Reedy Fork Trail - Greensboro, NC
“Do not let your happiness depend on something you may lose.” - C.S. Lewis
“We all are born worthy. Worthy of love, worthy of success.” - Jamie Lee Curtis
The Story -
On a recent Saturday afternoon, Ginger, Sophie, and I hiked seven miles on the out-and-back Reedy Fork Trail in northern Greensboro, NC. With extended family in town for the weekend, we opted to stay close to home to explore a trail neither of us had hiked before. Ginger and I both were pleasantly surprised with our choice, even going so far as to say it might be my new favorite local trail.
Reedy Fork Creek Trail -
The Reedy Fork Trail parallels the Reedy Fork Creek that flows into the backwaters of Lake Townsend. Four words— creek, pasture, lake, rock — describe the scenic highlights of this out-and-back seven-mile, multi-use trail. And if you begin at the Lake Brandt Road trailhead, you will encounter those highlights in that precise order along a mostly flat path that includes a few modest bluffs and ridges. Walking in this easterly direction, you will also follow the natural progression from tributary to backwater marsh to the lake.
Here are the highlights:
Creek: For approximately the first half-mile, the trail follows Reedy Fork closely through a broad bottomland, filled with towering hardwoods. The creek, which is 15-20 feet in width, is one of the most substantial creeks in all of the Greensboro area. It is often crisscrossed with fallen trees, and a few signs of past beaver activity are visible in this area.
Pasture: At approximately two-thirds of a mile, a large pasture appears just to the left of the trail, rising up a hill to a distant line of trees. This green swathe is worth a look for the way its open space contrasts so dramatically with the piney woods of the trail. The contrails of passing jets—on their way to Piedmont Triad International Airport—often hang in the air, creating chalk marks against the blue sky.
Lake: At about the mile mark, the marsh interface between the creek and Lake Townsend begins on your right. The low bluffs here afford a good view of the channels as they meander through the reeds and islets. After this point, the trail parallels the lake, affording several wonderful views and picturesque spots.
Rock: Just before reaching the Church Street end, you will encounter two ravines that converge near the trail on the left. The boulders are so plentiful that they resemble the ramparts of a fortress. You may find it hard to resist scrambling up them. If you decide to make the short climb, check out the view from the rocky outcrop nearest the trail and next to a small stream for a fine view of the forest floor and the lake beyond.
Spill The Tea -
The Reedy Fork Trail is another example of one of the many wonderful trails and greenways available to residents of the Triad and neighboring communities. We are somewhat spoiled with the vast number of unique opportunities and diverse experiences located just outside our back doors. And while I do enjoy traveling around North Carolina and surrounding states to explore, Reedy Fork Trail was an excellent reminder that I don’t have to travel far to experience nature in all its glory.
Wrap It Up -
Since the Reedy Fork Trail is a point-to-point trail, it can be accessed from three different trailheads. The trailhead at Lake Brandt mentioned above, but also off N. Church St. near Lake Townsend, and perhaps my favorite spot, the trailhead located off Plainfield Rd. I’ve long believed Plainfield Rd. is one of the prettiest and most scenic roads in all of Guilford County. No matter which trailhead you choose to start from, you will not be disappointed, with each almost immediately immersing you in an environment that is hard to believe is only ten miles from the center of Greensboro.
Sassafras and Skinks