Cascades Preserve Kernersville, NC
“In life, it’s not where you go, it’s who you travel with.” - Charles Schultz
“A journey is best measured in friends, rather than miles.” - Tim Cahill
“Fantastic Fungi, bird feeder cameras, and air-fried zucchini - geez, we are old” - Paige Enochs
The Story -
On Saturday morning, Ginger, Alex, Sophie and I were joined by several good friends for a leisurely two mile lollipop loop hike at Cascades Preserve in Kernersville near Oak Ridge. This a wonderful trail for all levels of hikers, but especially so for those interested in taking that first hike or those wanting to catch up with old friends or make new ones in a fun and relaxing environment.
Lollipop Lollipop oh Lolli Lolli Lolli Lollipop -
With slight elevation gain, two miles of mostly shaded trail shaped like a lollipop, and plenty of scenic spots to stop and relax, Cascades Preserve is a hidden gem in the heart of the Triad. It is the perfect trail for everyone to relax, hit the refresh button and to connect with new and old friends.
Changes in Latitude, Changes in Attitude -
Word must be spreading about Cascades Preserve, because the small parking lot across from the trailhead of this (not so anymore 😂) hidden gem was full. Despite the crowded parking lot, however, once crossing the street and starting the hike, you almost immediately feel a change in the atmosphere and your demeanor. A serene feeling, a peacefulness, a calmness comes over you. The trail begins in a young forest before moving into a more mature hardwood forest, with some large trees reaching more than 8 feet in circumference. The trail then crosses over several bridges before connecting to the loop leading you along the Cascade Creek and to the cascades. The loop leads you back to the stem, where there are several benches to rest or enjoy a snack. You also have the option to extend the hike by taking the half mile Mountain to Sea Trail connector.
The Cascades Preserve is Section 8 of the Mountains to Sea Trail, a 1,175-mile trail running from Clingmans Dome in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to Jockey’s Ridge on the Outer Banks. Appreciation should be given to the hard work of the Oak Ridge Mountains to Sea Trail Committee to move the MST off of roads and onto trails and sidewalks in the boundaries of Oak Ridge NC.
Wrap It Up with The Chordettes and Jimmy Buffett -
Sometimes hiking is about more than just the waterfalls or scenic views, it is about spending time with family and friends, building relationships, connecting or reconnecting on an outdoor adventure. There is just something special about the experience and being together in nature that you cannot necessarily get while in town surrounded by concrete and cell phones. And while Cascades Preserve is a gorgeous trail and one with many interesting features to appreciate, it also provides a wonderful relaxed opportunity to slow down and connect with one another. It is a relatively short and easy hike, yet one that will appeal to almost everyone. Saturday’s hike was a great reminder that hiking is about more than the just the trail - it is about building relationships, having fun, nurturing friendships and sharing experiences together - all vital ways to find peace, joy and happiness in this crazy modern world. So go ahead, take that first hike, call that friend you haven't seen in a while, or get the kids off their screens and hit the trail. You will be glad you did!
