Rich Fork Preserve - High Point, NC

North Carolina

Jan 19

“The time is always right to do what is right.” - Martin Luther King, Jr.

“If you can’t fly, then run. If you can’t run, then walk. If you can’t walk, then crawl, but by all means, keep moving.” - Martin Luther King, Jr.

The Story -

On Saturday, Ginger, Maria, Amelia, Alex, Sophie, and I hiked three miles on a combination of trails at the aesthetic Rich Fork Preserve, an oasis near the heart of High Point, North Carolina surprisingly located only minutes from downtown and High Point University. My girls were leaving for college on Sunday, so our hike Saturday was a great way to spend a little more time together before radio silence commences upon their return to school.

Rich Fork Preserve -

The Rich Fork Preserve is a beautiful 120-acre former tobacco farmstead purchased by the now-defunct Guilford County Open Space Committee in 2012 using bond money approved by county voters in 2004. Years of much-heated and sometimes contentious debate followed on whether the new passive park should include mountain biking trails. Finally, in 2019 a compromise was reached and the park opened with two dedicated hiking-only routes and a longer multi-use trail for both bikers and hikers. Fortunately, now everyone is able to enjoy this fantastic property.

Spill The Tea -

We started our hike on the shortest of the three trails located at Rich Fork Preserve, the out-and-back Conner Nature Trail which took us almost immediately by five still-standing structures of the late 19th century Hedgecock Farmstead, including a corn crib, several tobacco barns, and the family home. (There are thirteen total structures on the property.) Then a series of switchbacks led us down to the sandy, rocky, and gently flowing Rich Fork Creek. The abundant rocks, some quite large, are leftover remnants of a former rock quarry located nearby.

Add Some Cream and Sugar -

After relaxing by the creek and taking a few pictures, we left the creek and trekked up the high bluffs to the Conner Inner Loop Trail. The Loop Trail took us along the ridgeline high above the creek through an old forest full of mature oak and poplar trees ending back at the parking lot. We then opted to take the undulating and curvaceous Rich Fork Multi-Use Trail which was more of the same, with many mature plants and trees, several trickling streams, and large boulders.

Wrap It Up -

Rich Fork Preserve is a nature sanctuary and convenient escape located in the midst of asphalt, concrete, and urban development. It is a wonderful place to visit for anyone looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life, take a step back in time, and enjoy the beauty of the outdoors.