Deep River Trail and The Bicentennial Parkway - High Point, NC
"What you think, you become. What you feel, you attract. What you imagine, you create.” - Buddha
“It was only a sunny smile and it cost little in the giving, but like morning light it scattered the night and made the day worth living.” - F. Scott Fitzgerald
The Story -
On Saturday morning after helping Ginger set up a photo shoot at a High Point furniture showroom for her company, Intertwined, I hiked five solo miles on a combination of trails in the area, including the Deep River Trail and the Bicentennial Greenway. The two trails are very different, yet each provided many items of special interest in a truly beautiful setting.
My wife’s company, Intertwined, was established with the idea that as global neighbors, our lives are connected. The creation, purchase, and delivery of items have an impact on people near and far. With every product they offer, they strive to foster good — good for the earth, good for their partners, and good for you! I hope that you will click the link and check them out.
Two Trails Intertwined -
The Deep River and the Bicentennial Parkway Trails are interconnected and can be combined together to form hikes ranging from three miles up to eight miles. Add in the Hollin Pines Trail and the nearby linked Gibson Park, Piedmont Environmental Center, and High Point Greenway Trails and you could potentially hike continuously twenty miles from the Piedmont-Triad International Airport to Armstrong Park in downtown High Point. Maybe another day?!? 🤔 😂
Spill The Tea -
There are several easily accessible trailheads for the Deep River Trail, both conveniently located off the Bicentennial Parkway. The longer one is located at the Piedmont Environmental Center and the shorter one is across the street from the Jamestown Park Golf Course. I opted to start from the golf course and after negotiating the busy East Fork Road, I was on my way. After initially crossing a wooden footbridge over a small stream, I was immediately struck by the number of large pine trees rising high above the trail all around me. The well-maintained asphalt path was surprisingly clear of pine needles, unlike the area surrounding the walkway, which was full enough of needles to make most eastern North Carolinians and even Chris Kelly jealous.
Add Some Cream and Sugar -
After an easy, short, and slightly uphill walk on the Parkway, I took the Deep River Trail on the left. Unlike the groomed and tidy asphalt path of the Greenway, the natural Deep River Trail was littered in pine needles. The pine trees and needles eventually thinned out, yet were replaced by other abundant hardwood trees including oaks, cottonwoods, sycamores, and maples. I then crossed several more wooden boardwalks, some quite long, over tributaries of the East Fork Deep River and followed alongside a creek full of small cascades and huge boulders, leading to a swamp-like area reminiscent of my trip to the murky lowlands of New Orleans. The marshy conditions stretched on until I reached the large 340-acre High Point City Lake. The trail then weaved around the scenic lake, providing many opportunities for breathtaking views and photographs. I saw evidence of recent beaver activity and I even spotted several herons, geese, and egrets. After spending some time admiring the lake from different viewpoints along the trail, I continued the loop back to the Bicentennial Parkway and the parking lot.
Wrap It Up -
The Deep River Trail and Bicentennial Greenway in High Point, NC are very different trails, yet both provide a wonderful experience in nature only minutes from downtown High Point. They are a great way to connect with nature and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. I encourage you to grab your friends and family and give them a try!
Sassafras and Skinks