Parker Preserve Trailhead

A peaceful trail that is well-maintained, Be cautious of protruding rocks and roots.

What a wonderful place! Very peaceful trails with no road sounds.

There are two parking areas, a southern one by Parker Preserve and a northern access point behind the golf course. The northern access point requires a creek fording on a low bridge. The website also has a link to the water gauge levels, if less than 5 ft, it is safe to cross. I chose to enter via Parker Preserve as I was unsure of the water levels.

The full loop through both areas came out to a little over 5 miles. The Parker Preserve trails were wooded, except for a pass through a beautiful meadow. Dogs are allowed at the Parker Preserve area, but not in Mason Farm.

This is a great, quiet trail off the beaten path. Behind a neighborhood. Quite a little work out too...trail goes up and down in elevation. If you walk all of the trail you'll end up in a pretty meadow with benches.

There are two trailheads here, connecting Parker Rd to Mason Farm. Great trek through a diverse forest, about 1 1/4 miles to Mason Farm. These trails have been here for a while but are now officially part of NC Botanical Garden, which promises more trails in the future.

Very pretty secluded trail through the forest. Trail is a bit rocky in places but overall well maintained and steady in elevation.

Well kept and serene. The Mason Farm trail doesn't allow for dogs, but otherwise a very nice walk through the woods.

Great little walk tucked behind a neighborhood. Trail was clearly marked most of the way and it was super quiet - only saw one other person.

Lovely rolling wooded nature preserve that connects with the trail at Mason Farm Biological Reserve.

Beautiful solitude. Lots of wildflowers.

Fantastic location for a hike