation Fund’s website.

Help Create a map of free WiFi in Alamance County!

Written by on . Posted in Miscellaneous.

Community Connect_Email Banner

Will You Share your Wi-Fi to Help Alamance County Students and Families?

Our community is fighting back against the COVID-19 threat by staying home and staying apart. That means protecting ourselves and our neighbors by learning, studying and working from home. Having a reliable internet connection at home is something most of us take for granted, but for many people in our community the lack of a reliable internet connection is putting students and families behind.

We need your help to ensure that everyone in Alamance County has the ability to participate in classes, submit homework or simply fill out job applications online. If you have a space in your business, building or parking lot where you can provide a wireless connection to the public you can be part of the solution. We are creating a map of everywhere that our community can access a reliable internet connection. That may be in a restaurant, a church or simply a designated space in your parking lot.

Will you help us by participating as a Community Connect Partner? Please fill out this short survey. We will contact you with details and help you make your wireless connection available to those in need.

Link to Community Connect Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/alamancecommunityconnect

Or scan the QR code below:

Thank you for your support of our community!

Cane Creek Mountains Natural AreaOpens 5.22 Cane Creek Mountains Natural AreaOpens 5.22

Cane Creek Mountains Natural Area Opens May 22, 2020

Written by on . Posted in Miscellaneous, Outdoors, Parks & Trails.

CANE CREEK MOUNTAINS NATURAL AREA OPENS MAY 22, 2020 – BY RESERVATION ONLY

Cane Creek Mountains Natural Area opens to the public on May 22, 2020. The Pine Hill Trailhead is the first phase of development in the new park and includes 3.5 miles of trail. Hikers will enjoy rolling piedmont hills, abundant creeks and streams, and some of the best views in Alamance County.

Due to current social distancing requirements surrounding COVID-19, the park is open by reservation only. Visitors can secure a reservation at the park by visiting alamance.recdesk.com. Reservations are available to groups of 10 or less in 3-hour time slots during which they will have exclusive access to the park.

Cane Creek Mountains Natural Area is located at: 5075 Bass Mountain Rd, Snow Camp, NC 27349. For more information, visit www.alamanceparks.com.

About Cane Creek Mountains Natural Area

Cane Creek Mountains Natural Area is located 8 miles south of the City of Graham in the Cane Creek Mountains Range, a Piedmont Monadnock range. The mountain range comprises the largest State Natural Heritage Area and the largest area of undisturbed woodland in Alamance County. The property contains four miles of streams and supports Piedmont Monadnock Forest, Dry-Mesic Oak-Hickory Forests, as well as low elevation seeps. The area contains plants and animals found nowhere else in Alamance County and is home to the highest peak in North Carolina east of Greensboro at 987 feet.

Upon completion, the Cane Creek Mountains Natural Area will total over 1,000 acres. The development of the park will continue over the next several years.  

The Cane Creek Mountain Natural Area is a partnership between The Conservation Fund, Piedmont Land Conservancy, and Alamance Parks. Funding support has been received from Clean Water Management Trust Fund, North Carolina Recreational Trails Program, North Carolina Parks and Recreation Trust Fund and private donors.

photo of Cane creek mountain range photo of Cane creek mountain range photo of Cane creek mountain range

Alamance Parks Awarded North Carolina Parks and Recreation Trust Fund Grant

Written by on . Posted in Miscellaneous, Outdoors, Parks & Trails.

The North Carolina Parks and Recreation Trust Fund has awarded Alamance County a $470,000 grant for the development of the Cane Creek Mountains Natural Area. The grant will fund the construction of an observation tower, trailhead, natural surface hiking trails, and camping facilities at the park.

The Cane Creek Mountains are located 8 miles south of the City of Graham and comprise the largest State Natural Heritage Area and largest area of undisturbed woodland in Alamance County. The mountain range is also home to the highest peak in North Carolina east of Greensboro at 987 feet. The property contains four miles of streams and supports Piedmont Monadnock Forest, Dry-Mesic Oak-Hickory Forests, as well as low elevation seeps. The area contains plants and animals found nowhere else in Alamance County.

Upon completion, the Cane Creek Mountains Natural Area will total over 1,000 acres. The observation tower will offer unparalleled views of this exceptional mountain range. No other parks in our area approach the size and scope of the Cane Creek Mountains Natural Area.

The Cane Creek Mountain Natural Area is a partnership between The Conservation Fund, Piedmont Land Conservancy, and Alamance Parks. Additional funding support has been received from Clean Water Management Trust Fund, North Carolina Recreational Trails Program and private donors.

The first hiking trails of the park are expected to open in 2020.

Champion Tree photo Champion Tree photo

Champion Tree 2019 Winners Announced

Written by on . Posted in Miscellaneous, Outdoors.

Alamance Parks is pleased to recognize four new Champion Trees in Alamance County! The winners are:

New Species:

• Winged Elm, Ulmus alata, 249 points

• Black Oak, Quercus velutina, 206.75 points

• Shagbark Hickory, Carya ovata,  253.75 points

New Update:

• Yellow Poplar, Liriodendron tulipifera, 352.75 points

Champion Tree of Alamance County began in 2012 and celebrates the many wonderful, significant trees in our county. The program seeks to find, measure and crown trees in the following categories: Champion Tree, Historic Tree, and Landmark Tree. The Champion Tree category recognizes the largest tree in the county of any eligible species. Tree size is measured using a formula that takes into account circumference, height, and crown spread. Trees that meet the criteria for the North Carolina Champion Big Tree Program will be submitted for state-level recognition.

The Historic Trees category recognizes trees that are at least 50 years old and have a verifiable story of historical significance. Landmark Trees include trees that hold special value for a community or group.

Champion Tree of Alamance County accepts nominations biennially. For more information about the program, and to view the list of reigning champions, visit www.championtreeac.com.

Haw River Trail Run Benefiting Special Olympics Alamance County

Written by on . Posted in Events, Haw River Trail, Miscellaneous, Outdoors, Parks & Trails, Special Olympics, Special Populations, Special Populations Events.

Saturday, October 19, 2019 – 8am

Join us for a beautiful Trail Run along the banks of the Haw River to benefit Special Olympics of Alamance County. This out and back course will give you a tour of the Sellers Falls section of the Haw River and Mountains-to-Sea Trail.  The run will start and end in Red Slide Park in the shadows of the historic Cone Denim Mill.

SOAC serves 400 adult and youth athletes with developmental disabilities and provides year-round athletic competition in 13 sports. Participants are provided the opportunity to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, and experience joy at all levels – all at no cost. 

Mark a place on your calendar for this exciting event benefiting an outstanding organization!

For more information, and to register, please visit the link below or call 336-570-6760.

https://runsignup.com/Race/NC/HawRiver/SpecialOlympicsofAlamanceHawRiverTrailRun