The Owls Roost Trail via The Atlantic & Yadkin Greenway - Greensboro, NC

North Carolina

May 10

“To describe my mother would be to write about a hurricane in its perfect power. Or the climbing, falling colours of a rainbow.” – Maya Angelou

“Acceptance, tolerance, bravery, compassion. These are the things my mom taught me.” – Lady Gaga

“A mother’s love endures through all.” - Washington Irving

The Story -

On a windy, cool, and overcast Mother’s Day, Ginger, Sophie, and I were joined by Natalie and her two daughters, Brooke and Courtney, and their dog, George, for a five-mile loop hike at The Owls Roost Trail in Greensboro, NC. The Owls Roost Trail is a Greensboro gem and one of six Greensboro watershed trails designated as part of the North Carolina Mountains-to-Sea Trail. It is truly a magnificent multi-purpose trail in the heart of the Triad.

Multi-Purpose Trail -

In addition to being an excellent trail for hiking and trail running, the Owls Roost Trail is recognized nationally as a premier mountain biking destination. Recently, The Bicycling Magazine named The Owls Roost the “best urban biking trail” in the nation. High praise for our local trail, and deservedly so. And while I am glad the renowned biking trail is still open to hikers, selfishly I don’t like the idea of getting run over by mountain bikers. This is the main reason I haven't visited Owls Roost much in the past despite its close location to my home. And fortunately for us, the trail was too wet for biking on Sunday, so we were able to enjoy the trail without the fear of getting squashed.

The Owls Roost Trail -

The trailhead is located in the back of the beautiful Burmil Park in northwest Greensboro and follows mostly along the quiet waters of the Greensboro watershed Lake Brandt. We began our hike south on the paved Atlantic & Yadkin Greenway for several miles before turning east into the woods and onto the well-maintained trail of Owls Roost.

Spill The Tea -

Well-maintained doesn’t necessarily mean obstacle-free, as the easy-to-moderate Owls Roost Trail is a mostly flat five-mile hike with numerous roots scattered along the trail to keep it interesting. It also was a little muddy with the recent rains but otherwise is a fairly simple and unchallenging hike suitable for beginners and experts alike. Numerous boardwalks help you avoid most of the mud and roots but plan on getting a little dirty and stubbing your toe a few times. In addition to the numerous boardwalks, there is a fishing / observation deck providing gorgeous unobstructed views of Lake Brandt and we were fortunate to see dozens of turtles and even a mother goose fittingly tending to her adorable goslings.

Wrap It Up -

The Owls Roost Trail is yet another fabulous trail found in the heart of the Triad. Following mostly along the water, the Owls Roost Trail is an excellent way to spend the day connecting with yourself, others, and nature, as long as you can avoid getting run over by a mountain bike.